Brandon University is 125 years old. It has seen many generations, changes, clubs, innovators and… yes. Procrastinators. We digress. However, the community and culture behind BU has been building up block by block, year by year, slowly changing and morphing itself—always finding ways to improve. And yet there is one thing that has been missing all this time. A chess club! Can you imagine a university without a chess club?
All these years, Brandon University has promoted a very rich and diverse community by supporting clubs of all sorts of interests. But within this dynamic culture, one organization was painfully lacking: ours. It's astonishing when one considers that the game is something that has been enjoyed for centuries and centuries, long ago by scholars, artists, and leaders alike—but not on our campus. This is about to change. We now announce the formation of the Brandon University Chess Club—a space where students, faculty, and the community can come together to play, learn, and enjoy the game.
Why a Chess Club?
Chess is more than just a game. It is a discipline which sharpens the mind, enhances problem-solving ability, and promotes strategic thinking. It's a game of patience, foresight, and creativity. Every move, every decision, and every moment might change the outcome of the game. With all this in mind, it’s no wonder that chess has been associated with enhanced cognitive skills and often linked with academic excellence.
Yet, the advantages of a chess club extend beyond academics. It’s a fantastic way to connect with others and make new friends. Chess is a universal language, popularized across the world, regardless of background or experience level. Whether an accomplished player or a novice, the chess club welcomes everyone.
What to Expect from the Club:
The Club will organize various activities for all levels of skills. Our regular meetings will include casual games and informal analysis. For those new to chess, we’ll have experienced members available to help you learn the basics and become comfortable with the game.
We will also plan tournaments so that members can evaluate their skills in a friendly and competitive environment. Such events will provide the opportunity for serious games and opportunities to learn from others to improve. And, of course, those who are timid about the competitive side of chess don’t need to worry: all meetings are going to be very casual.
The creation of the Chess Club is just the first step. We’re excited about the future where we will cultivate a space for our members to study the game, analyze their matches, and learn from one another. Down the road, we hope to organize bigger events, like university-wide tournaments, and create a welcoming hub for all chess enthusiasts at Brandon University.
How to Join
If you would like to join, it is a simple task. Membership is free and open to all Brandon University students, faculty and staff. We will be meeting every Friday at 3:00 p.m. in the Student Lounge which is across from the bookstore. Just come to one of our meetings or events and jump in! Drop in anytime—even if you're not sure about committing to coming regularly—just to see what the club's about.
Joining the Chess Club is a cool way to mix things up while you're at university. It gives you an opportunity to meet people outside of your comfort zone, challenge yourself intellectually, and be part of something new and exciting on campus. You don't need to be a chess wizard to enjoy the game—all you need is a willingness to learn and a want to have fun. And remember, chess is not all about winning or losing. It’s all about creative thinking, solving problems, reflecting on what you can do better and having fun in the process.
For notice of events and changes in meeting times, follow us on Instagram @buchess.club. Whether you can make it to every session or only drop in now and then, all are welcome. If you’re worried about time, just know it can be taken in short or extensive sessions, which makes chess (and the club) a very ideal activity to be involved in during university life.
Everyone is Welcome
One of the most important principles put into use by Brandon University Chess Club is inclusiveness. Chess is often seen as an exclusive game, where only a certain group of enthusiasts participate. We want to change that perception. Chess is for everyone, and anyone who wants to learn and enjoy the game is welcome, regardless of age, background, or academic focus.
We would like to avoid any barriers to participation and make this club truly representative of the diverse nature of our university. Because of this, we will provide corresponding resources and support to all members, with a particular emphasis on beginners. More experienced players will be there to offer friendly tips and help newcomers learn the basics.
Stay Connected
For the latest updates and announcements, follow our Instagram page at @buchess.club.