A new local chess club plans to hold its first tournament Saturday, with players of all ages invited to swing by and test their skills.

North Georgia Chess Center founders Cathy and Joe Couvillion said their club has grown a lot since its start in late June.

"The club's going great," Cathy Couvillion said. "Our group is growing by at least one person a week."

The club meets at 6 p.m. every Monday night at Barnes and Noble at The Avenue Forsyth.

Tournament registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and the games will begin at 12:30 p.m.

The event will be held at Chestatee Commmunity Center at 6875 Keith Bridge Road, next to Chestatee Elementary School in Gainesville.

There is a $25 entry fee.

Trophies for first through fifth place will be awarded, and all participants will receive a certificate.
Cathy Couvillion said local star chess players in the club include Christopher Marchat and Benjamin Grantier.

"They're both doing very well," she said.

Joe Couvillion is a former state class A champion, who teaches courses across the Atlanta area. One of his chess teams, the Jonesboro High School Royal Knights, placed third in a 2008 competition.