Students Compete During Saisd’s 4th Annual Black History Month Chess Tournament at Sam Houston High School
San Antonio ISD’s Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Department hosted its 4th Annual Black History Month Chess Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Sam Houston High School. The event marked the second of three tournaments in the district’s annual Chess Tournament Series.
What began in 2017 as a simple initiative — bolstered by an SAISD Foundation grant to provide students with an intellectual outlet — has grown into a highly anticipated tradition. Throughout the school year, the GATE Department organizes three distinct tournaments: Día de los Muertos (October), Black History Month (February), and Chess Without Borders (April/May). Together, the events offer students a structured arena to test logic, patience, and resilience.
“These tournaments are about much more than winning a trophy,” said Mirinda Coleman, GATE Department Director. “They provide a unique space for our students to practice executive functioning skills. We are seeing students learn to manage time pressure, calculate risk, and handle setbacks with grace. The GATE Department is thrilled to facilitate this kind of real-world cognitive training.”
This year’s Black History Month tournament drew more than 200 students in grades K-12, representing nine school districts and 29 campuses — including 19 SAISD schools. The grueling five-round Swiss tournament format is designed to challenge students not only to compete, but to study and refine their approach to the game. Many participants spend weeks between tournaments analyzing famous matches and sharpening their openings.
“It was really challenging because you have to think three or four moves ahead,” said Cheri Tondre, Chess Tournament Director and GATE Instructional Specialist. “The best part is seeing these students grow and refine their chess skills.”
The Winner’s Circle
Primary (K/1)
First Place: Irving Dual Language Academy
Second Place: Advanced Learning Academy
Third Place: Rodriguez Montessori
Lower Elementary (2/3)
First Place: Advanced Learning Academy
Second Place: Mission Academy
Third Place: Irving Dual Language Academy
Upper Elementary (4/5)
First Place: Graebner Elementary
Second Place: Japhet Academy
Third Place: Irving Dual Language Academy
Middle School
First Place: Hawthorne Academy
Second Place: Cotton Academy
Third Place: Irving Dual Language Academy
High School
First Place: ALA/CAST Tech/Fox Tech
Second Place: Whittier MS (congratulations for competing well against older students!)
Third Place: Burbank High School
The Gifted and Talented Department extended its gratitude to the staff, parents, and volunteers who make the three-tournament series possible. By prioritizing events that blend social connection with rigorous mental competition, the department continues to champion the holistic development of its students.
