U.S. Chess Federation names UTRGV ‘Chess College of the Year’ for 2018
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JUNE 8, 2018 – The University at Texas Rio Grande Valley Chess Team is continuing its 2018 year of victories, this time being recognized by the U.S. Chess Federation as the Chess College of the Year.
“What an incredible honor it is to be named Chess College of the Year by the U.S. Chess Federation,” said Douglas Stoves, UTRGV associate dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Who We Are
Chess has been an important part of our university and has acted as a metaphor of the vast human potential that our region holds. UTRGV Chess Team competes at the highest level at state, national and international tournaments, under the leadership of Chess Coach (Grandmaster) Bartek Macieja.
During its inaugural year of competition, under the UTRGV banner, the Chess Team developed into a force to be reckoned with in the world of collegiate chess. Among the team’s highlights in 2015 was being recognized by the House of Representatives of the State of Texas and by the Senate of the State of Texas for its many accomplishments.
The Chess Program organizes local and international tournaments, holds camps, trains area coaches, and presents community outreach chess classes for local community members on a regular basis, in particular through the Chess Academy. Finally, the UTRGV Chess Program supports the Chess Club at UTRGV, a student organization reaching over 100 chess enthusiasts.