LORAS CHESS CLUB GAINING POPULARITY ACROSS CAMPUS

By BERNADETTE MERCURIO

Signs that advertise the Chess Club can be seen in Hoffmann, Wahlert, Beckman, and more spaces on campus. The word is out to come and play chess! The president of the club, Trevor Sippel, spilled the secrets of how to win a chess game in four moves.

Just kidding, he said he didn’t want to give any of his gameplay secrets. He did, however, talk about the Chess Club’s revival, because a couple of years ago, it faded into the background. Because of this, there haven’t been any meetings. Dr. Darr reached out to Trevor because he knew Trevor attended Dubuque Chess Club events. The revival was “mostly just random, Dr. Darr wanted a chess presence on campus again.”

Trevor remarked that the club’s goal right now is to get as many people as possible who are interested in playing chess to join. He also mentioned that the University of Dubuque also has a chess club, and in the future, there could be a tournament between UD and Loras. Since he will be graduating this May, Sippel is only laying the groundwork for future Chess Club members. He mentioned that his responsibilities include making sure there are enough boards for everyone to play and introducing a chess opening if Dr. Darr isn’t there to do it.

When asked if the club taught beginners, Trevor said, “We definitely have a lot of beginnerfriendly abilities to teach you to know how to play chess.” Learning how the pieces move and openings are essential to play chess, according to the president of the club. Chess club meetings are every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm in Hoffmann 112. It’s your move now.