CHESS is probably the only sporting event ticking in this "Covid Season" time via online game tourneys.

But it's not only that.

There's also a "little help" coming for the local chess community, especially those individuals who rely on chess tourneys and chess mentoring such as conducting summer clinics and in-house tutorial as their source of income.

The Mindanao-based Brotherhood of the Knights of Square Table, reputedly the only chess fraternal organization in the country, has initiated a humble effort to be of great help in times of community quarantine ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte brought by the global scourge that is the novel coronavirus.

"We're now in full-swing fund-raising through this program 'Chess Tawid Covid' to help indigent chess players," said the Brotherhood of the Knights of Square Table founding head Ronaldo Banaag.

Already, Banaag -- an accomplished seaman -- claimed the group has already accumulated some amount for the purpose.

He cited Cagayan de Oro pawnpushers Nazario Ubanan, Rodney Opada, Jimboy Daaca and others from Davao and Pagadian among the first 15 beneficiaries in Mindanao.

Banaag told SunStar Cagayan de Oro that they are also actively organizing online chess competitions to keep the players at home while enjoying their quarantine period.

"That way, maka-income pud sila kay naa may premyo," added Banaag.

Joining forces with Banaag for the noble cause are fellow Mindanaoans Wilhelm Joey Ardiente, Cristine Mariano-Wagman, Henry Lopez, Jezz Mendoza Lopez and some other anonymous Knights.

Banaag said "good samaritans" can send help or donation through AGM/Viceroy Henry Roger Lopez, GCash number 09473663897.