What started as a single chess lesson from his father one night at the age of seven has led to a trip to the National Tournament of K-3 State Champions for MMS student Julian Schmidt. Julian will represent the state of West Virginia and MMS as he competes against students from across the country in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 3-6 and takes our very best wishes with him!

Julian has been studying and playing a chess like a champ ever since that first lesson and has won the West Virginia Scholastic Chess K-3 Championship three years in a row. He’s working diligently this summer to prepare for the national competition, playing in challenging tournaments and practicing with online chess lessons and puzzles, striving to always think ahead and anticipate his opponent’s next move.

 He’ll be right at home in Grand Rapids, citing tournaments and staying in hotels as some of the highlights of his chess experience thus far. Julian plans to continue playing his whole life with the goal of becoming a Grand Master.

Julian is the son of Ty Schmidt and Shawnette D'Arco.

Julian is a member of the MMS Chess Team, which earned numerous awards last season, including WV Scholastic Chess K-3 State Champion!

Congratulations and good luck!