Chess Champs Coach Township Children

Checkmate.

It's a word that can immediately to mind a mix of strategic maneuvers and mental fortitude. It's a phrase often heard from the mouths of cheesy action thriller heroes and sinister villains.

But on Tuesdays starting in late September, the word will fall into common use as Montville Recreation Department's longstanding chess program kicks off its next season.

The chess program was initiated in Montville in the spring of 1997 by the Recreation Department and Michael Khodarkovsky, the Director of International World Chess Academy. He had been running a nearby program at the time and was excited to bring that fervor to Montville.

"It's quite a long-term program," Khodarkovsky said. Students in first through twelfth grade have been coached in setting that have swelled from 40 students a class to 20 or so during the spring sports seasons over the years.

"One of the goals I strive for the recreation deptartment is to provide all types of leisure activities so the perception is not just sports," said recreation director Maryann Witty. "There has been a steady response so the program is an annual offering."

Though classes are typically attended by children in elementary school, older students in middle and high school who grew up with the program will return to the field house's boards to play.

"If you enjoy competition, you stay a little longer," Khodarkovsky said.

Khodarkovsky learned to play chess when he was five years old hasn't stopped. Not only does he teach in public and private school across New York and New Jersey with his academy, but he also serves as Vice President of the Kasparov Chess Foundation and coaches U.S. national teams.

"I still enjoy coaching, teaching, writing and analyzing games," he said.

Classes are held for eight Tuesdays starting September 21 at the community park's field house on 130 Changebridge Road. The cost is $105.00 a person per eight week session. Two separate classes are held each evening for beginners and returning students and are taught by International Ranked Chess Master Roland Yakobashvili.

Khodarkovsky has worked with Roland for several years and spoke highly of his work with his students.

"He's a very devoted chess coach and chess teacher," he said.

Khodarkovsky sees chess as a sport that can challenge and engage as well as a game that can be enjoyed recreationally by many.

"It's quite interactive," he said.

It's a game that teaches students how to strategize and think logically both in a classroom and in everyday life situations. And it also teaches ownership – for a player's moves and actions across the board.

"You're always responsible for your moves," he said.

But as a kid, like most, he just enjoyed playing the game. Like riding a bike or learning to catch a baseball, a player can always come back to the chessboard.

"It's always with you," he said.

And there is always time to become a chess player.

"The best way to learn is to come and join the program," Khodarkovsky said. "We're positively certain they'll have fun."

For more information or to register, call Recreation at 973-331-3305 or visit www.montvillenj.org.