Dallas ISD hosts first-ever multi-location elementary chess tournament

Students from 104 schools were able to showcase their chess skills while competing against their peers at the first-ever multi-location elementary chess tournament, held at Thomas Jefferson High School and Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy.

Almost 1,600 young chess players from grades kindergarten to fifth– grade participated in three rounds of chess. The students were a mix of experienced and new players, with some showing off their advanced chess skills, while others were just learning the game. The atmosphere was electric as the young players competed in hopes of winning top prizes.

Overall, there were 159 individual gold medal winners, 88 individual silver medal winners, and 509 individual bronze medal winners, with gold medals awarded to players who won all of their chess matches. Additionally, each school selected and announced their chess MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the year.

“This was the best tournament ever!” said an excited and emotional Steven Gonzalez through tears, after being announced the MVP winner from Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy. “I played against really good players and won!” 

Team standings can be found in the chart below.