The second year of eSports at College of DuPage was a resounding success.
 
According to head coach Alex Grossman, the six teams that include 45 Chaparral students enjoyed Fall and Spring semester seasons, capped by competing in championships last December and April.
 
The Chaps compete in three divisions in NJCAAE — Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 — with teams competing weekly, beginning in September.
 
Team Overwatch won the Tier 3 national title in December.
 
"I think being involved in a community at COD is absolutely critical,'' Grossman said. "Students who get involved stick it out. Esports has the potential to reach so many students and give them something to positive to belong to. Being a part of something ties them to the community. They make long-lasting friendships and they tend to do better in their studies.''
 
The six teams are: Overwatch, Valorant, League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. and Valorant JV.
 
In April, the six-member League of Legends team reached the NJCAA Tier 3 finals and the Valorant five-person team won its Tier 3 championship.
 
COD teams play at Lisle's Scrims Center, the hub of DuPage County eSports.
 
Grossman holds an open invitation for others to join.
 
"We have competitive teams, but we need other students who can bring their talents to support what we're doing,'' he said. "Involvement includes livestreaming our events, broadcasting, photography and videography. It helps build their work experience and supports what we're doing.''
 
The National Junior College Athletics Association Esports (NJCAAE) is the nonprofit esports association serving only two-year, technical, and community colleges in collegiate esports, meeting their specialized needs. More than 185 institutions across North America participate in activities and competition each year.
 
To contact coach Grossman, email at grossmana41@cod.edu.