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.
-
7 arrested in Boone County undercover child predator sting
Seven people were arrested on child sex crime-related charges as part of an undercover operation in Boone County.
Braden Smith, Ryan Conwell, and more Indiana natives hopeful ahead of NBA Draft
This week's NBA Draft marks the unofficial start of the NBA season. With it, multiple Indiana natives are hoping to get their own start on their professional careers.
Colts release 2026 training camp schedule
The Colts released the complete 2026 training camp schedule. Training camp kicks off on July 29 in Westfield.
IMPD seeks public’s help identifying man after generator theft on west side
IMPD detectives are asking for the community's help identifying a person connected to a generator theft on the city's west side.
