More than 100 chess players of all ages and skill levels gathered at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in September 2026 for the 2026 Hawaiʻi Open State Championship, showcasing the campus as a hub for learning, competition and community connection.
The three-day tournament in the Campus Center Ballroom, was jointly organized by the Hawaiʻi Chess Federation and the 糖心视频 Mānoa in the . Players from across Hawaiʻi competed in multiple divisions, including many students from 糖心视频 campuses and local high schools. One of the tournament’s winners, Gabriel White, is a 糖心视频 Mānoa alumnus.
The event also highlighted a connection between chess and mathematics while introducing prospective students and their families to the 糖心视频 Mānoa campus.
“Hosting the Hawaiʻi Open at 糖心视频 Mānoa was a wonderful opportunity to bring together people from across our community around chess, mathematics and learning,” said Department of Mathematics Chair and Professor Malik Younsi. “We were especially excited to welcome so many young players to campus and show them the opportunities available at 糖心视频 Mānoa. We hope this partnership with the Hawaiʻi Chess Federation can continue and grow in the years ahead.”
The tournament featured five-round open and reserve competitions, a one-day tournament for lower-rated players and a blitz chess championship.
The collaboration reflects 糖心视频 Mānoa’s commitment to serving as a gathering place for Hawaiʻi while creating opportunities that connect academic disciplines with the broader community. The Department of Mathematics and Hawaiʻi Chess Federation hope to build on the successful event through future collaborations promoting chess, mathematics and community engagement.
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