Historic Victory: Howard University Chess Team Clinches Pan-Am Championship and Earns Mayoral Recognition!

On March 1, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., Muriel Bowser, will honor the Howard University Chess Team for their recent win at the 2025 Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Championship. This celebration highlights the team’s incredible journey and accomplishments.

At the tournament held in Charlotte, North Carolina, Howard University made a significant mark in the Under-1800 Section, Division Five, by clinching first place. Not only did the team shine, but one of their standout players, Malik Castro-DeVarona, earned the title of Top Board Two player. Malik, a senior studying political science and sociology, impressively won every game he played.

“Winning all six games was a fantastic personal achievement,” Malik shared. “But it felt even better to play for Howard and with my friends.”

The Pan-Am Championship attracts top teams from across the nation, featuring many schools with rich chess traditions. Notably, Howard was the only historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the tournament.

Lawrence Custis, the chess club president and a mechanical engineering major, remembers when the chess program was just a small group meeting in a basement. “When I started at Howard, we were few, simply playing wherever we could. Now, we travel to national tournaments in cities like Charlotte, Seattle, and Austin,” he explained.

In preparation for the championship, the team worked closely with their coach, Jerald Times, an esteemed chess educator. His mentorship was crucial in helping the players refine their strategies and techniques.

Nisa Muhammad, the chess club advisor, emphasized the importance of their success: “This victory shows that Black students belong in this intellectual space and can excel,” she said.

Support from community members, like Jamal Abdul-Alim, a former chess journalist, has helped the club grow. He donated equipment and mentored the team. “Chess is often seen as dominated by white and Asian players. For an all-Black team from an HBCU to not only compete but to win is a powerful statement,” he remarked.

The upcoming mayoral proclamation will highlight the team’s achievements, stating that their award reflects extraordinary teamwork and skill, inspiring future generations in chess.

The Howard Chess Team’s journey is far from over. They will compete in the HBCU Chess Classic in Atlanta this April, aiming to carry their momentum from the Pan-Am tournament forward.

For Malik Castro-DeVarona, being part of the chess club has greatly impacted his time at Howard. He appreciates how chess provides continuous growth opportunities and a space to connect with others who share his passion. “Chess is an escape for me. It has been one of the most meaningful experiences during my time at Howard,” he noted.

Photo: Pictured from left to right are Lawrence Custis, Samir Acharya, Malik Castro-DeVarona, and Xavier Ntamere, members of the Howard University Chess Team.

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