The chess club at the HCC Ybor campus is in a time of transition, according to the chess club advisor and Ybor Campus President, Dr. Shawn Robinson. Looking to expand their roster and the minds of its members, the Chess club is offering tournaments every Tuesday and Thursday, from around 10:30a.m- 3p.m., according to the Ybor City Campus website. The club is open to anyone willing to challenge themselves and those around them.

  “When you play chess, you have to keep two, three, or four steps ahead of the player. You kind of have to see what’s happening in their mind,” said Robinson. “It teaches you to think like other people… and it teaches you to control your emotions. It’s a great game for these kinds of intangibles.”

  The Chess club’s main objective this semester is to get the club at the Ybor campus strong again and get students enthusiastic about playing chess. After a huge turn-over last year, with most of the members transferring to four-year universities, the club is “really in a re-building phase, as with many clubs here on campus. It is based on the members, their involvement and enthusiasm,” said Robinson.

  Robinson became the Chess Club advisor after a student and Chess club president, Amis Brown, approached him five years ago. “Amis approached me because he knew I was into chess in high school. I have chess sets here in my office and trophies from when I was in school myself. I’ve been playing chess since I was in elementary school. I don’t remember a time I didn’t play chess,” said Robinson. Robinson’s dad taught him to play chess when he was a child and has been involved in it ever since; competing in high school, buying books to study maneuvers and strategy.

  Dr. Robinson has advised the club alongside Wilson Rodriguez-Colon, going on three years now. “He has been very active with the group, he’s been able to really move it to the next level,” said Robinson. Rodriguez-Colon has had the club competing against different campuses and colleges in the past, organizing tournaments between the Ybor and Dale Mabry campuses, as well as matches against the University of Tampa. The club is currently trying to bring back the matches and level of enthusiasm and competitiveness it had in previous years. Plans are underway to bring back tournaments once the club is strong enough, reaching out to The University of South Florida and The University of Tampa for possible tournaments.

  “Chess helps your mind grow and maintain different processes,” said Robinson. The game of chess nurtures a great strength that you cannot find in a gym; the strength of one’s mind, undeniably the most paramount muscle of the human body.  If you are looking for a challenge, a chance to better your mind, or a good time with new friends, go down to the plaza next time the club is playing and pick up a game.