Bryleigh McBride, Freshman | Minot North High School

Minot North Sophomore Leads First-Ever Chess Tournament, Uniting Players of All Ages

The quiet click of chess pieces, the rustle of popcorn bags, and focused faces filled the MAWA building, just across from Minot North High School, last week. It wasn’t just any after-school gathering—it was the school’s first official chess tournament, and it marked a major milestone for a club that didn’t even exist a few months ago. At the heart of it all is sophomore Darian Tyan, the founder behind Minot North’s growing chess club.

Darian, a thoughtful and determined student, started the chess club with a simple but meaningful goal: connection. “Our school needed more ways for students to connect face-to-face,” he explained. “And I saw chess as a powerful way to bring people together, challenge each other, and grow.”

That vision has quickly turned into reality. From organizing weekly meetups in the student’s free hour on Wednesdays and Fridays, to coordinating a full tournament with snacks, scoreboards, and competitors of all ages, Darian has led the club’s growth with both strategy and heart. Under the guidance of advisor Joseph Super, the club is gaining traction not just at Minot North, but across the community.

Starting something new isn’t easy—especially as a high schooler, but Darian had a vision.
“Starting out was tough,” Darian admitted. “Meeting new people, keeping things organized, and learning how to lead were all new to me. But each challenge helped me grow alongside the club.”
What began as an idea quickly turned into action. Darian organized the first chess meeting and was unsure what to expect. The turnout surprised him.

“At our first meeting, 14 people showed up. That moment made it clear there was real interest and potential here.” he said with a smile.
From that day on, the momentum hasn’t stopped. The club has expanded rapidly, now including not only high schoolers, but middle schoolers and even adults from the community. “We’re one of the only clubs with players from middle school, high school, and even adults, which creates a rare mix of experience and energy.” he noted.
The club’s first major event—the chess tournament at MAWA—was a huge success. Dozens of players competed across skill levels while munching on popcorn and fresh fruit, supplied by Super. The atmosphere was light but competitive, with sportsmanship and strategy taking stage.

“Tournaments give our players a chance to prove themselves, take pride in their progress, and see how far they’ve come.” Darian said.
For many players, it was their first time playing in a formal competition. Thanks to the supportive environment Darian and Mr. Super have cultivated, players felt encouraged, not intimidated.

“We focus hard on respect, sportsmanship, and always learning,” Darian emphasized. “Win or lose, you walk away better than you came.”

More than just a place to play a board game, the chess club has quickly become a space for personal growth and lasting friendships. “We bring together students of all ages and backgrounds, giving them a space to think deeply, compete respectfully, and connect through the game.” Darian said.

And it’s not just about strategy. Chess, as Darian sees it, builds valuable life skills. “It builds confidence, discipline, and sharp thinking. I’ve seen people carry those skills into other parts of life,” he said. “Patience and self-discipline—knowing when to act, when to wait, and how to think two steps ahead—that’s what chess teaches. And honestly, that’s what life demands too.”

Darian believes the club’s inclusivity is what makes it truly special. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcomed equally. “No matter your background, you belong here.” he said. Stay tuned to see where this club goes, or for a closer insight if interested, get involved.

The chess club’s future looks bright. Darian has ambitious goals, and they’re already in motion. “We’re planning another tournament before the school year ends, building on the success of our first one. And it’s only going to get bigger from here.” he said.

One of the most exciting developments is a partnership with Central Middle School, a collaboration that could serve as the beginning of something statewide. “The goal is to expand across North Dakota, giving more kids and teens a chance to prove what they’re capable of.” Darian explained.

When asked where he sees the club in five years, his answer was clear and confident: “I see it becoming one of the top clubs in the state, known for strong players, great mentoring, and helping younger students rise fast.”
Darian also had some thoughtful words of advice for anyone thinking of picking up the game. “Don’t focus on winning—focus on learning. Losing teaches you more than any easy win ever could.” he said.

With vision, leadership, and a clear passion for the game, Darian Tyan has turned a simple idea into a thriving club that’s already impacting students and community members alike. As more tournaments, partnerships, and players join the board, one thing is clear: the chess club at Minot North is just getting started—and Darian is already several moves ahead.

Minot North Weekly Sports Recap: Golf, Softball, and Baseball

It was a busy week for Minot North athletics, featuring standout performances on the green, explosive softball wins, and a challenging stretch on the baseball diamond.
The Minot North boys’ golf team took first place at the Souris meet with an impressive team score of 296. Kasen Rostad led the charge with a spectacular 68, earning medalist honors. Teammates Walter Langhans and Bennett Bartsch rounded out the top finishers, placing third (74) and fifth (75) respectively. With five players qualifying for state, the Sentinels are looking like a strong team, heading into state on May 28th at the Souris Valley Golf Course.

Minot North softball brought the heat this week with dominant back-to-back victories over the Turtle Mountain Braves, winning 30–6 and 23–5 in a scoring showcase. The team followed up with an exciting doubleheader against Jamestown, winning the first game 10–9 in a late-inning thriller before narrowly falling 7–8 in Game 2. With solid offense and consistent team play, the Sentinels continue to build momentum heading deeper into the season.
The Minot North baseball team hit a rough patch this week, dropping four consecutive games at Corbett Field. On May 1, they fell to Jamestown 4–7 and 6–9 in a tough doubleheader. On May 5, they faced Williston, suffering a narrow 0–2 defeat in Game 1 before a devastating 2–18 loss in Game 2. Despite the outcomes, the Sentinels showed resilience and fight, and are focused on turning things around in the upcoming weeks. Come watch them fight for a win at their state tournament May 29 at 10 AM and 31st at 4 pm at Kraft Field.
With golf leading the way and softball heating up, Minot North’s spring season remains full of excitement and promise. Fans can look forward to more action as the teams continue to push toward postseason play.