Looking to make history with the Ateneo Chess Team

While chess may not be the most physical sport, it has no shortage of passionate players who give it their all to achieve success. It’s a test of mental strength and resilience. One move can change the entire course of a game. For the Ateneo Chess Team, they’re looking to set the right pieces to compete for championships. 

We got to talk with the team captains for Ateneo de Manila’s Women’s and Men’s Chess team, Kristine Mae Flores (5 AB Filipino Literature) and Khalil Kis-ing (3 BS Management) respectively alongside their team mate, Paul Matthew Llanillo (3 AB Interdisciplinary Studies). 

Their love for the game began early. Khalil, a seasoned player, started playing chess at the tender age of five. His breakthrough came during the 2016 Palarong Pambansa, where his performance caught the eye of scouts, leading to his recruitment into a high school team that played in the UAAP. This journey continued into his college years, where a scholarship offer from ADMU cemented his place in the chess team. 

Paul’s entry into the world of chess came later, during his first year of high school, learning from observing tricycle drivers in his community. His natural talent quickly shone through, and after placing in the top 3 at his first national tournament, he caught the attention of a coach who invited him to compete in Manila. This path eventually led him to the Ateneo Chess team after being discovered in Grade 11.

Coming from a financially unstable background and a broken family, Kristine found solace and purpose in chess, thanks to the guidance of a neighbor who introduced her to the sport. Recruited by ADMU during the pandemic, Kristine saw it as a fresh start and never looked back. 

The Ateneo Chess team prides itself on a culture that balances rigorous training with a strong sense of camaraderie. The men’s team emphasizes the importance of both mental and physical fitness, incorporating activities like basketball into their routine while the women’s team do regular jogging sessions to build endurance. "We’re full of banter and fooling around," they admit, but this light-heartedness is complemented by serious studying sessions that prepare them for the long hours of competitive play. 

Both teams highlight the importance of a holistic approach to training, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the physical and mental demands of competitions like the UAAP, where matches can last several hours. They conduct 2 types of study sessions. The first consists of different chess openings and puzzles provided by their coach. Each player is then expected to self-study throughout the day. The second is focused entirely on academics where everyone is encouraged to be part of group studies. This is done so that the more senior members of the team can help rookies adjust to the student-athlete life. 

Training for the Ateneo Chess team is intensive, especially during the UAAP season. Sessions start at 1 PM and can extend into the evening, involving puzzle solving, game analysis, and mock games. They use unique methods like blindfold training and endgame analysis to sharpen their skills and ensure that team members are always on their toes, ready to think fast and adapt to any situation.

In 2023, both the men’s and women’s teams achieved a podium finish in the UAAP, a historic first for Ateneo Chess. This achievement was particularly poignant for them, who noted the decades-long drought. “Everyone worked real hard for that place. We sacrificed a lot and it goes to show how it can pay off.” Khalil says. 

With the highs of competing, comes with the lows. The team faces significant challenges, including the loss of key members who were pivotal in their recent successes and financial constraints. Recruitment remains a tough task, having to race against other universities who heavily invest in prodigy players, but they continue to push forward. Kristine points out the academic pressures that add another layer to their training schedules, especially during the UAAP season, in which they begin preparing for as soon as the academic semester begins. 

Despite these challenges, the team’s goals are clear. Paul dreams of leading the team to its first championship. Khalil aims to secure more sponsorships and establish a stronger support structure for future teams. Kristine is focused on ensuring that the team maintains its podium finishes and on training the next generation of leaders.

For the members of the Ateneo Chess team, success in the sport goes beyond mere talent. Patience, discipline, and a relentless commitment to improvement are key. Before each of them say their final checkmate, they hope to solidify their time in the team as one worth putting in the history books.