Fletcher Graggs Jr. is the Vice President of The Urban Knights Chess Club of Little Rock, Arkansas. Started just a little over seven years ago Graggs says he created the club with an interest to provide a place for people in the urban cities to play chess. “This year we are trying something new to give our chess members an opportunity to play in more rated tournaments.” Said Graggs.
On Saturday Jan 19th Graggs, and Tournament Director, Larry Weston held the club’s first annual in house chess tournament of 2019, The Annual Winter Tournament.
Graggs said the most difficult part is getting help running the tournaments.
16 year-old Gabe Bissland. said he has been playing Chess for eight years and loves the game. “The Urban Knights Chess Club really gave life to my chess game and it’s help me improve a lot.” He adds having the tournaments is a great opportunity for youths like him to expand and improve their chess game.
Brennan Brewer is the Captain of the Bryant High School Chess Club and Leader for the City of Bryant Chess Club. Brennan says although he has been playing Chess for all of his life, he has only been playing competitively for one year.
“It’s the greatest game that has ever been invented.” Said Brewer. “It’s a game you can study for ever and ever and never be fulfilled.” Brennan added it is a game for every one of all ages. He adds the skills he learn from Chess, he will benefit him throughout his life.
“It’s a very wonderful and educating game.” He said. Brennan credits Chess for helping him develop his social skills.
“I go to these Chess Tournaments and I meet people and it gets me into more of a community and you feel like you’re part of a brotherhood,” said Brewer.
Charles McCollum Jr. said he loves the game and has been playing over 10 years, but has only recently gotten serious about it. “It’s a learning experience for me, playing with a clock. I don’t play by clock,” said McCollum. “Writing my moves down is all new to me.” He added. McCollum contended that he would be more educated and prepared for the next tournament. “I’ll be on top of all my game.” He said. Bissland and Brewer tied first place. The tournament was held at Andy’s Restaurant, 9801 W Markham St. Little Rock, Arkansas, where the club meets every Saturday at 2P.M. Tony Davis is the club’s president. For more information visit the following Facebook pages: Urban Knights Chess Club, The Arkansas Chess Association or uschess.org.