AUA Chess Club Reaches New Heights

2 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia — On December 9, 2023, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Chess Club, with the support of club adviser and Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering Dean Dr. Aram Hajian and the Chess Academy of Armenia, held the 2023 Fall Chess Tournament. Around 40 participants, including students, faculty, and staff, took part in the event.

In a competitive atmosphere, the participants competed in nine rounds. Veronika Khachatryan (BSDS ’26) secured first place with the highest score, while Gor Piliposyan (BAB ’27) and Tigran Ghazaryan (BAB ’26) came second and third, respectively. Club leader Kristine Smbatyan (BAB ’24) awarded the winners their medals and certificates. 

The event was a success, as the club reached its objective of fostering interest in chess among the students as well as identifying potential new members. 

This event followed the AUA Chess Club’s successful performance at the Russian-Armenian University (RAU) Chess Competition and the Collegiate Chess League. Smbatyan took first place at the RAU tournament, and Eduard Israyelyan (BSES ’27) took the second prize in the men’s category earlier in November. 

The AUA team of six also won the fifth division at the Collegiate League, an online international chess tournament. This year, the team improved its position in the League; as such, it will compete in the fourth division in the upcoming round.

Closing out a year of remarkable accomplishments, on December 23, three AUA teams participated in the Chess Tournament organized by AlfaPharm and the Chess Academy of Armenia. The University’s Team 2 won the tournament, marking the final team achievement of 2023.

The AUA chess community is thriving, as students seize opportunities to represent the University and achieve impressive individual and team results.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.