CHECKING IN AT THE 2026 OLYMPIC REGIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Strategic Moves: Empowering Local Students Through Chess

The Olympic Regional Chess Championships recently concluded at North Kitsap High School, serving as a vital competitive venue for 67 local students. Beyond the boards, the event highlighted a masterclass in community support and student-led initiative.

Community-Powered Competition

While many regional tournaments are out of reach due to cost or distance, this event remains a local fixture.

• Geographic Rarity: Rated tournaments are "extremely rare" on the Olympic Peninsula side of the water, with only two such events held annually.

• Accessibility: Hosting the event in Poulsbo reduced the travel burden for families in Kitsap, Clallam, and Jefferson counties.

• Intentional Affordability: Most tournaments cost $40–$50 per student, but this event kept entry fees at $15.

• Equity in Play: This low price point specifically opens the field to students from lower-resourced districts who might otherwise be priced out of the game.

Building More Than Just Ratings

Chess is a vehicle for personal growth, and this tournament provides a "state-level" experience that develops students as thinkers, competitors, and leaders.

• National Recognition: Students earned ratings recognized by the Northwest Scholastic Rating System (NWSRS), providing a professional indicator of their skills.

• High Stakes: For high schoolers, the event served as a Regional Qualifier for the Washington State High School Chess Team Championships.

• Inclusive Environment: The tournament welcomed everyone from seasoned competitors to solo players and homeschoolers.

How the Pieces Came Together

With no financial support available from the school district, the program relies entirely on outside contributions and student hustle.

• Student Initiative: Students held Dairy Queen fundraisers and other events to cover the costs of their competitive season, including travel and hotels.

• Self-Sustaining: Hosting this regional tournament provides an essential ongoing opportunity for club growth.

• NKSF: The North Kitsap Schools Foundation provided critical support by securing funds for essential equipment, such as chess sets and clocks.

Category	Award	Winner(s)
Puzzle Exhibition	Grand Prize	Luke Allen (Kingston HS)
High School Team	1st Place	North Kitsap HS Team A (18.5) — State Bound
	2nd Place	Bainbridge HS (16.5) — State Bound
	3rd Place	North Kitsap HS Team B
Middle School Team	1st Place	Quileute Tribal School (15.5)
	2nd Place	Kingston MS (15.0)
	3rd Place	Blue Heron MS (14.5)
HS Individual (Top 3)	1st Place	Alec Rodriguez (NKHS) — 5.0
	2nd Place	Maximilian Hay (BHS) — 4.0
	3rd Place	Frank Lu (BHS) — 4.0
MS Individual (Top 3)	1st Place	Liam Glaser (Peace Lutheran) — 5.0
	2nd Place	Wilder Lemay (Blue Heron Middle) — 4.0
	3rd Place	Gade Melone (Poulsbo Middle) — 4.0