Monday at Meijer

The chess scene is thriving at a grocery store in Louisville every Monday night. Steve Dillard, local chess aficionado and national tournament director, has been holding a regular event for at least a decade. According the USCF’s (United States Chess Federation) member service database he has directed an astonishing 908 events since 1991. Dillard’s weekly tournament consistently draws over 30 players ranging from beginner to expert in playing strength. “I would promote it but we are running out of space,” said Dillard.

The diversity of players applies not only to skill level but to age, background, and sex. On any given night you will see ages ranging from teenager to senior, different languages, races, and economic backgrounds all participating in the intellectual game of kings.

A group from Lexington often comes to play in the game in 30 minutes section. There is also a game in 45 minutes jestingly named “slow” , it takes place on two consecutive Mondays. Players have the opportunity to play those close to their own skill level as the tournament is divided into Open, Under 1600, and Under 1000 rating levels on a typical night.

The tournament is $6 to enter and cash prizes are awarded to winners. Round 1 starts at
6 PM every Monday. Meijer is located at 4500 South Hurstbourne Parkway Louisville, KY 40299

Share with your friends on Facebook. Click the icon below!