Deerfield Elementary Chess Masters Win Big at Tournament

On Friday, Sept. 12, Deerfield Elementary School held its second annual chess tournament. 30 young chess masters in the making, in kindergarten through fifth grade, participated in Friday’s tournament.

While many youngsters choose more tech-savvy entertainment outlets, chess has only grown in popularity at the Millburn elementary school. Last year, Deerfield school joined Glenwood and Hartshorn in forming a school chess team. These teams spawned a local chess league in the area. Participating schools include Glenwood, Hartshorn, Deerfield and Lincoln-Hubbard elementary school in Summit.

The league has tournaments throughout the year. At the end of the season, one school takes home the trophy for most games one. Last year, the Deerfield team gained a reputation as one of the strongest in the league. In fact, the rookie team came second place last year.

School officials report that he chess league has generated a lot of excitement among the kids. Neetu Salhotra and Yan Kong serve as chess coordinators for Deerfield Elementary.

“The forming of school Chess Teams and the Chess League in town has encouraged the kids to work hard and practice their chess to up game,” Neetu Salhotra said. “The children also get to make friends and meet other children with similar interests from their school and other elementary schools in the area.”