Student Volunteers Needed TODAY for Grade Level State Championship Chess Tournament (Chess knowledge is helpful but not necessary)

Sunday, November 09 2025

• **** Volunteer at the 2-day CalChess Grade Level Championship Chess Tournament! *****

CHESS IS BACK!

Bay Area Chess is hosting the 2025–2026 CalChess Scholastic Grade Level Championship the 2nd weekend of November (Nov 09, 2025) at the Sonesta Silicon Valley Hotel in Milpitas (off I-880 near the BAC Office) — and we need awesome student volunteers to help make it happen!

This is a great opportunity for high school students (ages 14–19) to earn community service hours, gain event experience, and be part of one of the largest and most respected chess organizations in the country.

• Volunteer Shifts **

We need a small team of volunteers to help the event run smoothly. You can sign up for one or more shifts:

• Friday, Nov 07 (Setup): 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• Saturday, Nov 08 (Tournament Day #1):
• Morning Shift: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Afternoon Shift: 12:15 PM – 5:15 PM
• Sunday, Nov 09 (Tournament Day #2):
• Morning Shift: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Afternoon Shift: 1:15 PM – 6:15 PM

(Exact times might vary slightly.)

• Location **

Sonesta Silicon Valley Hotel (Enter from the one story building in the back)

1820 Barber Lane, Milpitas, CA 95035 (Near the BAC office in San Jose)

(Free on-site parking; avoid parking in the street)

• What You’ll Do **
• Volunteers help keep the tournament organized and enjoyable for players and families. Tasks may include:
• Setting up and taking down tables, chairs, and chess boards
• Greeting players and families as they arrive
• Helping post or remove pairings and results
• Keeping the play area clean and organized
• Directing players and parents to the right areas
• Notifying Tournament Directors (TDs) if players need assistance

(Don’t worry—you won’t have to make rulings or interfere with games!)

• * Requirements & Guidelines **
• Be punctual, polite, and professional — you represent Bay Area Chess!
• No phone use or socializing during your shift.
• Follow staff and TD instructions at all times.
• Maintain a quiet, respectful environment in tournament rooms.
• Masks may be required if health guidelines change.

Volunteers working 5+ hours will receive a 30-minute lunch break (not volunteering time). All hours can count toward school volunteer or community service requirements.

• About Bay Area Chess **

Bay Area Chess is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of “Transforming lives through chess.”

We were named 2018 U.S. Chess Club of the Year and have been the #1 U.S. Chess Federation affiliate west of Texas for over 15 years.

Learn more at bayareachess.com

• Ready to Volunteer? **

If you’re interested in helping out (and earning volunteer hours!), please reserve your space now, and we'll see you at the event:

Thank you for helping make this championship a success — we couldn’t do it without amazing volunteers like you!

tournament info: https://www.google.com/url?q=http://bayareachess.com/calchess&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1762682452100454&usg=AOvVaw0FsH0uNSgcszfu3JurvkYV