Aldine ISD Shines at Citywide Chess Tournament With Top Team and Individual Finishes

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Aldine ISD students made all the right moves at the Scholastic Houston Chess Association Tournament on April 26, hosted at Impact Leadership Academy. With nearly 300 students competing citywide — including 160 students from 16 Aldine campuses — teams across the district delivered standout performances at every level.

“The students’ success at the citywide chess tournament has not only bolstered their confidence and positive outlook, but also filled us all with pride and inspiration,” said Betzabel De La Rosa, Aldine ISD’s district chess coach. “Chess is an equalizer, and the students have built lifelong cherished memories through their involvement in the chess program.”

In the tournament, 1 point is awarded for every victory, .5 for a stalemate or tie, and 0 for a loss.

Aldine ISD Team Standings

High School Level

• • 1st Place — Eisenhower High School with 13.5 points
  • 2nd Place — Blanson CTE High School with 12 points
  • 3th Place (tied) — Avalos P-TECH School with 11 points

Middle School Level

• • 1st Place — Impact Leadership Academy with 18 points
  • 2nd Place — Shotwell Middle School with 13.5 points
  • 3rd Place — Houston Academy with 13 points

Elementary School Level

• • 1st Place — Kujawa Elementary School with 18 points
  • 3rd Place — Stehlik Elementary School with 15.5 points
  • 5th Place — Impact Leadership Academy with 14 points

“These results reflect the hard work, discipline, and leadership our students are developing through chess,” said De La Rosa.  “Chess continues to grow in Aldine, and we’re so proud of what our teams accomplished.”

One highlight came from Jesús Valadez, an Avalos P-TECH student who earned fifth place individually out of 262 participants. Jesús began playing at Carmichael Elementary School in third grade, where he was coached by De La Rosa and Jorge R. Salazar. The longtime chess enthusiast won four of five rounds — all participants played five rounds — and helped propel his school to a top-five finish.

The tournament was particularly meaningful for campuses like Avalos P-TECH, Grantham Academy, and Plummer Middle School — schools that do not yet have formal chess coaches but were still able to participate under Coach De La Rosa’s guidance. Avalos P-TECH School had four students, but they collectively walked away with 11 victories.

Through the support of the Advanced Academics Department‘s dedicated chess coaches, Aldine ISD’s chess program continues to thrive, offering elementary to high school students opportunities to compete in local, state, and national events. Beyond the trophies, chess fosters critical thinking, focus, sportsmanship, and confidence — skills that translate far beyond the chessboard.

“Time and time again, we witness teams forming, friendships blossoming, and students developing a true competitive spirit,” shared De La Rosa. “Through chess, they learn that their actions have consequences, what it means to win and lose gracefully, and, most importantly, how to have fun. Chess offers an outlet for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to compete in traditional sports or activities. It is truly the sport of leaders.”

Benefits of Chess:

• • Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Players must plan ahead, anticipate their opponent’s moves, and adapt strategies.
  • Boosts memory and concentration: Chess requires remembering rules, moves, and past strategies, sharpening short- and long-term memory.
  • Improves decision-making under pressure: Players learn to make wise choices quickly, even with high stakes.
  • Teaches patience and discipline: Success in chess demands careful thought, focus, and staying calm.
  • Encourages creativity: Players often need to think outside the box and come up with innovative strategies.
  • Fosters resilience and sportsmanship: Chess wins and losses teach perseverance, humility, and the value of learning from mistakes.
  • Promotes academic success: Studies show a positive correlation between chess and improved math, reading, and cognitive skills.

Upcoming District Chess Tournament

Next, Aldine ISD will host its annual District Chess Tournament on May 17 at Blanson CTE High School from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., where student strategists will again showcase their talents and passion for the game. The tournament is open only to Aldine ISD students. Students can register with the chess coach on campus or email De La Rosa at [email protected].

District Tournament Registration Link: https://shorturl.at/qcsGd