Tangi Chess Club: A Growing Community in Downtown Hammond

Tangi Chess Club Grows in Popularity in Downtown Hammond

Chess enthusiasts in downtown Hammond have been flocking to Cate Square on Saturday mornings to witness the fierce competition happening at Tangi Chess Club. What started as a casual hobby amid the pandemic in 2020 has now grown into a thriving community of 25 members.

The club was founded by Tony Fagan, regional director of O’Reilly Auto Parts, who discovered his passion for chess during the COVID lockdown. Inspired by world-renowned chess player Hikaru Nakamura, Fagan began teaching himself strategies and playing with coworkers. His dedication to the game led him to Cate Square, where he would challenge park-goers to a round of chess.

One of Fagan’s regular opponents is Pete Danker, a community member who teaches chess at the Tangi Library. Together, they have been instrumental in growing the club and introducing new players like Brogan Kenney, a young man who recently started learning the game.

In addition to their weekly games at Cate Square, Tangi Chess Club also hosts tournaments twice a year. The upcoming tournament on Feb. 8 at Main Street Dance promises to be an exciting event, with cash prizes for winners in both the novice/kids division and the professional/adults division.

Fagan is not only focused on the club’s growth but also on giving back to the community. He has sponsored chess clubs in local schools and hopes to expand this initiative to more institutions. Tangi Chess Club is open to players of all backgrounds and skill levels, welcoming anyone with a desire to learn and play chess.

If you’re interested in joining Tangi Chess Club, you can find them on chess.com or contact Pete Danker or Tony Fagan for more information. So, grab your chessboard and head to Cate Square for a morning of strategic gameplay and friendly competition.