The 8th Annual “Chess on the Square” Tournament is scheduled to take place at the Wilmington Library on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Chess enthusiasts of all skill levels are cordially invited to join this exciting event, made possible through the generous sponsorship of Lisa Flowers, Council President Trippi Congo, and Terrone Warren, the proprietor of BVD Barber Salon. Best of all, participation in this event is entirely FREE!

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki expressed his gratitude to the organizers for their ongoing commitment to this beloved annual event, which has garnered popularity among chess players of all age groups. The Mayor extended a special acknowledgement to Council President Congo for his sponsorship of this event.
Terrone Warren, the owner of BVD Barber Salon located at 223 West 8th Street in Wilmington, collaborates with Lisa Flowers each year to orchestrate this tournament. Warren and Flowers have exciting plans for this year’s event, including multiple chess tables and simultaneous games at the Wilmington Library.
To secure your spot in the FREE chess tournament, please visit chessonthesquare.org, reach out via email to chessonthesquarewilm@gmail.com, or call (302) 420-2152. The deadline for registration is Thursday, September 21, 2023.
“Chess on the Square” promises a delightful fusion of competitive chess and fun for participants of all ages and skill levels. Novice players are particularly encouraged to participate, as this event provides an excellent opportunity to enhance their understanding of the game and sharpen their chess skills.
The tournament will employ the Swiss Chess tournament system, ensuring that no player is eliminated. Instead, players will be paired in each round, and the winner will be determined based on the total points earned throughout the tournament. A win typically garners one point, while a draw earns half a point. The tournament will be divided into four sections:
- The first section is open to grades K to 5 or those with a chess rating below 600.
- The second section welcomes grades 6 through 8 or those with a rating below 1000.
- The third section is designed for high school students and adults with a chess rating over 100.
- The final section, the Grand Master level, is reserved for those with a rating exceeding 2000 or high-level players.
Every registered participant will receive a medal as a token of their participation, and the 1st place winners and 2nd place runners-up in each category will be awarded trophies. Additionally, there will be an open chess session for beginners or less-experienced players who wish to refine their chess skills in a non-competitive setting. Organizers will also provide beverages and snacks for all registered participants, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable chess experience for everyone.