Aldine ISD Chess Tournament Brings Together 174 Student Competitors

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Students from kindergarten through grade 12 showcased strategy at the annual tournament.

For one day, classrooms gave way to chessboards as 174 Aldine ISD students tested their strategy, focus, and decision-making skills at the district’s annual chess tournament in May at the Bamberg Professional and Resource Center.

The scholastic, non-rated tournament brought together students from 28 campuses in grades 1-12. Coordinated by Aldine ISD’s Advanced Academics Department, the event challenged students to think critically, make strategic decisions, and compete in a supportive environment across four divisions: primary, elementary, middle school, and high school.

“Chess gives students a chance to think several steps ahead, solve problems, and learn from every move,” said Dr. Susan Pelezo, Aldine ISD executive director of advanced academics. “Whether students are new to the game or experienced competitors, this tournament gives them a space to challenge themselves and celebrate academic competition.”

After five rounds, individual and team awards were presented in each division. In addition, every competing student received a pawn keychain as a keepsake from the tournament.

Kevin Díaz, science teacher at Blanson Career and Technical Education High School, and Rachel Roeper, information literacy specialist at Houston Academy, served as co-coordinators for the event.

In addition, Blanson CTE High School helped create a campus-supported event experience, with student clubs hosting fundraisers throughout the day. With support from a barbecue team, students sold ice cream, iced coffee, pizza, snacks, and hot dogs.

High School Level

At the high school level, Blanson CTE High School earned first place as a team with 17 points. Aldine High School/La Promesa placed second with 13 points, and Carver High School placed third with 12 points.

Middle School Level

In the middle school division, Impact Leadership Academy earned first place with 15.5 points, followed by Houston Academy with 14 points. Hoffman Middle School placed third with 13.5 points, and Plummer Middle School placed fourth with 10.5 points.

Elementary School Level (Grades 4-5)

Carmichael Elementary School earned first place in the elementary division for grades 4-5 with 16.6 points. Kujawa Elementary School placed second with 15 points, followed by Impact Leadership Academy with 14.5 points and Escamilla Elementary School with 10 points.

Primary School Level (Grades K-3)

In the primary division for students in kindergarten through third grade, Kujawa Elementary School and Impact Leadership Academy tied for first place with 13 points each. Marcella Elementary School placed third with 11 points, and Escamilla Elementary School placed fourth with 10.5 points.

The tournament reflected another chapter of the #AldineStory, showing how students across the district are sharpening their minds, building confidence, and discovering new ways to excel inside and outside the classroom.