Thomas Jessop has been playing chess since he was 6. Now at 14, he’s heading to Virginia to compete in the national chess competition in July.
Jessop, who moved with his family from Canada to Edgar about two years ago and is homeschooled, began playing chess with his father before joining a chess club.
It was there that he realized just how much he enjoyed chess, and began his eventual eight-year journey.
To get to nationals, Jessop first had to take on the competition at the Omaha Scholastic Chess Championship on May 18. In order to compete in this event, a person must have a USA Chess Federation membership, which the Jessop family has.
After winning against the 12 students in his division at the Omaha competition, Jessop punched his ticket to nationals in Norfolk, VA, July 27-30. There will be six rounds, and competitors are required to play all six.
Jessop said his favorite part of chess is winning and the feeling that comes with it.
His mother, Raluca Jessop, said it’s [chess] something he’s good at, and when you find something you’re good at and win, there’s a feeling of satisfaction that follows.
While in-play practice comes less these days due to their location, Jessop and his brothers can often be found playing online with friends in Omaha each Wednesday.
Jessop also competed on a local level, having earned first place in Division 6 in Hastings in March. His brothers, William and Edward, also earned first place in their respective divisions, 4 and 5, at the same event.
