by Pedro Miguel
In the heart of a city that never seems to slow down, among the towering skyscrapers of Chicago and the constant shimmer of the river that runs through it, a group of students from Berkeley Springs experienced far more than a tournament, they experienced a true test of character, endurance, and passion.
From March 27 to 29, at the U.S. Chess Nationals held in the elegant Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, the Berkeley Springs High School chess team faced one of the most demanding stages in scholastic chess in the United States. They arrived riding the momentum of having been crowned West Virginia state champions just a week earlier, but what they encountered there exceeded all expectations.
The team, made up of seniors Brian Ailor, Brody Gloyd, Adam O’Brien, and Joseph Guzman-Robles; juniors Rylee Sauter and Malcolm Johns; sophomore Dylan Stewart; and freshman Moises Guzman-Robles, competed in the U1200 section.
Seven grueling rounds, games lasting up to three hours, three days in which there was barely time for anything beyond playing, eating, and sleeping. It was completely new territory for all of them.
And yet, they rose to the challenge.
With a total of 11.5 points, they finished 27th out of 52 teams. On paper, that might seem like a solid result… but in reality, it was extraordinary. Just half a point, a single draw, separated them from 25th place and a team trophy. Half a point that shows just how close Berkeley Springs came to achieving that goal.
At the midpoint of the tournament, they had even climbed to an impressive 19th place, proving they could compete head-to-head with far more established programs. But the physical and mental toll, combined with the strength and experience of their opponents, ultimately took its toll in the final rounds.
And that is precisely what makes their achievement even more meaningful.
This is not a team that comes from a structured chess program. They do not have the infrastructure or specialized resources of schools like Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in New York City, or the highly developed scholastic chess programs found across Illinois, where many schools benefit from dedicated coaches, regular competition circuits, and long-standing traditions of competitive excellence, often supported at the district level.
Many of those teams arrived with deep rosters and extensive institutional backing. And yet, Berkeley Springs High School made it this far through effort, passion, and the strong support of their community. It is impossible not to imagine how far they could go with access to a dedicated and structured chess program capable of developing that talent even further.
Beyond the results, what they experienced in Chicago was truly transformative. Between rounds, they walked along the famous Magnificent Mile, took in the views of the Chicago River and the vast Lake Michigan from the hotel’s glass windows, right beside the luxurious Chicago Ballroom where each move on the board could change the course of a game.
There were also moments to enjoy: the iconic Chicago-style pizza became a well-earned reward after long days of intense concentration.
But if anything defines this team, it is their attitude.
After every game, instead of settling, they gathered to analyze their play, searching for mistakes and ways to improve. They shared laughs, conversations, and experiences with players from across the country, building friendships and broadening their horizons.
Team captain Brody Gloyd embodied that competitive and resilient spirit, delivering a brilliant attacking game and checkmate in the final round to finish with 3.5 points—a strong 50% score in such a demanding tournament.
Competitive chess, especially for young players, does more than sharpen cognitive skills like concentration, memory, and strategic thinking; it builds discipline, emotional resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. This team demonstrated all of those qualities.
Throughout the event, they felt the unwavering support of their families, Morgan County Schools, and organizations such as Morgan County Partnership and Berkeley Springs Pride. That support proved essential in sustaining their effort through the toughest moments.
By the end, they were physically and mentally exhausted, but also deeply proud.
Because they gave everything.
Because they represented West Virginia and Berkeley Springs with dignity.
Because, in their first experience at this level, they proved they belong on that stage.
And because they are already thinking about coming back.
Coming back stronger. Better prepared. More ambitious.
What they achieved is not just a result. It is a statement.
And every one of us should feel proud of them.
photos courtesy of Pedro Miguel
