Prefect Council partnered with Chess Club to organize a chess tournament during lunch Jan. 29 through Feb. 2. Students will compete for a chance to win a new chess board.

Sophomore Prefect Robby Louie ’26 said Prefect Council hopes to provide students with a chance to relieve academic stress while participating in a schoolwide event.

“We hope to create a break from academic stress so [that] people can go watch and enjoy the games to de-stress ,” Louie said. “Another outcome we’re hoping for is to help students make new friends, immerse themselves in the community and foster opportunities for friendship.”

Chess Club Leader Eric Vartany ’26 said this is the second year the Chess Club has hosted a schoolwide tournament in conjunction with Prefect Council.

“Last year, we partnered with Prefect Council, and it was a huge success,” Vartany said. “Working with them, we’re able to spread the word to more people along with get the necessary funding for chessboards and other equipment.”

Vartany said the release of mainstream shows combined with the growing popularity of online chess websites have heightened students’ interest in chess.

“Chess spiked after ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ was released on Netflix,” Vartany said. “Websites like Chess.com and Lichess.org [also] facilitated people’s interest in chess. The online format makes the game a bit [more] addicting. I think online chess has helped grow the popularity of the game.”