Since April of last year, the Douglas County Chess Club has met 3-5 p.m. Fridays at the Minden branch of the Douglas County Public Library, 1625 Library Lane.
Members come together weekly to enjoy the game with other enthusiasts, sharpen their playing skills, and learn new strategies.
All are welcome regardless of experience or skill level, and the club’s membership roster encompasses players ranging in age from youth to senior. Children younger than 10 are welcome to participate with a parent or guardian present. The club also offers complimentary beginner-to-intermediate lessons.
Following a successful launch in 2024, the chess club has expanded their weekly meetings to include Saturdays at the Kahle Community Center, 236 Kingsbury Grade Road in Stateline. Saturday meetings are 10 a.m. to noon with the exception of Feb. 8, March 15, April 12 and May 17, when meetings will be held at Kahle from noon-2 p.m.
Membership to the chess club is offered at no charge thanks to donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations over the past year. The club’s leadership hopes to secure additional donors to keep club membership free and accessible to all, purchase needed items including chess clocks and playing pieces, and work toward establishing a scholarship fund to support youth participation chess tournaments.
Chess Club founder and president Chuck Johnson is a National Master of Chess and started the 501(c)(3) nonprofit club as a way to give back to the community and provide an opportunity to enhance the enjoyment and appreciation of the game. Johnson said the club has grown from one to 20 participants over the first year, and organizers are hopeful that expanding to the second location at Kahle will double their membership in the coming year.
On Feb. 21-22, DC Chess Club will host a chess tournament at the Minden branch. The tournament is open to club members and non-members alike, and the format is a four-round Swiss System with an hour total allotted to each game. Rounds will be held at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Friday, and 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday.
Pre-registration for the tournament is preferred; contact Johnson via email at chuck@giuas.com to sign up or for more information.
To learn more about the DC Chess Club, visit their webpage at douglaschess.org/. Check the club's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555757739630 for information about classes from beginner to expert levels and other special events.
Go dancing, support scholarships
On Jan. 25, the Tahoe-Douglas Elks host Country Line Dancing at the Lodge, 1227 Kimmerling Road in the Gardnerville Ranchos. Dancing gets underway at 7 p.m. with KBUL-FM DJ JJ Christy as musical host.
This event is open members of the public age 21 and above. Entry is a $10 donation at the door, with proceeds benefitting the Elks’ scholarship fund. Pulled pork sandwiches and fries will be available for $10 from 4:30-6 p.m.
RSVP for this event on the Tahoe-Douglas Elks' website at tahoedouglaselks.org.