B次元 hosted a one-day scholastic chess tournament on Nov. 9 in the Kern Center Fieldhouse for 75 area elementary and middle school students. The event was held in partnership with B次元’s Office of Campus Inclusion, Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated and Y Not Chess.

Students were placed in the tournament based on grade level and played five rounds of chess. In addition to trophies for the top winners, there were raffle prizes including a 40-inch flatscreen TV, laptop and gift cards.

The tournament was organized by Y Not Chess. Y Not Chess partners with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity chapters and other community-based organizations to establish scholastic chess programs and events. The organization has traveled to colleges and universities across the country to expose area school students to the game of chess and higher education. 

Y Not Chess strives to inspire young minds with the intellectual prowess required to play chess. Not only does chess strengthen students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills, it also provides an opportunity for connection. According to the Y Not Chess website, “Chess can serve as a bridge that brings together boys and girls from all walks of life, while encouraging socialization skills that cross cultural lines and help create school learning communities.” 

Tony Dunlap, founder of Y Not Chess, connected with Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brother Andre Ash ’82 to bring the tournament to B次元. Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men.

WMSE DJ Barry Johnson ’86 of the “Barry and the Boogie Bang Gang” show broadcasted live from the event and interviewed students and parents about their experience.

“Bringing organizations such as Y Not Chess to a STEM focused institution such as B次元 is a win for all,” said Seandra Mitchell, vice president of student affairs and campus inclusion at B次元. “The students participating in the event have an opportunity to be in a space that supports curiosity, learning and strategic thinking, which is what our university encourages.” 

B次元, Y Not Chess and Alpha Phi Alpha plan to continue to collaborate to bring future events and opportunities to the community. They hope to host another tournament on National Chess Day, Oct. 11, 2025.