Jack Heller named 2024 Scholar/Chessplayer by the US Chess Federation

Congratulations to Chicago Public Schools student and ICA Warren Jr. Scholar Jack Heller for being named a 2024 Scholar/Chessplayer by the US Chess Federation and the US Chess Trust. The award recognizes and encourages outstanding high school juniors and seniors who promote a positive image of chess, while excelling in academics and leadership.

 

Jack volunteers with the Chicago Chess Foundation and traveled to Ghana with it last year to teach chess to children in an impoverished fishing village. 

 

Jack is a senior at Walter Payton College Preparatory High School in Chicago. He hopes to become a veterinarian. 

 

To read about the award, visit:  https://new.uschess.org/news/2024-scholar-chessplayer-awards-announced-six-players-honored-2024-national-high-school

 

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Jeff Wiewel: 40+ years as a Tournament Director

 

 

Jeff Wiewel: 40+ years as a Tournament Director

 
Tournament directing is undeniably a craft that must be cultivated through
years of practice and gaining expertise, and who better to learn from, than the
best. Jeff Wiewel has been a pillar of the Illinois, and nationwide, tournament
directing scene for over 40 years. In that time he has worked over 700
tournaments, including 65 national events.


I myself have worked under Jeff at several events during my short tenure as
a tournament director. He is an amazing asset as he is always there to support the
staff with his limitless knowledge and brighten everyone’s day with his common,
albeit sometimes corny, jokes.


Jeff has been playing chess since he was eight years old, and has been in
the chess community semi-regularly ever since. He began directing scholastic
tournaments in 1982, and continued directing until he progressed to the national
level by working at the National Junior High in 1988.
Jeff reached his national breakthrough in 2001 when he began working
more and more national events. Which eventually led him to begin substantially
traveling throughout the country a few years later. Which is when he became a
NTD, in 2003.


Besides that, he has been on the US Chess tournament director certification
committee, being the chair or vice chair since 2008. He has been the chair of the
Chicago Industrial League's West division for ten years. Further, he has been a US
chess delegate multiple times.


During our discussion, I inquired with Jeff about his most cherished aspects
of serving as a tournament director. He mentioned the joy he receives from
mentoring new tournament directors, seeing the joy of the players, and being
part of a community where he can fully be himself. And happily, being able to do
it with his son, be it directing while he played in the past, or directing together in
the present.


Jeff’s personal belief on how to become a good tournament director is to
always be cordial and nice, even when you need to be commanding. Beyond

simple niceties, the importance of understanding your own limitations and when
to defer to those above you is of keen importance.


A favorite memory of his is when many USCF tournaments were canceled
due to COVID, tournament directors were asked to submit a small clip that would
then be cut together into a video to put on the website for morale. While most
TD’s focused on staying safe and the present, Jeff touched on hoping to see us all
in the future – almost subconsciously saying the world would get back to normal –
this was put at the finale of the video. I believe that beautifully sums up who he
is: the man, the myth, the chess legend, the realistic optimist.

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Josh Flores replaces Patrick Cohen as secretary and Dan Wilson accepts general board position

There have been a couple of board changes. Patrick Cohen contacted me a couple of weeks ago to let me know he was going to resign in a couple of months due to his limited time to be available for meetings. I contacted Josh Flores to see if he would take over the secretary position, since he held it previously. He was willing to start in March and Patrick was willing to resign effective February 29. Patrick has informed me he will graciously assist the board with several behind-the-scenes efforts he does to help this great organization.

Daniel Wilson had previously  reached out to me to see if he could be part of the board. Since Josh was currently on board as a general collar county member, we now had an open position. The board offered Dan that position.

We now have a full board minus a downstate general board position. If anyone is interested please email Josh at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,

Thanks and please lets welcome Dan and Josh to their new positions and thank Patrick for his many years of service where I personally will miss his input and knowledge at meetings.

Steve

President Illinois Chess Association

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Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Chess State Championship 2024

 

Illinois High School Association (IHSA)

Chess State Championship 2024

Peoria, Illinois February 9-10, 2024




Firstly, I’d like to thank the organizers and the directors, along with all of the players for making this edition of the IHSA State Championship the best it could’ve been.

 

I myself played in the tournament, and I can confidently say that it was an amazing experience – more than simply being a tournament, but as a way to make friends and bond as a team.

 

After the first day, when we were 4/4, the anticipation for the possibilities of the following day was immense. And even though we didn’t end up performing as well as we hoped, the experience was all that mattered.

