The History of the Rubik’s Cube: From Prototype to Global Craze
Explore the history of the Rubik's Cube from Ernő Rubik’s 1974 prototype to the high-tech magneti...
Speedcubing has exploded in popularity over the last decade, transitioning from a niche hobby into a globally recognized competitive sport. For students and community members, the best way to foster this passion is by creating a space where people can learn, practice, and compete together. Starting a speedcubing club at your school or local library is a fantastic way to build a community, improve cognitive skills, and have a lot of fun.
Before you approach any administrators, you need to know if there is a demand for a club. Start by talking to friends or classmates who you’ve seen fiddling with a cube in the hallways or the library. You don’t need dozens of people to start—even a small group of 4-5 dedicated members is enough to launch a successful club. Create a sign-up sheet or a simple digital form to collect names and contact information of interested peers.
To make the club official, especially in a school setting, you will likely need a faculty advisor. Look for a teacher who is interested in puzzles, math, or STEM, as they often appreciate the logic behind cubing. If you are starting the club at a library, reach out to the teen or community programs librarian. They are usually eager to host events that bring people into the library.
When presenting your idea, emphasize the benefits of speedcubing, such as improved spatial reasoning, patience, and concentration. Once you have a sponsor, decide on a meeting time—lunch breaks, after school, or Saturday mornings at the library are common choices.
One of the hurdles for beginners is using poor-quality cubes that lock up or break easily. While some members will bring their own, it is helpful to have a few reliable "club cubes" on hand for newcomers. For a budget-friendly but high-performing option, the Cubelelo Drift 3M Plus v2 is a popular choice among speedcubers for its magnetic feel and smooth turning.
If your club grows and you look toward competitive play, having modern hardware helps significantly. A high-quality speedcube like the Cubelelo GAN 356 ME provides the stability and speed needed for competition-ready professionals and aspiring students alike.
A club needs a mix of learning and competition to stay engaging. Here is a sample structure for a one-hour meeting:
To add a modern tech twist, you can integrate smart cubes into your sessions. Using the GoCube Edge Full Pack allows members to track their stats on an app and compete digitally, which is a great way to gamify the learning process for younger members.
Once your club is established, start thinking about recruitment and outreach. You could host a school-wide "Cubing Assembly" or a library "Puzzle Day." This is where you can showcase impressive solve times and offer workshops for complete beginners. Don't forget to use social media or school newsletters to announce meeting times and event results.
To help your club members get started with the right equipment, here are our top picks for various skill levels:
Starting a club is a rewarding experience that builds leadership skills and lasting friendships. By following these steps and ensuring your members have access to quality gear, you’ll create a thriving community of speedcubers in no time!