Chess King Returns To His Old Castle
by Michael Ward
Mr. Jon Rigai currently holds a United States Chess Federation (USCF) Expert 2000 rating. For those who arent familiar with USCF rankings, this is the equivalent to attaining a college degree in Chess; 95% of chess players will never achieve a higher title.
Jon Rigai is the real deal, and here are a few accomplishments to prove it. Jon tied for second place in the 2021 New York State Championship, tied for third place in the 2021 Atlantic Open in Virginia, tied for fourth place in the 2019 World Open, tied for first place in the National Chess Congress in 2010 and tied for first place in the Liberty Bell Open in 2013. Apart from his individual accomplishments, he led Columbus Elementary of New Rochelle to first place at the K-6 section of the 2019 Elementary Chess Nationals and Bronxville Elementary to sixth place in the K-6 Championship section of the 2016 Elementary Chess Nationals. He is bilingual and speaks both English and Hebrew. Last but not least, he graduated from York Prep in 1996.
Jon Rigai is the real deal, and here are a few accomplishments to prove it. Jon tied for second place in the 2021 New York State Championship, tied for third place in the 2021 Atlantic Open in Virginia, tied for fourth place in the 2019 World Open, tied for first place in the National Chess Congress in 2010 and tied for first place in the Liberty Bell Open in 2013. Apart from his individual accomplishments, he led Columbus Elementary of New Rochelle to first place at the K-6 section of the 2019 Elementary Chess Nationals and Bronxville Elementary to sixth place in the K-6 Championship section of the 2016 Elementary Chess Nationals. He is bilingual and speaks both English and Hebrew. Last but not least, he graduated from York Prep in 1996.
At York Prep, Jon was well-known and well-liked. He was a key player on the basketball team. Mr. Abba, current Director of Technology and former Basketball Coach, said, “It was fascinating for me to see him after so many years. I had no idea of his interest or talent in chess. I was so pleased to see that he had developed in that area and wanted very much to share his knowledge of the game to others.”
Jon began playing Chess as a teenager while playing basketball in Israel during the summer. One day, he decided to take an alternative route home from practice. On his way, he noticed a group of men playing Chess. He was instantly intrigued and wanted to find out more about the strategic game they were playing. Once one of the men agreed to show him the ropes, he was hooked. When the summer ended, and Jon returned back to the U.S. and York Prep, he wasn’t ready to let Chess go. When he got back to school, Jon approached his Math teacher, Mr. Denton Weatherhill, who agreed to supervise club meetings. Thus, the first ever York Prep Chess Club was formed in the Fall of 1994.
Excitement spread like wildfire amongst the current Chess Club members when they heard the news that Jon would be coming to a meeting to give a masterclass. Jon did not disappoint. He led a group lesson, teaching about strategy, logic and about his own style when playing chess. The York students couldn’t wait to show their stuff and broke off into games of their own with Jon observing and advising them as the game played out. The tension in the library was palpable. Everyone wanted to impress, and I think it’s safe to say that everyone’s game elevated just from Jon being in the room.
If you are interested in joining the Chess Club, meetings are on a Monday at lunchtime in the library. Everyone, beginner to grand master, is welcome.
The York Prep Chess Club would like to express our gratitude to Jon for sharing his passion with us. We wish him the very best for the future and hope to see him again.
“When I ask my students a question, they must not only answer it but be able to explain it in full. That way it proves they have full mastery of the topic at hand,” says Jon.
