Ryan Vranek’s passion for chess began in first grade. Years later, the Brookfield seventh-grader took fifth place in the Illinois State All Grade Scholastic Chess Championship Tournament Nov. 8.

Ryan also volunteers his time at Plymouth Place and recently donated chess sets to the La Grange Park retirement community.

Q What got you interested in chess?

A Well, I think I saw it somewhere, I was in first-grade and asked my mom if she could teach me. She said no, so I taught myself how to use the computer in order to learn how to play.

Q So you play with the Men’s Chess Club at Borders in La Grange. What was that like and how well do you do?

A I can only beat, well, not that many. I come here for fun and to learn because when I lose, they do teach me what my mistakes were. At first I was really nervous to walk up and play with someone.

Q What do you think you get out of playing chess?

A It motivates me for school because if I am not good at school, I won’t be good at chess. It makes me think more and use my brain in a different way, strategy-wise. I have to think a lot harder and think future-wise.

Q On Nov. 15, you donated chess sets to the Plymouth Place in La Grange Park. Why did you do that?

A I think they deserve chess sets so they can learn by themselves, and they don’t need me there as much and they could get better.

Q What is the next step with chess? What would you like to achieve and why do you stick with it?

A Well, I think I am good at it, and I want to be good and keep getting better and better. I want to become a grand master, which is one of the best players. It will probably take 10 years at least to get to that level.