2024 National Elementary School Championship: A Closer Look

The 2024 National Elementary School Championship took place April 26 through 28 in Columbus, Ohio. Our daily coverage on Chess Life Online covered the winners in the Championship sections, but there was more to the weekend in Columbus than just the top boards. 

With 1,586 players (representing 42 states) competing, this tournament was full of passionate chess-lovers of all skill levels. As the US Chess Director of Programs, I spent the weekend meeting a number of players, coaches, and teams from all over, and want to share some of their stories.

My hope is to inspire readers to start chess clubs at their schools, bring their teams to nationals, and engage in events like the Girls Club room when they're here. Let's dive in!

Title I Program

We had two elementary schools participating thanks to our Title I Schools programs and grants: Dishman Elementary from Harlingen, Texas and PS 31 Samuel F. Dupont from Brooklyn, New York.

Dishman fielded two teams, with six students competing in the K-5 U-1200 section and another four in the K-3 U-700. The K-5 U-1200 team came back with a fifth place trophy! An 11th player, Angel Flores, competed alone in the K-3 U-1000, as the only third grader on the team rated over 700. 

US Chess Director of Programs, DeVaughn Croxton had the pleasure of meeting yet another one of our Title 1 grant recipients, Dishman Elementary! Good luck this weekend! #ElemChessChamps pic.twitter.com/cFsNlZvs6o

— US Chess (@USChess) April 26, 2024

PS 31 also fielded two teams (pictured below), with four players competing in the K-5 U-1200 and another two in the K-3 U-700. 

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Girls Club

Here is a recap video from the Girl's Club Room during the 2024 Elementary School Championships. Huge thanks to WIM/FM Maggie Feng, WIM Dr. Alexey Root, and the Alton Family (Coaches Krista and Arthur Alton) for being our special guests! Your expertise and positive energy made this experience so amazing for the players and families in attendance.

Other Sights Seen

You might have seen those yellow #SafePlay buttons around the playing hall. Here's SafePlay Policy, as highlighted by SafePlay Manager, Melinda Matthews.

So, what’s up with all those yellow #SafePlay buttons all the staff at the #ElemChessChamps are wearing? Safe Play Manager Melinda Matthews gives us the scoop. pic.twitter.com/FkLuRrhafJ

— US Chess (@USChess) April 26, 2024

It's always great to catch up with former champions who now bring their own students to these events: Here's CM Joseph Wan on the "legacy of a champion."

The 2014 K-6 and 2011 K-3 #elemchesschamps Champion, @chika_lilyy , talks to @USChess from the 2024 NES Championships where he has a student competing in the K-1 U500. He graduates in two weeks from @VanderbiltU. pic.twitter.com/d30p049hm3

— US Chess (@USChess) April 28, 2024