The St. Mark Lion Kings Chess Club is open to any 2nd - 8th grade kids wanting to learn how to play chess. For the 2011-12 school year, the club will meet every Thursday after school in the library until 4:15 p.m in the library.

Kids do not have to know how to play! The club will teach them. The club divides students based on their level of play, not by grade or age. Parents pickup their children in the car pool lanes at 4:15 p.m.  The club’s format includes:

• 15 – 20 minutes teaching a lesson appropriate for the level of play,
• chess ladder play based on level (beginners, intermediate and advanced), and
• endgame, homework or free play time.

Each division has its own chess ladder. Anyone can join and learn the Royal Game.  The Lion King’s members have the opportunity to play in individual or team tournaments. The club does participate in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Scholastic Chess Association (CMSCA) team tournaments.

The club is led by two chess coaches, Chris Hlebak and Barry Hester, as well as volunteers. If a student is interested and for more information, please contact Chris Hlebak.

 !!!  CONGRATULATIONS !!!

The St. Mark Lion Kings participated in the first CMSCA Team Tournament on Saturday, October 23rd. 

Our grade school team battled hard, beating McAlpine 4 ½ points to ½ point, then putting Endhaven away 3 points to 2 and finally knocking out Myers Park 4 points to one.  With a total score of 11 ½ they won the quad easily.  They did an outstanding job representing St. Mark and battling hard in the royal game.

Our middle school team played shorthanded and lost a hard fought battle with J.M.Robinson, Southwest Middle School, and Community House.