INDIANAPOLIS — Chess is a hard game of patience and strategy, but hundreds of Indianapolis Public Schools students proved they were up for the challenge.
IPS hosted its 3rd annual district-wide chess tournament at Northwest Middle School on Tuesday. More than 200 students from kindergarten to high school participated, where they competed in teams representing their schools and in groups based on their grade.
The competition has grown from its first iteration in 2022, when only 70 students participated.
This year's field included Michael Akinseye, an eighth-grader at Northwest Middle School.
"It's a skill not everyone knows, and it's special to me," Akinseye said. "It's a little nerve-racking not knowing what the other players could do, but I just know what I can do, and I do my best."
Akinseye said he was inspired to join his school's chess club after a chess grandmaster visited his class in sixth grade. He is now excited for every chance he has to compete.
"A couple moves before you get a checkmate, you know you're going to get a checkmate," Akinseye said. "It's like, I finally got what I wanted."
IPS is planning to bring back the chess tournament for another run next year.
-
Former WNBA president to be honored at Saturday's Fever game
During the matchup against the Sparks, the Fever will recognize founding WNBA President Val Ackerman with the Lin Dunn Inspiring Women Award.
Wonderful Wednesday before rain, heat and high humidity return
A wonderful Wednesday with sunny skies and low humidity. Rain chances return later this week with high heat and oppressive humidity.
Beech Grove schools begin public push for 2026 referendum
Beech Grove City Schools launched a series of public meetings Tuesday night on the proposed 2026 operational referendum.
Indianapolis Urban League celebrates 60 years of service with awards luncheon
Tuesday was a milestone day for the Indianapolis Urban League, the local chapter of a national organization serving communities of color with housing and food assistance and scholarships.
