Wiley Elementary School 1st grader winning chess championships

The ancient game of Chess is growing in popularity among elementary school children, especially for one 1st grader at Wiley Elementary in Raleigh.

When regular classes end for the day, the school’s Chess Club is just starting.

A non-profit organization started by Mark Indermaur and his wife help to spread Chess fever among students. "We’re up to 76 Chess clubs now in 36 counties across North Carolina," said Indermaur.

His non-profit provides Chess Club starter kits for students as well other learning tools. Students learn early how to protect their Queen and attack their opponent’s King.

Indermaur believes, for young children, the game is best learned early. "They can learn at any age, but elementary school kids in particular really learn chess quickly."

The game teaches valuable life skills. "You really have to think before you move and kind of recover from losses and learn from mistakes you’ve made," said Indermaur.

First grader Anungoo Chinzorig is among the youngest avid player in Wiley’s Chess Club. This day, she played against the oldest player, the school’s Chess Advisor, Jerry Nolte.

"Good move," said Nolte, reacting in surprise to one of Chinzorig’s attacks. She’s made a lot of good moves and with a couple of trophies to show for it.

In the "Hunter Quest LXIII Chess competition in December of 2021, Chinzorig won a first place trophy.

"Then she played in the Triangle Championship in January and went to the state championship and at the state championships she finished as the top girl in kindergarten first grade statewide," explain Indermaur.

Indermaur asked the shy Chess player who she credits for her success. She thought for a second and said, "My Dad teaches me."

"And then you practiced here," asked Indermaur. Chinzorig answered with a nod.

Regarding her success in the game, Indermaur asked, "How did your parents feel when they found out?" She thought for a a few seconds and said, "They were surprised."

At Wiley’s after school Chess Club, Chinzorig often wins, even against older players. This day, she played against Jerry Nolte, the school’s Chess Club Advisor. In the end, their contest resulted in a friendly draw and a handshake.

Mark Indermaur says once students begin to have fun with the game, he says they are more likely to be more confident about other challenges like Science, Math and English.