What began as a family pastime has become an opportunity for Zach Reynolds to introduce dozens of local kids to the game he loves.

Reynolds founded Square One Chess after experiencing what a thriving chess community could look like while working with the Charlotte Chess Center. 

“My plan was, well, if no one else is doing it, and chess is so popular, and all these students love it, and I’ve seen how it can grow into the community, then I might as well start it myself,” he told Scope News. 

The club began last fall with an after-school gathering at the North Carolina Leadership Academy. An initial group of 16 students grew to more than 50 by the second semester, with another club established at High Point’s Southwest Elementary.

Reynolds said he wanted to make sure students could experience competitive chess regardless of their ability to pay for regular lessons. Square One hosted its first free scholastic tournament in April, drawing about 60 players for four games with medals for all who participated. 

The next free, unrated Kindergarten-to-fifth-grade tournament will be held at NCLA on Saturday. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with the first round beginning at 10 a.m.

Students will compete as representatives of their respective schools, with the top three schools taking home trophies.

“We’re really looking forward to giving away the big trophies,” Reynolds added.

He said he began playing chess, primarily against his grandfather, around the age of 17. He eventually found a coach and began taking competition more seriously. Looking back, he wishes he had begun earlier, which is a major reason Square One prioritizes elementary-age students. 

“Starting that process of problem-solving and concentration and critical thinking that early, it really compounds over the years,” he said.

Learn more about Square One’s programs and tournaments here.

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