On June 7, 2026, Chess+Math Lab co-founder Alexander Meng organized a five-round double Swiss blitz tournament at the Belmont Public Library. The tournament drew a strong turnout of 27 players spanning a wide range of ages and skill levels. Throughout the tournament, participants played a total of 88 United States Chess Federation (USCF)-rated games and 12 unrated games, creating a vibrant and competitive environment for both experienced players and those newer to chess tournaments.

The enthusiasm from the community was remarkable. Several participants reached out after the event to ask when the next tournament would be held, reflecting the strong demand for accessible local chess opportunities. In addition, a number of Belmont seniors stopped by to observe the games and expressed interest in future chess activities. This shows the broad appeal of chess as a lifelong learning and community-building activity. By offering free chess events in a welcoming public space, the tournament provided opportunities for participants to develop critical thinking, strategic reasoning, problem-solving skills, and sportsmanship while building meaningful social connections.

We are grateful to the Belmont Public Library for providing an outstanding venue where community members come together to learn, compete, and connect through chess. The success of this inaugural event demonstrates a strong interest in community-based chess programming and reinforces Chess+Math Lab’s commitment to expanding access to educational and enriching chess opportunities for learners of all ages.