Seniors Connor Hannon and John Kinney’s passion for chess didn’t start by staring at a board, but by staring at a screen.

For the club’s creators, Hannon and Kinney, the app “chess.com” along with the increased popularity of the game led to the formation of a new club.

“I and about 10 other friends played the game on our phones together,” Hannon said. “After a while we all wanted to start playing using real boards at the school.”

After establishing the support for the club, Hannon said the hardest part of forming the organization was getting it authorized by the school.

“We really struggled actually getting the club authorized; it took way longer than we expected,” Hannon said.

Sophomore Danny Decker said his interest for chess ignited last year while playing in the media center and the club has helped him improve.

“One day I was at the media center and some of my friends were playing chess so I decided to play along,” Decker said. “I got beat at first but it sparked my interest to play more often to improve my skills.”

Senior Graham Larson said despite being inexperienced in the game, he still has a good time playing and learning with friends.

“The fact that there are people of every skill level makes for fun games,” Larson said.

Hannon said he hopes the younger classes of students will keep the love for the game alive after he graduates this year.

“I really hope the club lasts for over a year,” Hannon said. “We put a lot of time in so I hope other people can have fun with it as well.

The club meets every Wednesday at 3:30 in B134. Interested students can feel free to join their next meeting.