The Schaumburg High School Chess Team celebrated a historic victory this season, as the seniors defeated Conant in conference play for the first time.
Team captains Gian Vilamar, John Sargent, and Jason Regier set the tone for the win by establishing three key guidelines for the team: defend the center, castle early, and, when an obvious move presents itself, pause and look for a better option. According to Coach Mr. Teschner, these leaders have been “exemplary in guiding the team both on and off the board.”
Chess, as Coach Teschner notes, is about more than just winning matches. Beyond strategy, students gain patience and foresight.
“Players are learning to set up future results by small, unnoticed moves early in a match. They learn how to consider the results of actions before acting impulsively,” he said.
“When new players come to practice, we like to teach the rules of the game, how pieces move and interact, as well as basic fundamentals, including opening tips and tactical patterns. Sometimes, newcomers already have chess experience and are ready to start playing against others, potentially even competing for board spots on our lineup. Whether players are completely new to chess or have decent experience, we encourage everyone to play many games against each other, looking to improve as a team,” added Gian.
Matches typically last around two hours, with students playing opponents ranked similarly within their team. Each team has eight players, from Board 1 (the strongest) to Board 8, with points awarded based on board rank. Draws are possible, with each player earning half the points assigned to that board. Newer players often participate in open matches that don’t contribute to the team score, gaining valuable experience.
Practicing chess involves a mix of playing, studying, and reflection. Players improve by competing in regular matches and learning opening strategies. After games, they analyze their moves to understand mistakes and identify better choices. Practicing with teammates also helps players exchange ideas, build confidence, and develop stronger strategic thinking over time.
This year, the team is set to compete in six tournaments, including State, Sectionals, and Conference, with players sometimes playing three to five matches in a single day.
With strong leadership and careful strategy, the Schaumburg Chess Team continues to grow both as competitors and as thinkers, proving that success on the board comes from preparation, patience, and teamwork.
“My favorite moments with my team have been reviewing our games and celebrating brilliant moves. Also, traveling to tournaments was special because the bus rides gave us time to bond and share strategies. Being close with my team made every win more exciting,” said Edward Popa, a junior.