Patterson Chess News 5/13/2025 Patterson First Ever Performance at SuperNationals a Win
The Patterson chess team was able to take six players to “SuperNationals” in Orlando, Florida this weekend. The tournament is called “SuperNationals” because it is the largest scholastic chess event and it only takes place every four years. More than 5,000 of the best chess players from around the country came together for four days of competition. Each game took between two and four hours. There were seven gruelling rounds in total.
And your Clippers pulled it off! Dominic Robinson, Brandon Lopez, Nathan Hernandez, Kaniya Gardner, Maverick Rodriguez and Randy Aquino brought home the gold. Nathan and Randy placed in the top 40, earning gigantic medals. Patterson got a top 25 place team trophy in the prestigious Under 1200 rating division. Everyone who competed walked away with medals, having earned at least two points.
These accomplishments are all the more impressive considering Patterson had to play with eight hands tied behind our backs. Due to changes in the environment in our country, several top players from Patterson were unable to join the team. But it isn’t over–Patterson will be taking these players to the citywide championship, and you can expect us to return with another trophy!
The Supernationals Experience
Our Clippers found ways to make the most of the experience in Florida, got a chance to test their mettle against several grandmasters in a lightning fast “bughouse” team event. Patterson players got to meet, talk to and learn from the best players ever to play chess, including Grandmaster Susan Polgar, the first female grandmaster in history. “That was the most fun I can remember having!” remarked one Patterson player.
There were also some firsts: everyone earned their “wings” by taking their first flight in a plane, and for many it was also the first time in Florida. For several, students took their first train ride. For all of us, it was our first (brief!) visit to Universal Studios. And for Patterson, it was not only the first time attending Supernationals, but the first time in the school’s 90 year history that Patterson has placed so highly at a national chess event.
A special thank you to all of our supporters: Baltimore City Schools, The Baltimore Kids Chess League (esp. Christina Soares), The Jaime Gervasi Team, Grant a Wish, Principal Myrick, Coach Martin, Mr. Cox and the entire Patterson family! It was life changing!!