Chess players from across Mississippi and Alabama gathered earlier this month at Roosevelt State Park to compete in the centuries-old game that is growing in popularity across the country.
The fourth annual Bienville Chess Classic was held April 12 at the Alfreda-Harris Lodge where 38 players battled for prizes, improved ratings, and earned bragging rights. The annual tournament is one of three series hosted by the Scott County Chess Club.
This event brought the combined turnout to 437 players who have visited Scott County for nine chess tournaments since the club started hosting in November 2021, holding one tournament in the spring and one in the fall and one added last summer.
Chris Allen Baker, club founder, coordinator and chief tournament director, said players reported having a great experience as many of them have played in the club’s past tournaments, but there were new first-time players. A tournament director from Memphis provided additional assistance.
“We were blessed to have a good turnout and beautiful weather to allow chess players across Mississippi and beyond to enjoy a great experience at one of our nation’s best state parks,” Baker said. “It is another example that Scott County is a popular destination for chess, and I am proud of what we have created. A high number of compliments that I receive about the tournament is also directed at the park.”
The event had continued support from the business community which donated funds toward prizes and resources. Five businesses contributed to Saturday’s tournament as sponsors, and seven other groups and businesses regularly support the club’s tournaments in the spring and fall.
“We could not do this without the support of our sponsors and partners. I appreciate every business who step up each year to help us make all our tournaments possible,” Baker said.
The club appreciated assistance from the Friends of Roosevelt State Park who provided food for the players and spectators as a fundraiser for their own activities that support the park.
“The Friends group provided lunch, so players did not have to leave the park to find something to eat between rounds. It was great food and by all accounts available was much appreciated,” Baker said. “It was a win-win situation for our players and the Friends group, and we look forward to working with them for future tournaments.”
Champions were announced after four rounds during the day-long event. Four rated sections included the Open, U1200, U800 and U400. Players were grouped according to their skill levels reflected through ratings issued by the U.S. Chess Federation. The Open section is considered the most competitive of the divisions due to the highest rated players participating.
The Beverly Jo Rhodes Memorial Award plaque goes to the first-place winner of the Open section. Joseph Jurjevich, of Bay Minette, Ala., with a USCF rating of 2058 entering the tournament, won the award outright. Rhodes was a gifted class teacher who started the WINGS program at Forest and supported chess activities. Other first, second, and third place winners received trophies and medals for their achievements. Cash prizes were also awarded to the Open winners and first place winners of the other three sections.
The Bienville Chess Classic is named for the national forest that covers much of Scott County and the fall tournament is named for the state park.
“I am excited that so many people from across the state regularly want to be a part of what we are doing here,” Baker said. “It would be great to see more local faces around these chess boards. The potential is there, and the invitation is extended. It is never too late to learn chess.”
The club meets monthly on the first Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Forest Public Library. More information is available on the club’s website at scottcountychessclub.org.
