Aylmer Chess Club: A Sunday sanctuary for strategy and socializing
Tashi Farmilo
Every Sunday, the Aylmer Chess Club transforms the second floor of the Robert-Middlemiss Pavilion at Parc des Cèdres into a buzzing hub of intellect and interaction. Located right by the scenic Aylmer Marina, the club, under the direction of Marcel Laurin, offers a perfect blend of leisure and learning, all free of charge.
From noon until 6 pm, chess enthusiasts at all skill levels—from the curious beginner to the seasoned expert—gather to hone their skills and enjoy the game's rich strategic layers. The club's primary mission is to introduce newcomers to the rules and strategies of chess, enriching their understanding and enhancing their gameplay.
For those new to the game, the club provides comprehensive training, starting from the basic rules to more advanced techniques like openings and key game principles. More experienced players can partake in friendly games or dive into competitive play with the club's monthly Flexi system tournaments. These events offer a flexible participation format, allowing players to attend as their schedules allow and compete against similarly skilled opponents. The tournaments, costing only $10, cater to different styles of play, including slow games with a 90-minute base time and semi-rapid games with a 25-minute base time. While there are no scholarships awarded, the competitive spirit and the chance to improve one's ranking draw many to these events.
The club not only focuses on individual skill development but also fosters a community spirit by encouraging players to take on roles such as coaching and refereeing. With support from the club, members can obtain their Level I or Senior Coaching certificate from the Fédération Québécoise des Échecs (FQE), opening opportunities to teach chess in schools or day camps. For those interested, there is also the chance to become an FQE-certified referee or learn about organizing chess tournaments and club management.
Whether local residents or visitors, all are invited to join the Aylmer Chess Club at this dream venue for chess. It is a place to challenge the brain, meet new friends, and enjoy the beauty of the Aylmer Marina. No registration is required; just a love for the game is needed. For more information on the club or to plan a visit, check out their website at echecs-aylmer.com. The vibrant community at the Robert Middlemiss Pavilion welcomes all every Sunday — where every game is a new adventure.
Photo caption: From the Wednesday, November 9, 2022, Aylmer Bulletin article: "Réouverture du club d’échecs d’Aylmer à la Marina: c’est gratuit pour tous!"
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Aylmer Chess Club
