A Fantastic Day of Chess at IndyPL – Central Library!
On March 15, 2025, the IndyPL – Central Library was filled with excitement as it hosted the Books & Rooks Chess Tournament, bringing players together for a fun and competitive day of chess. Organized and sponsored by IndyPL – Central Library, this event welcomed players of all ages and skill levels for an unforgettable day of chess.
The tournament featured both rated and unrated sections, ensuring everyone had a place to compete and grow. The rated sections were directed by Summit Chess Club, while the unrated sections were in the capable hands of Coach C (Colin Hargreaves) with Cloud City Youth. A total of 140+ players participated, with 67 players in the rated sections and 70+ players in the unrated sections. Parents and spectators didn’t just cheer from the sidelines—they joined in the fun, making it a truly inclusive and engaging experience for all.
Tournament Winners:
PRO: Philip G. Degen
NOVICE: Krish Kumaran & Shriyan Shankar (Tied for 1st place)
12th & Under: Rohan Arun | Suvan Vishwas Vaddadi | Ishan Pande
6th & Under: Shravan Santhosh | Jayden Peters | Ivan Lu
3rd & Under: Alvin Yang | Abhiram Maddela | Krish Rai
For the full rated results, visit: https://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?202503150902.0-15962917
A Community Effort for a Great Cause
This tournament was more than just about winning—it was about learning, growing, and supporting a great cause. Books & Rooks is a fantastic program that brings chess to the Indianapolis community, proudly hosted and sponsored by IndyPL – Central Library. Meeting every Monday, this program continues to foster a love for the game while providing a welcoming space for players of all levels.
A huge thank you to IndyPL – Central Library, along with Jordan William Hunt, Charlie Cain, and Leah Kim, for their hard work in making this event possible. The dedication of the library staff who organize and support the Books & Rooks program is truly invaluable, and their efforts continue to make a difference in the lives of many chess players. A special shout-out to Kojo, Head of Security, for ensuring a quiet and focused tournament environment by diligently guarding the tournament room. His efforts played a key role in maintaining the perfect atmosphere for competitive chess.
A heartfelt thank you to all the players, parents, and spectators who participated, supported, and contributed to making this event so enjoyable! It was a fantastic day filled with excitement and learning.
We hope IndyPL comes up with another, even bigger tournament like this in the near future! Until then, keep playing and remember: Win or Learn!
