Chess is being played throughout Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Players gather in parks, community recreation centers, and cafes. It doesn’t matter what language you speak. In chess, the only language that matters is the game itself.
South Philly residents Michael Tlacopicl (second from left) and Brett Screiber (left) play a game at Capitolo Rec Center in Philadelphia.Isaiah Vazquez / For The InquirerDan Webb and Johanna Mudry share a kiss after a game during an Open Streets event at 13th and Walnut Streets.Isaiah Vazquez / For The InquirerChess players meet in Rittenhouse Square to play. The organizing group, Rittenhouse Chess, started in 2021 amid the chess boom that surrounded “The Queen’s Gambit” and the pandemic.Isaiah Vazquez / For The InquirerMike Donahue moves his rook during a casual game at Rittenhouse Square. Donahue, a student at the Philly Improv Theater, has been a part of the Rittenhouse chess community for two years.Isaiah Vazquez / For The InquirerFans watch as women’s grand master Jen Shahade and former Sixers GM Daryl Morey take on Kat Reeves and Matthew Iacoviello in a hand and brain game during the Rittenhouse Chess Club Charity Blitz Tournament at Queen & Rook Game Cafe.Isaiah Vazquez / For The InquirerWomen’s grand master Jen Shahade studies the board during a hand and brain game in the Rittenhouse Chess Club Charity Blitz Tournament. A hand and brain game is where one player announces the piece, and their teammate moves that piece to a location they determine. Isaiah Vazquez / For The InquirerDavid Sherman (from left), Paul Pinto, Francisco Boschetti, and Kat Reeves play a simul match against women’s grand master Jen Shahade during the Rittenhouse Chess Club Charity Blitz Tournament. A simul match is one in which one player plays multiple chess games simultaneously.Isaiah Vazquez / For The Inquirer
Alex Carson, a content creator, prepares his live stream before competing in the Rittenhouse Chess Club Charity Blitz Tournament. Carson started his online career in April, streaming his chess matches on YouTube and Twitch.Isaiah Vazquez / For The InquirerAndre Scott, 7, holds a plush Charizard as he competes in the Rittenhouse Chess Club Charity Blitz Tournament at Queen & Rook Game Cafe on June 7. Scott started playing chess when he was 5.Isaiah Vazquez / For The InquirerTwo players shake hands at end of a game at Rittenhouse Square.Isaiah Vazquez / For The Inquirer
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