The Kenilworth Chess Club has kicked off their 2018 season celebrating its 45th year anniversary. On hand for the festivities was Linden native Andy Wolman, one of the funding members. Wolman has been a fixture in Clark, New Jersey where he owned and operated his barber shop Checkmates Hairstyling, from 1976 to 2012. He still cuts hair in Clark at Mane Expressions, just a one block down from his old shop on Westfield Avenue. Wolman is one of the sole founding members still active in the club, others passed away or relocated.
The club was formed in 1972 amid the chess craze in America spearheaded by Bobby Fischer’s march to the world championship. For 45 years the club was a force to reckoned with as its member roster included many Master level players, including State Champions.
The club has a reputation for being friendly and accommodating. It welcomes non-members with no obligation or cost. It’s a place where beginners can learn in a casual setting without being intimidated. Strong players are generous with their time in analyzing and giving instruction.
The club’s website, kenilworthchessclub.org, is well read and features an award-winning blog by Michael Goeller and other instructional features. Players are welcome to just pop into the Kenilworth Chess Club with no formalities every Thursday evening at 8 p.m. at the Kenilworth Community Center located next to Borough Hall on the Boulevard and the corner of 24th Street.
(above, l-r) Life-master and 12-time Kenilworth Club Champion Scott Massey, with one of the founding members of the club, Andy Wolman.
(above, l-r) The founders of the Kenilworth Chess Club from 1973: Herman Arasio, Ed Hoag, George Zayat, Unknown, Bobby Small, and Richard Lawrence; (l-r, bottom) Michael Wojcio, Vinnie Smith, Andy Wolman, and Sy Fish.
(above, sitting, r-l) John Moldovan, Ed Selling, Scott Messey, Andy Wolman, Dave Lazarus, Pat Mazzillo, and Howard Osterman. (sitting, l-r) Mark Kernaghan, Joe Renna, Greg Tomkovich, Geoff McAuliffe, Paul Gottlieb, and Joseph Dovydaitis. (front row children, l-r) Alex and Audrey Hu.
