As the weather starts to cool many people look for indoor activities, be it sports, crafts or games. One group chooses to spend their time perfecting their special interest: chess.

PowerChess is now offering community chess programs across Salt Lake County and parts of Davis County. Hosted in local recreation centers, people of all ages are welcome to come learn the complex game of chess and compete against other students under the guidance of a chess guru, Powell Walker, founder and owner of PowerChess. 

Upon talking to parents at this community class, many found the program through the local recreation center websites and thought their children would benefit from a program like this. One mother, Ramya, stated that her daughter, “Always liked to play chess.” 

The class brings in over a dozen students of all age ranges and from various levels of chess mastery. Some consider this a type of “preseason” practice for when the chess competitions begin so that they can perfect their game. 

In regards to the attendance for the first class of the season, Walker said, “The turnout is incredible…chess in Utah is growing at a rapid rate.” One parent in attendance was Eric Grierson, who is a longtime chess fan and he and his two children have been with PowerChess since its groundbreaking in March 2022. He loves to pass along his passion of chess to those who are interested. “(Chess) helps your brain develop in a lot of ways,” Grierson said and added, “I think it’s really good for kids.” 

For more information about PowerChess, visit slco.org/parks-recreation or power-chess.com.λ