Ever since watching “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” some students have fantasized about wanting to play in a life-size game of chess. Thanks to Alpha Epsilon Phi’s philanthropy this Sunday, that can now become a reality — with checkers.

“A life-size game of checkers is the next best thing to fulfilling anyone’s ‘Harry Potter’ dream,” said Alan Newman, sophomore in LAS and member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity.

The idea to bring a human checkers tournament to the U of I came from the UCLA Alpha Epsilon Phi chapter, that created the tournament in the spring of 2008.

Typically, Alpha Epsilon Phi hosts an annual “Bagel Bar,” however, this year they wanted to add an event that would get people excited to participate, said Julia Bassewitz, junior in LAS and vice president of philanthropy of Alpha Epsilon Phi.

Participation in the Human Checkers Tournament, held from 12-3pm, costs $84 per team of 12, with each participant serving as a game piece on the man-made, 8-by-8 ft. checker board.

“Walking around Hobby Lobby with Julia (Bassewitz) looking for pieces to make the board was quite an experience,” said Shayna Steelman, sophomore in LAS and vice president of new member education of Alpha Epsilon Phi. “We needed to find material that would be waterproof and could handle people stepping and jumping on it.”

Steelman and Bassewitz settled on finding red and black tarp that they began cutting and putting together over Spring Break. They are hoping to host the tournament outside pending on the weather, and it will be organized similarly to a “March Madness” basketball bracket with single elimination.

Another aspect of the event is the food that the Alpha Epsilon Phi sisters will be selling during the tournament. Donated bagels and chips are offered to team participants for free, and entrance for spectators will be sold for $5 at the door. People are also encouraged to play Nintendo 64 and various board games while watching the festivities.

“This kind of an event is so unique, and it catches peoples attention right away,” said Maddy Brown, sophomore in DGS and president of Alpha Epsilon Phi.

Teams can be made up of participants from Greek affiliated houses or just a group of friends.

“Since this is the first year, we’re not sure how many teams to expect to sign up,” said Bassewitz. “But we’re hoping for at least ten.” Through the support of the Greek community, the sisters are hoping to raise more money toward their philanthropy benefitting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Bassewitz said.

“In general, the Greek community is pretty supportive of each other,” she said. “By people coming to your house’s events, you are more likely to go to theirs.”

Newman said that participating in philanthropy events is a perfect way to give back to the community while having fun in a social atmosphere.

“It’s really important for the Greek community to work together to help people that need help and support,” he said. “Plus, it’s a great way to meet girls.”

The Alpha Epsilon Phi sisters have worked together to advertise for the event and are motivated to make it a success.

“Philanthropy is a huge deal in our chapter,” said Bassewitz. “The girls are encouraging each other to stay motivated and to help out.”

Members of Alpha Epsilon Phi were responsible for making dinner announcements to all the chapter houses and selling tickets for the event, Steelman said.

“We wanted to be creative and bringing a board game to life seemed like a great way to do that,” she said. “All the work we’ve been doing is so worth it.”