Bateman Chess Club Newsletter

 Invitational Chess Tournament @ Nobel Elementary has been postponed. An update will be coming soon.

Oct. 4, 2019
 
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
 
    I hope the school year is off to a good start for everyone.  We are excited to get the chess team up and running again for another successful year.  There are some changes to our practice structure this year, and we have some upcoming events to put on the calendar.  *As you all have likely heard, there may be a strike that begins on Oct. 17.  If that occurs, unfortunately any school activities will be canceled, including practices and scholastic tournaments.  I will certainly keep you up to date!
 

• Due to some changes in my schedule this fall, we will be changing the practice schedule.  We will continue to practice on Thursdays, but we will be dropping Tuesdays, and adding Mondays instead.  I’m sorry for the inconvenience.  Our first practice is Mon. 10/7.  The practice schedule will be available on the Bateman Chess Team website: http://bateman.cps.edu/bateman-chess.html

 

• The practice times will be 3:15-5:00pm (For now, students will report directly to the classroom; snacks will not be available until the other after-school programs begin the week of Oct. 21).  I am pleased to continue offering Free Chess Friday mornings from 7:30-8:10am most Fridays.

 

• The most important event that is coming soon is a special tournament hosted by Nobel Elementary. This Invitational will be on Sat. Oct. 19, from 9am to 3pm.  I have been working with a few other coaches and the Chicago Chess Foundation to help organize this competition.  It will be a 5-round tournament that will include trophies for the top players and teams in K-4, and 5-8 grades.  I will be sending home more details about that special event separately.

 

• You can find out more about other upcoming chess events at the Illinois Chess Association events webpage: www.il-chess.org/all-events.  If you have any questions about any of the upcoming events, please let me know.

 

• The first CPS event, the All-Stars Tournament is scheduled for Sat. Oct. 26 at Chicago Vocational High School.  A flyer will be sent home soon.

 

• I will be attending a CPS coaches’ meeting next Wed.  I expect to receive more information about the upcoming school year opportunities for our chess team.

 

• Please remember that every member of the Bateman chess team has a Chesskid account (www.chesskid.com).  They should use that website for additional practice and puzzle solving.  The only way to improve is through regular practice!  Please let me know if you have any questions about the website.

 

• To make sure that our chess team remains competitive, we will again have a commitment agreement for students to participate on the Bateman chess team this school year.  In order for a player to continue playing on the team, they must participate in at least one tournament by the end of December, and maintain responsible and respectful behavior during practices and competitions.  The agreement is attached, but it is also available for electronic signature on the Bateman chess website.

 

• I will continue to use emails as a means of communication with parents, along with the team website.  Please provide an updated email address on the link so I can get the word out on upcoming chess events and opportunities.

 
    If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at [email protected] or (773)534-5055.
 
Sincerely, Mr. Geisler

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