The GCS Chess Program provides a means to teach how a Christian should compete in a game as well as function in other aspects of life. GCS team members must participate in such a way that honors their team, our school and the Lord. GCS Chess Team members compete in over-the-board competition with area schools in team competition and singly in a number of local and regional tournaments.
Grace Christian is committed to developing a perspective on winning and losing that is consistent with the teachings of the scripture. We expect our athletes to dedicate themselves to this goal. Our challenge is to be in contrast to a sports world that emphasizes winning at any cost. Winning should be one of our goals, but we recognize that sports presents a beneficial learning experience, regardless of the outcome.
The mission of Grace Christian Athletics is to provide an excellent sports program that will help our students develop their God-given abilities. We want our student-athletes to honor and glorify God in all that they do (I Corinthians 10:31). Athletics is something that God allows us to do, not something that defines us. We need to make God first place in our lives (Matthew 6:33).
GCS Chess Team competes in United States Chess Federation (USCF) rated tournaments.
The Chess team is available to students grades 4 through 12. The foundational stage of development is the most important level of learning for our Chess program, and includes:
As students master these fundamentals, they are also expected to demonstrate a consistent display of the core Christlike characters traits of our athletic program: Diligence, Endurance, Boldness, Obedience, Faith, Humility, and Dependability.
The GCS Chess Program gives us an opportunity to introduce and teach the fundamental aspects of the game including but not limited to: sound chess principles, themes, openings, mid game tactics, positional play and endgames.
The Chess team practices twice a week, and completes once to twice a month, typically on Tuesdays, Saturdays or Sundays.
The GCS Chess Program runs year round and, pending space, does not always require tryouts. If you’d like more information about the GCS Chess Program, please contact our Athletic Director.
Players from each team are selected for the following annual awards:
