Chess is a fun and competitive game to play with others!
It also feeds and fuels problem solving instincts, promotes creativity
and imagination, and develops logical thinking!
About the Club
The Chess Club is comprised of Saint James students representing Kindergarten through Grade 8 who gather weekly in the library after school to learn about playing and winning chess. The format consists of 35 minutes of formal instruction by master chess instructor John Surlow, followed by 35 minutes of “volunteer” supervised competition among students (paired by experience/skill level). For more information, call or email SJS parent liaison, Rosemary McNelis (412.766.0716 or rosemaryhmcnelis@verizon.net).
About the Chess Instructor
A former math and science teacher, Mr. John Surlow has taught chess for 13 years in public, private, and parochial schools in Western PA, as well in Los Angeles. A number of his schools and students have earned state and national chess awards. Mr. Surlow is a certified Senior Tournament Director with the United States Chess Federation and has directed more than 100 major scholastic tournaments including more than a dozen state championships. He serves on the Board of the Pittsburgh Chess Club and is a many-time delegate to USCF, the national chess organization.
SJS Participation in Local Tournaments
Chess club members are encouraged to participate in local chess competitions and share their tem experiences and progress with their teammates.
St. Kilian Spring Chess Tournament, March 14, 2011
The Saint James chess team, represented by Joseph Auth (7th), Blaise Burns (1st), Austin Kuntz (7th), Alec Lander (7th), Anthony Lounder (Kindergarten), and Ryan McNelis (6th), took home the first place trophy at St. Kilian’s Spring Chess Tournament. All five boys played very well in their respective sections, giving the team an edge over the other top teams: St. Kilian (2nd place) and Sewickley Academy (3rd place). Fifty-two students competed, representing a dozen schools (a mix of public, private, and parochial). Joseph, Blaise, Alec, and Ryan all earned first place finishes in their respective sections; additionally Austin and Anthony (competing in his first USCF rated competition) performed strong in their sections, further elevating the team score.
St. Kilian Chess Championship, November 13, 2010
On Saturday, November 13, eight students of the Saint James Chess Club participated in the First Annual St. Kilian Chess Championship. Representing the school were 7th graders Colin Hill, Stephen Jancart, Austin Kuntz, and Charlie Veeck; 6th graders Vivian Cirilano, and Ryan McNelis; and 1st graders Blaise Burns and Henry Veeck. The team brought home the tournament’s 2nd place team trophy.
Strong performances by a host of players resulted in the team’s strong standing. Competing in tournament play for the first time, Stephen Jancart (3rd in section), Colin Hill (3rd in section), Vivian Cirilano (3rd in section), Blaise Burns (2nd in section!), and Henry Veeck all made strong debut performances. Solid performances by veteran team members Ryan McNelis (1st in section), Austin Kuntz (3rd in section), and Charlie Veeck were also key to the team’s success. Saint James can also be proud of the team effort and sportsmanship exhibited by our chess players!
Catholic Schools Tournament
St. Louise de Marillac Elementary School
Pittsburgh, December 19, 2009
Representing SJS were Joseph and John Auth, Anthony, Austin, and Alexander Kuntz, Ryan McNelis, Bennet Pompi, Luca Stasa, and Charlie Veeck. The day resulted with an outstanding showing of the team. Eighth-grader Anthony Kuntz and sixth-grader Austin Kuntz captured 2nd and 5th place trophies in the 5th through 12th grade beginner bracket division! The team placed fourth overall, beaten only by chess powerhouse, Providence Heights Alpha Elementary School, Central Catholic High School, and St. Kilian Elementary School, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, respectively.