This project will bring together elementary and middle school students in a fun, competitive, and stimulating environment. The South Bend Scholastic Chess Championship will be a hallmark event of Michiana Chess Inc, held bi-annually. Students who may have only had the opportunity to play their classmates and family members will be able to test their mettle against cross-town opponents, and possibly bring home a trophy for their school. We are aiming to host 40-80 participants in an all-day, non-elimination team tournament, with each participant playing 5 games, and each team representing an area school. Lunch and snacks will be provided to all participants. Prizes will be given to the 1st place team and top 3 individuals. The date is scheduled tentatively for the first or second Saturday in May. If awarded the grant, we would hope to work with the Awesome Foundation board to find an ideal DTSB location.

Our first tournament was made possible by private and corporate donors, who contributed over $2000 to our cause. This allowed us to purchase the boards, pieces, chess clocks, notation sheets, tournament pairing software, name tags, pencils, and prizes necessary, as well as rent a suitable space. Just last month, 29 students from South Bend's public and private schools, a Mishawaka private school, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County gathered at the Ray and Joan Kroc Center to crown a chess champion. The event was a huge success, and parents and children alike showed how excited they were for more opportunities to play chess. We hope to give that to them!

*Michiana Chess Inc is a registered non-profit with the state of Indiana, and is currently applying for 501(c)(3) status.