Pawns have fallen as the Keene State chess club makes their opening gambit for the academic year. The club meets in the L.P. Young Student Center in room 309 every Monday at 7 p.m., and many active members participate each week to make the club a fun and engaging space.
Senior Isabella Nagle, the current president of the chess club, restarted the club in her first year at KSC after it had been inactive for two years.
“I had always loved chess, and I wanted to get involved on campus,” she said when asked why she committed to restarting the club. Despite being in a recent car accident which has rendered Nagle unable to play for the time being, she is still an active part of the club. Nagle said her favorite piece in chess is the knight, as it can move anywhere on the board.
Junior Ian Letson, Chess Club’s vice president, said he joined the club to make new friends. “You don’t need to know chess to join, the atmosphere is very welcoming,” Letson said. He said he arrives early to room 309 every Monday evening to set up the boards for the club, which he describes as “a very enthusiastic group.” Letson said his favorite piece is also the knight.
Sophomore Jill Johnes, Chess Club’s secretary, was invited to join by Nagle as a first-year. Johnes said she was new to chess entirely when she joined, and “loves the community.” Her favorite piece is the queen, as it “can do everything.”
Senior Jarod Wong was also invited to join by Nagle during his sophomore year; however, he said he had particular motives for joining.
“I have been actively conducting a coup d’état of the club,” Wong joked. Now a senior and the active game-coordinator for the club, it is unclear if his plans will be successful. Wong said his favorite piece is the pawn.
As a first-year film major, it is Abigail Acheson’s first year as a member of the Chess Club, but she said she is not unfamiliar with the game.
“I did chess club for the last two years of my high school career, and it felt weird not having it in my life,” Acheson said when asked why she decided to become a member of the club. Well-versed in chess, she said she taught her younger brother how to play, and even set a record for perfect attendance at her previous club. In terms of the club here at Keene State, Acheson said the club is very fun and has a good routine. “If you’re looking for a game that tests your strategic thinking, chess is for you,” Acheson said.
Despite some members being long-time chess players, the club coordinators urge that players of all skill levels should consider joining. “People think the club is way more academic than it is,” Nagle said when asked what she would say to those thinking of joining the club.
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or feel like you have to come to every meeting,” Letson said. He said that, while the club is about chess, it is also simply a great way to meet people and have fun.
Johnes said she has only won one game while being a member of the club, but loves the community. “There’s no pressure to be good in the club,” Johnes said, “it’s about making friends and enjoying the game.”
Three meetings have taken place this semester, with many more to come. Those interested in learning more can attend a meeting or check out the club’s Instagram, @chessclubksc.
Serena Taylor can be contacted at
