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Philadelphia Eagles third-year linebacker Akeem Jordan stopped by Lincoln Financial Field Thursday afternoon. Being spring, he didn’t have to worry about delivering devastating tackles, or memorizing the newest defensive schemes in the playbook. When a rare off day comes around, he enjoys a rousing game of chess.
"I grew up playing in Virginia. I was kind of shy about playing in my neighborhood, but I have loved the game for as long as I can remember," Jordan said while fulfilling the numerous autograph requests from his young fans.
On this day, defeating Cowboys and Giants was secondary to taking out kings.
Lincoln Financial Field, a facility accustomed to touchdowns and field goals, transformed into a battlefield for checkmates, as more than 200 of the city’s top young chess whizzes competed in the Sixth Annual Eagles Chess Tournament. The participants, including many from South Philadelphia public schools, qualified by matching wits in the Philadelphia Scholastic Chess League and monthly Saturday tournaments.
After School Activities Partnerships (ASAP) coordinates the events and the Philadelphia Youth Chess Challenge, which brings together more than 3,500 students who comprise 263 clubs that play weekly at schools, libraries, shelters and recreation centers. Maria Walker, executive director for the nonprofit ASAP, said the program aims to "keep kids safe and active after school and in the summer through enrichment clubs and activities.
"The Eagles have sponsored the Philadelphia Youth Chess Challenge since 2004," Walker said. "We owe them our gratitude, as they have had the vision to make this tournament happen. This is our centerpiece event, and having the players here helps to create a serious atmosphere."
The Eagles Youth Partnership (EYP), the team’s charitable wing since 1995, sponsors the tournament, whose participants included third- through 12th-graders. EYP Executive Director Sarah Martinez-Helfman said chess is "a great game to use to teach children about risks involved in behaviors.
"These children learn to think several moves ahead. The Eagles Youth Partnership remains committed to supporting chess in the after school hours. We have watched this tournament grow. We started with only a few kids and today, we are welcoming more than 200 kids from 40 Chess Challenge clubs."
For some standouts like Bok junior and West Philadelphia resident Khyrie Benton, playing at the Linc came with the added bonus of squaring off against one of the Birds. Thursday, the student outsmarted the pro.
Following the defeat, Jordan noted his "brain had to warm up."
The 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker contested nearly a dozen games, winning all but one.
"That kid counter-attacked better than I did," Jordan said.
The win did not seem to shock Benton.
"I learned chess through constantly playing and beating people better than me," he said.
This event was nothing new to the students from Bregy Elementary, 17th and Bigler streets, as the seven-member squad was stacked with experience. Fourth-grader Eric Clopp 10, of the 2300 block of South 25th St., has been playing for nearly three years and defeated Mayor Michael Nutter at last month’s Second Annual PECO-ASAP Checkmate Violence 24-Hour Chess Marathon.
"I creamed Mayor Nutter," the confident Clopp said. "I played aggressively against him, like I do against everybody else."
The youngster took his victory in stride, nonchalantly saying that winning easily is "just what I do."
His success continued Thursday, as Clopp placed sixth in the elementary section.
The student credited his father for teaching him the game.
Bregy assistant coach Joanne Murray-Wilson noted playing in the different events helps the students develop.
"We travel to different schools, and our children gain valuable exposure to diversity," Wilson said. "We are molding well-rounded children."
The Academy at Palumbo, 1122 Catharine St., had four students compete in the high school division. Coach Ed Myers, who also teaches Spanish and Spanish culture at the school, said chess has become "quite popular" with students. It has fielded a team for three years, with this year marking its second as a member of the Philadelphia Scholastic Chess League.
The school’s top player, junior Nick Spinosi of the 3200 block of Chaucer St., described himself as "an attacker."
"Chess is my passion," he said.
"Nick is a very enthusiastic participant in our club," Myers added.
Teammate David Blocker, of the 1100 block of Christian Street said his father Panzio Blocker, a Palumbo assistant coach, taught him the game at the early age of 2.
"Chess helps me to handle situations carefully instead of recklessly," the 16-year-old said.
Playing at the Linc was a big deal for the six players from Bok, as the team made its league debut during the ’08-09 school year. It finished fifth in last week’s contest.
"This past year was our first in the league, and we finished third in the city. Khyrie is an indispensable part of our success," Coach Chris Nielsen noted.
He is looking forward to competing May 9 at the fifth annual Haverford College Chess Open.
Others are participating in the May 28 Philly Girls Play Chess Tournament, the area’s only all-girls chess tournament. The event features two-time American women’s chess champion and Philadelphia native Jennifer Shahade.
Bregy fifth-grader Ukyra Womack of the 2000 block of McKean street hopes to participate. Shahade and the 10-year-old prove that chess has garnered female interest too.
"My sister taught me when I was six. She taught me to fight hard and be aggressive," Womack said. "My favorite part of playing is winning."
In the high school non-rated section, Prep Charter junior Chandra Raharja finished fourth overall.
