Bronx’s Chess Club Moves in Morrisania

Morrisania clicked last night with the Bronx’s Chess Club, checkmating NYC’s spring at a rec hall. Player Jay Patel took a rook as 80 played, a $10 meet for board buffs. It’s borough brains—pure BX vibe, pieces hot. A kid lost a pawn; a pro claimed check. ‘Bronx thinks—this is it,’ Patel says, resetting boards. The tables turned arena.

The club’s fresh—March 24’s start, it tripled since RSVPs, packing seats by 6 p.m. Patel’s a Fordham master; last night’s crowd hit max—clocks ticked. A latecomer nabbed a spot; moves flew—NYC grit glowed. Games hit 20—strategy ruled. #BronxChessClub trended; Queens wants a knight.

Some griped—’Too quiet,’ sniped a loudmouth, dodging silence. Space pinched—latecomers stood; focus held. A rival’s pitching a Soundview match, splitting boards. Still, 100 stayed—checks reigned. Morrisania’s never moved so bold.

Patel’s teasing a tourney, maybe a park if spring bites. ‘NYC’s game—this plays it,’ he says, packing pieces. The club’s a Bronx win—grit meets mind. It’s a chess rush; join the next. Bring a set—moves call.