The C.S.S. Thunderbolts Chess Team competed at the Regional Chess Tournament on Saturday, February 28th.  Going into the final round, our team was in fifth place among nineteen teams.  We were doing well, but not good enough to go to state.  The Thunderbolt Team finished the tournament strong and, after that last round, moved up to second place; nearly winning the whole thing!  The C.S.S. Thunderbolts Chess Team qualified the Chess for Success State Team Championship on Friday, March 13th, at the Oregon Convention Center.  What an exciting finish!  Every Thunderbolt finished with a winning record.  Outstanding!

Sam was Regional Champion, Tommy placed second, and Luke was third at the tournament.  All three, plus eighth-grader Allen, qualified for the Chess for Success State Individual Championship to be held on Saturday, March 14th.

The Thunderbolts were represented by Luke (team captain), Sam, Ethan, Tommy, Reed, and  Cassidy at the State Team Championship. The top thirty-four teams from all over the state of Oregon competed at this prestigious tournament.  The Creative Science School team ended the day undefeated and in second place, one half point away from the state title.

Next day, at the individual championship, Sam took second place in the fourth grade and under division.

This has been an excellent chess season.  The chess team competed with confidence, focus, and represented themselves, and their school, with sportsmanship and class.   

The Creative Science School has a culture of chess playing.  Over 50% of our students have participated in some aspect of our Chess for Success program. Elements of Chess Program

  • Chess Academy
  • Primary Chess Club
  • Chess Club
  • Chess Team

Kindergarten students join Chess Academy in the spring to learn how to play.   Chess Academy Objectives:

  • How to play chess
  • The names of the pieces
  • How to win at Chess
  • Chess Etiquette
  • Thinking Skills
  • How to have fun at chess

Primary Chess Club is for kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students wishing to play chess against other kids in a noncompetitive setting. Primary Chess Club Objectives:

  • Instruction in chess etiquette
  • A chance to play chess against other young students
  • A noncompetitive setting
  • A review of advanced rules such as castling and checkmate

Chess Club, which happens in the fall, is for 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th,  7th grade girls and boys who know how to play chess.  Students in 3rd through 8th grade appreciate Chess Club’s instruction and competition.   Chess Club Objectives:

  • Instruction in chess and chess etiquette
  • Twice weekly opportunities to enjoy chess with other students
  • A review of advanced concepts such as castling, checkmate patterns,
  • and en passant
  • Instruction in the principles of winning chess

The purpose of Chess Team, which happens in the winter, is to provide competition and high-level chess instruction in order to best prepare team members for the regional and state chess meets.  Many kids choose to join the Thunderbolts Chess Team for more advanced instruction and tournament competition.  Our chess team has won numerous regional meets and has won many trophies at the Oregon Chess Championship.  The biggest trophy in our trophy case case is from the National Championship.