First Annual Chess Tournament

Franklin Elementary hosted its first annual Chess Tournament on Saturday, May 31.  Almost 50 kids played in the tournament, with players from every grade from K-5.  Players had a lot of fun and demonstrated excellent sportsmanship throughout the event.  

The day began with a simultaneous exhibition by National Master (and Chess Club coach and Franklin dad) Josh Gutman, who played 22 different games simultaneously.  

The tournament itself was a Swiss-style tournament with two divisions, K-2 and K-5.  Each participant played five rounds of games.  In each division, the students who placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd received medals, as did the students who placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in their respective grades.  

The head of Roosevelt's Chess Club has heard about our great program and challenged us to an inter-school tourney for next year, so stay tuned for more details!  If your child is interested in Chess, please join Franklin's Chess Club next year.  Exact meeting days/times TBD for the 2025-26 school year.  Hope to see you there!