NYC Chess Connections: Alumni Eugene Yoo ‘19 and Ian Nicholson ‘22 and their return to Speyer

Speyer alumni Eugene Yoo '19  and Ian Nicholson '22 returned to the Boulevard to host their chess camp, New York City Chess Connections (NYCCC), with the help of Speyer alum Kiren Nasta '21! Hosting 19 students and 12 high school mentors, this week-long camp helps students foster connections with their peers and mentors, as well as providing them with in-person chess tutoring.

NYCCC was founded in 2020 during the pandemic as a way to not only teach chess, but also build community when there was an increased interest in both chess and finding ways to create connections across age groups and experience levels. The non-profit organization provides 1-on-1 chess tutoring to underserved elementary and middle school students throughout New York City. The community has grown to 40 mentors who help over 50 students through virtual lessons, hosting public lectures in Central Park, and providing game analysis and coaching at youth tournaments. 

In the words of Eugene, currently a sophomore at MIT, “The best thing about chess is that it teaches you to think confidently. Sometimes you make a plan, take a risk, and learn from the outcome. When there’s a challenge, you have to be bold. Chess teaches those life lessons time and time again.” 

Ian, a current senior at Hunter College High School, adds that “beyond chess’s transformative ability to serve as an educational tool, the game possesses a unique ability to build camaraderie and community in a way that creates genuine moments of joy. Chess also has a universal quality that brings people together and as students, we are uniquely positioned to serve as both chess teachers and mentors, to whom students feel comfortable reaching out for advice or support.”

The week the camp was held at Speyer was one of NYCCC’s first dives into in-person chess training. Providing training games and exercises, and various tournaments, the founding mentors have watched younger students flourish through the years. 

Speyer sat down with some of NYCCC’s mentors who provided their own insights into the successes and growth they’ve seen throughout the camp.

In the words of Bhavya Thakur, sophomore from Trinity, “What’s been most special about the camp, though, is seeing the kids form bonds with both each other and their mentors. … It’s been a lot easier and more fun to teach these kids because they all really do come here for the love and joy of the game.” 

Harper Wallace, junior at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School added, “Beyond the chess lessons, mentors emphasize patience and resilience, which are essential skills to learn as a young rising chess player. These skills teach the students not only to think deeply about every move, but also to face challenging positions with confidence at the board, and in life, especially when the game gets tricky.”

Jed Sloan, senior from Stuyvesant High School shared, “We have a vibrant atmosphere, and it is clear how driven the students are to improve and the enthusiasm the mentors have for coaching. Currently, I am seeking to hone my students' calculation skills and am feeding them a range of puzzles from simple to extremely challenging. Each one of my students have embraced these challenges and are growing in maturity and understanding throughout the camp.”

Both Eugene and Ian added that it was particularly cool to share this full-circle moment with the Speyer community, getting to not just coach chess but also run into their favorite teachers and staff.

Speyer is so proud of the way our Dragons are making an impact in our local community!  

Once a Dragon, always a Dragon!