West High’s chess club meets every Friday at 8 a.m. in Room 206. The room is quiet, with members focused on their chess matches; save for the occasional ‘checkmate’ proclaimed in a victorious tone. The meetings have often been labeled as ‘chill’ by several members.

Niko Nixon ’25 has been a member of Chess Club since his freshman year, and he has been named a student leader this year. When describing the club’s meetings, Nixon explains that the environment is calming and very low-stakes. 

“There’s no pressure to win or lose. It isn’t super competitive,” Nixon said. 

Chess Club doesn’t just hold meetings at school to have matches. The club often travels to compete against other schools. In the past, they have competed in state Scholastic Match-Play tournaments. 

Nixon emphasizes how out-of-school competitions can be beneficial, providing more matches to play. 

“We’ve done [competitions] outside of school. Those have been really fun. We just get [more opportunities] to play,” Nixon said. 

Despite the early time meeting slot, Nixon encourages students looking to play chess and have fun to join Chess Club. 

“If you want to come in early on Friday mornings, you are welcome to come. You don’t need to have a certain [skill level] to join,” Nixon said. 

Chess Club is a place for everyone, from chess lovers to those simply looking to have fun.