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Students Head to Orlando for National Chess Championship
The St. Luke's Chess Team competed in the United States Chess Federation’s National K-12 Grade Championships in Orlando, Florida, Friday, Dec. 3–Sunday, Dec. 5, which was attended by 1,235 scholastic players from across the country. St. Luke’s was the only team from Connecticut.
SLS Chess President Laurel Aronian ‘25, Jack Aronian ‘27, and Arjan Kochar ‘26 represented St. Luke’s in the tournament, where seven rounds of chess were played over three days, with some matches lasting up to 3 1/2 hours. During the tournament, St. Luke’s players racked up more than 21 hours of chess.
Jack competed in the seventh grade division and tied for 29th out of 106, with three wins, two draws, and two losses.
In the eighth grade division, Arjan tied for 36th out of 122, with four wins and three losses.
Laurel, who competed in the ninth grade division, tied for 47th out of 76 overall and placed 5th among females, with three wins and four losses.
Karen Aronian P ‘25 ‘27, who chaperoned the trip along with Avneet Kochar, noted, “The players had spectacular drive and stamina. They rooted for each other and were class act sports (wo)men!”
SLS Chess President Laurel Aronian ‘25, Jack Aronian ‘27, and Arjan Kochar ‘26 represented St. Luke’s in the tournament, where seven rounds of chess were played over three days, with some matches lasting up to 3 1/2 hours. During the tournament, St. Luke’s players racked up more than 21 hours of chess.
Jack competed in the seventh grade division and tied for 29th out of 106, with three wins, two draws, and two losses.
In the eighth grade division, Arjan tied for 36th out of 122, with four wins and three losses.
Laurel, who competed in the ninth grade division, tied for 47th out of 76 overall and placed 5th among females, with three wins and four losses.
Karen Aronian P ‘25 ‘27, who chaperoned the trip along with Avneet Kochar, noted, “The players had spectacular drive and stamina. They rooted for each other and were class act sports (wo)men!”
St. Luke’s Chess Club Advisor Alvin Hamilton shared, “The recent successes of St. Luke's students at nationals are no surprise to this coach. Laurel, Arjan and Jack are committed players and continually improving. I fear facing any of them over the board. They study the game, relish finding sharp lines and opening variations that cater to their strengths, and are merciless. Bravo, and congratulations to all three!"
Outside of tournament play, the St. Luke's team participated in pick-up games and Grandmaster chess simuls, met with old and new chess friends from all over the U.S., and enjoyed the sunny Florida weather.
Without question, the experience at nationals was a blast for the St. Luke’s Chess Team. This was the first time the team attended the tournament. They look forward to it becoming an annual event.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
