Ali Alataiwi, nursing graduate, could not find a local chess club, so he formed his own.
He encountered opposition, but now Alataiwi’s club is a legitimate campus organization that will meet from 4-5 p.m. every Tuesday. The first gathering was yesterday.
The official location is not determined, but for now, the group will meet in Alvin’s Cafe in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.
“When I went to the nursing counselor with my idea, she gave me a hard time and kept telling me to come back the next week and the next week,” Alataiwi said. “Finally, I went to Dr. Klaus Rossberg, who gave me an adviser signature so it could be a real club.”
While Alataiwi lived in Tennessee, he joined Nashville Chess Club, which allowed him to compete in several tournaments, including the 2013 world championship in Pittsburg.
He said he would like to continue his hobby during his time in Oklahoma and he invites everyone to join the chess club, which has seven members.
“Chess unites people. It’s an international activity,” said Mackenzie Reitz, dance freshman. “I like it because it’s a game where you can see your progress.”
Chess began more than 1,500 years ago in India, and now more than 150 universities across the United States have chess clubs, according to The United States Chess Foundation.
Faculty, staff and students of any chess level are invited to join the club.
At first, members will play chess games with each other.
Eventually they will build up to tournaments, competing against other schools and chess clubs.
To join the chess club, email Alataiwi at aalataiwi@my.okcu.edu.
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