CDA Chess Club News

  Milo and Logan Check In The 2025 46th State Scholastic Championship brought together some of the finest young minds in the region for an unforgettable display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Held under the stewardship of expert tournament directors, this event was a resounding success that showcased the remarkable talent of middle and high school chess players. Complete results of the competition can be accessed here . In the elementary section, there were 61 players. The top three finishers overall were (1st Place) Roy Li of Moscow, (2nd Place) Ryan Wu, and (3rd Place) Leo Grace of Coeur d'Alene. Other local players also showed remarkable performances in the elementary section, showcasing their dedication and skill in chess. Sophia Grace, a 3rd-grade standout, earned the 3rd-grade state championship title for her second consecutive grade-level championship, finishing 5th overall. Milo Davis also excelled, securing the 2nd-grade state championship for his third state cham...

Hey everyone! Do you like playing games and trying cool new things? If so, we have some excellent news for you! The Beginner's Chess Club is starting again, and we would love for you to join. Whether you're a beginner or want to learn more about chess, this is the perfect place! Starting Thursday, April 3, we’ll meet weekly to learn, play, and have fun. The first meeting will be at Burger King in Post Falls (yum, snacks!). Don’t forget—you’ll need to sign up ahead of time to be part of the group. Everyone is welcome to join us, no matter how young or old. The club has a recommended donation of $20 per month, which helps us keep things running smoothly. When you come, we’ll provide all the instruction you need and plenty of time to play games. Oh, and there might be some homework too—but don’t worry, it’s the fun kind! We're open to suggestions if you have a better idea for a meeting spot. Please share your thoughts. Chess is an innovative and exciting game that teaches you ...

Legend has it that deep within the savannas of strategic brilliance exists a lion renowned for his sharp intellect and unmatched chess mastery. This lion, known as Sir Roars-A-Lot, wasn’t just the king of the jungle—he was the chessboard king. Rather than prowling for prey, Sir Roars-A-Lot spent his days crafting intricate strategies and hunting down kings across the 64 squares. His victories were legendary, and his roars of triumph sent ripples of awe through the plains. One fateful March evening, Sir Roars-A-Lot ventured far from his home and found himself wandering into an unusual setting—a small but buzzing venue at the Riverstone McDonald’s. Outside, a striking banner caught his eye. It read, “I’d Be Lion – Mondays, starting March 10th.” Intrigued and eager to showcase his skills, Sir Roars-A-Lot gracefully shook out his mane, padded through the door, and elicited stunned silence from the crowd. The chessboards were already set, and Sir Roars-A-Lot didn’t take long to claim his fi...

  The February Ladder Tournament, "I Love Chess," has officially ended, and we couldn’t be prouder of all the players who participated throughout the month! Despite challenging weather at the start, our dedicated players showed great perseverance, skill, and community spirit, making this event a resounding success. We want to congratulate Andrew Sr. and Rick, who finished at the top of the standings with impressive scores of 4. Rick’s performance this month was particularly noteworthy—winning 8 of his last 10 games this quarter and boosting his rating by an incredible 58 points in the final two rounds. Additional applause goes to Emerson, William, Grant, and Michael de Tar for their strong showings with 3 points each. Emerson deserves a special shoutout for increasing his rating by 168 points in the last three months! We were also thrilled to welcome new members Harue and Jillian to the CDA Chess Club. Their participation added fresh energy to the tournament and contributed...

  The Inland Classic 2 came to an exciting conclusion, showcasing all participants' immense talent and determination. Congratulations to Linus Wannamaker for claiming first place with an impressive score of 4.5! The tournament also saw six players tie for second and third, scoring 4.0 each. Among these were seasoned players like IM John Donaldson, Eric Billaux, Michael Cambareri, Ken Erickson, Tyson Bunch, and Daniel Bowers. Additionally, numerous players demonstrated strong performances across various classes, with Brandon Arensmeyer taking the second-biggest upset prize and Brock Swope winning the Class D/Unrated section with 3.0 points. Such a wide array of achievements highlights the competitive spirit and camaraderie that define the Inland Classic. Special recognition goes to the CDA Chess Club members who participated in and supported the event. Deon Goodwin, Assistant Tournament Director, William Merry, and Leo Grace represented our club and contributed to the tournament’s ...

  The North Idaho Scholastic Regional Tournament on February 22 was a tremendous success, bringing together 44 talented players for a day filled with strategy, competition, and excitement. With participants spanning three sections—K-5, 6-8, and 9-12—this event proved to be one of our largest and most memorable tournaments in recent years. A heartfelt congratulations goes out to every player who participated—you showcased impressive skills and sportsmanship throughout the day! K-5 Section Highlights The K-5 section saw 6 of the top 10 spots claimed by CDA Chess Club members, with exceptional performances by Leo Grace and Darshini Dinesh Babu (shown above). These two competitors faced off, drawing their game and tying for the top position with 4.5 points each . Close contenders Serena Grace and Logan Davis followed with 4 points apiece. Other standout players included Milo Davis, Desmond Hegy, and Sophia Grace, who all finished in the top 10. 6-8 Section Highlights With 15 playe...