A COLCHESTER club named after a popular chess move is determined to put the city on the international chess map.
E2-E4, also known as The King’s Pawn, is one of the most popular opening moves of a chess game.
It is also the inspiration behind a chess club in Colchester, which has seen a meteoric rise in members, going from only four to 100 players since 2023.
Jay Rusecki, 41, founded the club after an unsuccessful online search for a club.
He said: “I’ve always loved playing chess, and I started playing at the age of 13 at school. I became a four-time champion there and later became the number five in Lithuania.
“20 years ago, when I came to Colchester, I played for the Colchester Chess Club and was invited to play for Essex.”
Inspired by his own love for chess and the soviet comedy movie The Twelve Chairs, Jay’s personal struggles led him to create a unique space in the city centre.
Starting with a simple invitation on social media, the club has now become a cornerstone of the Colchester chess community with regular matches, team games and coaching available.
The club, which runs under an open to everyone policy, initially started out without a junior division, but a number of youngsters showed interest and were welcomed with open arms.
Its youngest player is now only seven years old.
Taking in younger players has been a win all around, Jay said.
He said: “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from parents about their children’s behaviour and how it improved at home and at school after they started with us.”
Offering young people a safe space is not the only goal, as the club sees itself as a mental health hub, too.
Whether it is struggling with mental health issues, autism or even physical disabilities, E2-E4 is a place where everyone can play.
But not only that, they can achieve their dreams, as did one member known as Martin, who has been a part of the club since its beginnings.
Jay said: “Martin has been with us since day one. His physical disability makes it difficult for him to move the pieces, but last week, he played his first league game and won.
“Seeing the happiness all over his face from achieving this has brought tears to my eyes.”
Whether it is just for fun, or for ambitious players to compete on league level, the club offers opportunities for players of all levels.
The club would not be where it is today if it was not for David York, 73, who was taught how to play by his older brother on a board of snakes-and-ladders on top of a beer barrel in a pub.
David, who is well-known in the local chess community, equipped the club with high quality chess boards and pieces.
Secretary Chris Lane, 61, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to David and everything he has done for us.
“He has provided us with great boards and pieces and has been an asset to the club.”
Chess, which has been perceived as a male-dominated sport, has the habit of coming back into fashion, David said.
He said: “Chess goes in booms and no booms. Right now, we have a boom. The last big boom was when Bobby Fisher won the World Championships against Boris Spassky.
“Back then, almost every school had a chess club.”
Popular shows such as The Queens Gambit on Netflix, but also the pandemic, have added to the popularity of chess over time.
Looking into the future of the club, secretary Chris is hoping to lead equality in the sport.
He said: “We are 95 per cent men at the club, it’s a shame but there is no reason as to why it should stay like this.
“There are women and girls who are terrific players and we would love to see them at the club.”
Jay’s vision goes even further, as he aspires to make Colchester the city of chess, as David put it.
“I haven’t been very vocal about this,” Jay said. “But I would love to turn the club into an academy for chess.
“Definitely, keep the club for those who want to have fun, but it would be great to have a place to nourish talent, and make Colchester known for chess.
“Colchester needs a local hero, that happens in every sport. See Lewis Richardson, who brought home a bronze medal, and every boxing club was packed.
“We need a grandmaster or exceptional player, and just for them to visit the clubs just once and that would bring a boom.”
The first step in getting the attention of the big players has been made, as Jay revealed the club received an exclusive video of Magnus Carlsen's, Norwegian grandmaster and No.1 player in the world, trophy room by his father and coach, congratulating the club.
Before the academy becomes a reality, the club is thriving to become a charity and a community space, supporting those who struggle.
Supported by Autism Anglia, the club wants to expand its services and work together with the NHS, focusing on mental health needs.
Until then, anyone who is interested in learning how to play chess, play casually or bring his skills to the next level is welcome to come along to the sessions every Tuesday from 4.30pm to 9pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre in Fennings Chase.
For more information about the club, the latest news and to get in touch with Jay and Chris visit https://www.e2e4colchester.uk/#.
Share