History of the Marlboro Chess Club

It all began in 2021, during the pandemic, when people were confined to their homes, trying to navigate through those challenging times. Rakesh Chandwani, along with a few friends, started playing chess online as a way to stay connected and keep their spirits high. What began as a casual pastime soon turned into a source of immense joy and camaraderie, even though they were physically isolated in their living rooms. Chess brought them together, and it wasn't long before their small group of players grew into a vibrant online community. Inspired by this sense of connection, Rakesh decided to take the next step and officially form a chess club.

This is when Akshat Tewari, our Intermediate Class Teacher joined the club! He is currently a Junior at High Technology High School. In addition, his peak rating is 1801 (USCF). He is very experienced, and we are glad to have him at the club.

Fast forward to 2025, this club continues to thrive through the twenty-five members that attend, contribute, and make the classes worth it. Rakesh Chandwani (teacher of the Beginner 1 & 2 classes) and Akshat Tewari (teacher of the Advanced class) are very grateful for the opportunity to engaged and teach the younger generation of today. They hope that chess will keep our young ones will find & develop all the necessary cognitive and emotional skills through their love of chess, just as they have.