FEBRUARY 12, 2026
—MEDIA ADVISORY—
NEW YORK YANKEES TO AGAIN HOST THE “BX INVITATIONAL” CHESS TOURNAMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PROJECT PAWN AND COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 9 ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, AT 10:00 A.M. AT YANKEE STADIUM
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TOURNAMENT TO SHOWCASE LOCAL CHESS PLAYERS FROM ACROSS THE BRONX
The New York Yankees, Project Pawn and Community School District 9 today announced the third annual “BX Invitational” chess tournament will take place at Yankee Stadium on Friday, February 13, at 10:00 a.m.
Similar to the previous iterations of the event at Yankee Stadium, the “BX Invitational” is expected to feature approximately 200 students from across the borough. Participants will be divided into Elementary, Middle School and High School divisions, and will take part in condensed, competitive matches. The event was created to display the brilliance of these students through the game of chess, which compliments and improves math, science, and problem-solving skills.
Founded by former District 9 chess teammates, Abdul Sulaiman Jr. and Christopher Johnson, Project Pawn aims to use chess as a metaphor for life, helping youth strategically plan their future. The program was created on the principle and belief that with careful planning and intentional living, nothing is impossible to achieve.
In partnership with District 9 Superintendent Harry Sherman, Project Pawn has a well-established program within the district, applying the strategies used in the game of chess to help instill values of focus, purpose and strategy.
Media members wishing to cover the tournament should RSVP through the Yankees Media Relations office by emailing their request to jsimon@yankees.com by 9:00 A.M. on Friday, February 13.
WHAT:
THIRD ANNUAL “BX INVITATIONAL” CHESS TOURNAMENT
DATE/TIME:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026, AT 10:00 A.M.
LOCATION:
The Yankee Stadium Lobby by Gate 2 will be the entry point for media.
PLEASE ARRIVE BY 9:30 A.M. FOR CHECK-IN
B-ROLL OPPORTUNITY WILL BEGIN AT 10:00 A.M. WITH SELECT INDIVIDUALS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS
RSVP:
Email jsimon@yankees.com by 9:00 A.M. on Friday / Call (718) 579-4460 with questions.
PARKING:
COMPED MEDIA PARKING will be available in the 164th Street Parking Garage
(Entrance is on the Southwest corner of River Avenue and E. 164th Street)
Please email jsimon@yankees.com to request garage access.
—nyy—