By Gabriella Gomperts, Features Editor
The Chess Club brings students from both the Beren and Wilf campuses together to play theage-old game of chess. The club caters to all students, no matter their level of experience. They have competed in and hosted tournaments with other universities, both online and in person. David Yagudayev (YC ‘25), Bryan Weisz (YC ‘26), and Semyon Lomasov (YC ‘24) started the club almost two years ago to address the interest many students had in having a chess club on campus. This year, the club is led by David Yagudayev and Leora Schramm (SCW ‘26).
What is your club’s mission statement?
To heighten awareness of the game and to foster a competitive and social chess scene on campus and beyond.
Why is this club important?
Before this club, the chess scene at YU was virtually non-existent. Realizing [there was a] great interest in chess events on campus and a vision for what could be accomplished, the chess club was founded. Every semester, we run a few chill chess tournaments for all levels as well as tutoring opportunities, fun chess mini-games, blindfolded simuls, and chess film screenings on campus. This allows YU students from both campuses to bond over the game of chess.
We also run a few competitive events [for] YU students, [both] over-the-board (OBT) in the NY Chess League Intercollegiate Tournament and also online on the chess.com platform with other colleges. On September 15, 2024, the YU Chess Club hosted its first ever NY Chess League Inter-Collegiate Tournament which had over 88 registrants, and 55 competitors. Over ten colleges were represented at the event, and three YU students won awards out of the possible nine awards offered. In addition to tournaments between YU and other colleges, the YU Chess Club also hosted a YU Inter-High School Chess Tournament last semester on March 10 between various Yeshiva high schools across the country. The chess scene at YU is now very much alive and we are only getting bigger and better with over 200 club members in our official YU Chess Club WhatsApp chat.
What inspired you to get involved in and start the club?
Chess has always been a passion of ours. I (David) started playing the game at the age of five and was captain of my high school chess team. I saw great potential in having a chess club on campus, and with the help of the rest of the board members, we have been able to transform the chess scene on campus and turn the Chess Club into one of the biggest clubs on campus.
What are some plans you have for this semester and future semesters?
In addition to hosting a chill chess tournament on campus, we are currently working on planning the 2025 YU Inter-Yeshiva High School Tournament in conjunction with the Office of Student Life (OSL) and YU Admissions. We are predicting a very large turnout and a very successful and prestigious chess tournament that Yeshiva high school students can compete in and also learn more about YU, similar to Sarachek and YUNMUN. We are also working on sending an official YU Chess Team to compete in the 2025 Pan Am Intercollegiate Team Championship that is hosted in Charlotte, NC this season. We have a strong team and are aiming to earn some potential silverware. The YU Chess Club will also hopefully secure group tickets to spectate the 2024 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships that are being held in NYC. Former YU Student and Board Member Grandmaster Semyon Lomasov is going to be competing and we will be supporting him.
What is your advice to someone looking to get involved on campus?
If you have an idea or interest that you would like to make an event out of or create a club, don’t hesitate to reach out to upperclassmen or OSL for guidance. OSL is very helpful and is in charge of approving events on campus. Take initiative. Don’t be afraid to keep nudging or pushing an idea to come to fruition. No idea is too big or too small. If you have a vision, pursue it.
Anything else to say about your club?
We are looking forward to an amazing academic year filled with awesome chess events. The club is open to players of all skill levels and even those who have no background in chess. Stop by at our events and allow the chess to mesmerize you. We look forward to seeing you there.
Photo Caption: The New York Chess League Intercollegiate Chess Tournament hosted by YU this past September
Photo Credit: Shoshana Fischer