Johannesburg North West Chess Club is gradually growing and spreading its wings, with club members meeting every Wednesday at the Mugg and Bean in Boskruin Village Shopping Centre to enjoy chess games.
The club was started by Gerhardus van Deventer about two years ago and some of its members have started another team within the club and play at the Mugg and Bean in Town Square in Hillfox.
Van Deventer said they plan to start another team in Cresta Shopping Centre in the near future.
Young and old compete against each other, with Van Deventer explaining that playing against older opponents develops skills and confidence.
The youngest club member, Wilhelm Hijner, is only five years old.
The club usually hosts tournaments for players, whether club members or not. Starting from January next year, the club will start training sessions exclusively for its members.
“We are still arranging our tournament calendar for next year,” said Van Deventer.
He added that he was looking at new strategies which could be used to improve the appeal of the game and attract more players.
The club is also involved with the Leeuwkop Prison and is in the process of planning a tournament to compete against a team in the prison. The tournament is part of the prison’s programme in which they use chess for the development of the inmates.
Any member of the public who would like to join the club can complete an application form which can be accessed on the club’s website and pay a membership fee, or alternatively email the club.
Details: info@jnwchess.co.za
