Now in its eighth year, the Madison College Chess Club was founded in 2005 when faculty advisor George Alexander became a math instructor at Madison College. At the Oct. 16 Chess Club meeting, Alexander observed as Treasurer Ien Roder-Guzman played first time attendee Kham Thee Thao, and President Jesse Allen battled the artificial intelligence of a computer game.

Alexander has been involved with chess throughout most of his life, beginning in middle school when his uncle taught him how to play. Alexander’s own children played this “family friendly activity” from elementary school all through high school. “Now I’m the one in the family still doing it,” Alexander declared.

While coaching chess at Madison East High School in the mid 2000s, Alexander met Roder-Guzman, who was a high school student at the time. “We did some high school state championships together,” Alexander stated. “I’ve been taking kids to Wisconsin scholastic championships for the last 15 years.”

Last spring Alexander and five Madison College students, including Roder-Guzman, attended a chess tournament at Milwaukee Area Technical College.

“We found tougher competition than we expected,” Alexander stated. Students from Madison College, Milwaukee Area Technical College and Marquette University competed in the tournament, which included some “very challenging individuals,” according to Roder-Guzman. “It was a great atmosphere,” he said of the experience.

Allen, one of the top rated chess players in Wisconsin, did not attend last semester’s field trip to Milwaukee. He had already participated in three tournaments within the span of a month and was taking a break. Allen, who began playing chess in elementary school, is currently rated 31 in Wisconsin, according to the United States Chess Federation.

Allen explained their rating system. “Each game, you get a rating based on the rating of your opponent and how well you did. Then that continues to be added, like a history.” Allen stated that ratings help tournament directors match up competitors. “When I started out I was very lowly rated and wasn’t that good, and over a period of time I’ve become better. My rating has improved to show that.”

Chess Club has tentative plans to attend a college team tournament at UW Oshkosh on Nov. 23. They’ll need five students in order to participate.

Alexander encourages anyone interested in chess to attend a club meeting.

“We’re open to all ability levels.” Alexander continued, “We have, even among the four of us here today, a very wide range of skill levels. So anybody who walks in the door, we could get a reasonable matchup in ability.”

Students interested in joining Chess Club may attend weekly Wednesday meetings from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Truax campus in room C1408.
Even students with no prior experience are welcome to join Chess Club. “We would work on teaching the rules and the basics of the game.”

Those who cannot attend the Wednesday afternoon gaming sessions can still play at school. The Truax library keeps two chess sets on reserve for short-term checkout. Alexander pointed out that, with its many private rooms and quiet nooks, the new library is the perfect environment for playing chess.

Students still on the fence should consider Alexander’s words. “It’s not just for geeks. If you’re looking to expand your mental capabilities, it’s good training and exercise.”

Roder-Guzman added, “It also builds patience. It builds problem-solving skills and forward thinking.”

Students may contact Alexander at [email protected] 608-246-6187 or via The LINK.

Checkmate.