 

I’ve been to many tournaments throughout my life, but something about this one was special. The opportunity of being able to be with friends outside of the plain school environment, on top the combination of my own hobbies, made this an exceptionally special tournament.

 

Enough about that, onto the results of the tournament.



128 teams played in the tournament – after the first day, only 8 teams remained undefeated.

 

Round 5; Final 8 undefeated

Table 4: Aurora (IMSA) defeated Naperville (Neuqua) 56.5 vs 11.5

Table 3:Palatine (Fremd) defeated Naperville (Central) 39.5 vs 28.5

Table 2:Chicago (Payton)defeated Evanston (Twp.) 55 vs 13

Table 1:Lincolnshire (Stevenson) defeated Chicago (Whitney Young) 50 vs 18

 

Round 6; Final 4 undefeated

Table 2:Chicago (Payton) defeated Aurora (IMSA) 34.5 vs 33.5

Table 1:Lincolnshire (Stevenson) defeated Palatine (Fremd) 50.5 vs 17.5

 

Round 7, Final round; Final 2 undefeated

Table 1. After a long match, Stevenson and Payton finished the tournament with a draw in the final round. Stevenson eventually won on tiebreakers.

 

Here is the winning team:




Glenn Panner from Chess Weekend supplied individual award medals to all players with at least 5.5 points out of 7. Bronze was awarded with 5.5, Silver with 6, and gold with 6.5 or 7 points. Around 100 players received medals out of 1200.

 

The following participants were awarded medals.

 

Name

Total Points

Medal

Arthur Xu (Jr.)

7

Gold

Dario Pjevic (So.)

7

Gold

Gustavo Garcia (Fr.)

7

Gold

Makhi Fox (Fr.)

7

Gold

Ochirbat Lkhagvajamts (Jr.)

7

Gold

Owen Geraghty (Sr.)

7

Gold

Shakira Luster (Sr.)

7

Gold

Vrishank Ramnath (Jr.)

7

Gold

Benjamin McKendall (So.)

6.5

Gold

Chris Garcia (Sr.)

6.5

Gold

Connor Nance (So.)

6.5

Gold`

Daniel Avalos (Jr.)

6.5

Gold

Ekansh Mehrotra (Fr.)

6.5

Gold

Feolu Kolawole (Sr.)

6.5

Gold

Issac Padua (Jr.)

6.5

Gold

Paul Hanrahan (Jr.)

6.5

Gold

Saboor Khan (Fr.)

6.5

Gold

Sammy McCandless (Jr.)

6.5

Gold

Tate Morrison (Sr.)

6.5

Gold

Whitman Kosak (Jr.)

6.5

Gold

Adrian Montesino (Sr.)

6

Silver

Andre Dzwiniel (Fr.)

6

Silver

Andrew Coss (Jr.)

6

Silver

Andy Ordway (Sr.)

6

Silver

Andy Yuen (So.)

6

Silver

Arnav Karthikeyan (So.)

6

Silver

Beren Ozer (So.)

6

Silver

Caleb Valentino (Sr.)

6

Silver

David Yong (So.)

6

Silver

David Zappa (Sr.)

6

Silver

Emmett Lin (So.)

6

Silver

Ethan Tobias (So.)

6

Silver

Gavin Snopko (Jr.)

6

Silver

Hansen Du (So.)

6

Silver

Jacob Ang (Sr.)

6

Silver

Jacob Jensen (Sr.)

6

Silver

Jo Swan (So.)

6

Silver

Kayden Zhu (Jr.)

6

Silver

Konrad Kremper (Jr.)

6

Silver

Lazar Martic (So.)

6

Silver

Maddox Todd (Fr.)

6

Silver

Marc Ntumba-Mukadi (So.)

6

Silver

Michael Li (Fr.)

6

Silver

Neil Gani (Sr.)

6

Silver

Ray Sun (Jr.)

6

Silver

Ria Raj (So.)

6

Silver

Sadkrith Malladi (Jr.)

6

Silver

Shalen Chawla (Jr.)

6

Silver

Sohan Bendre (Sr.)

6

Silver

Sreekar Gangavarapu (So.)

6

Silver

Tugstumer Yesuntumur (Sr.)

6

Silver

Tyler Chen (Fr.)

6

Silver

Young Cha (Sr.)

6

Silver

Agastya Sapru (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Andrew Mazzio (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Anthony Tsyganov (Fr.)

5.5

Bronze

Asher Reedy (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Ayush Shah (Fr.)

5.5

Bronze

Bao Ta (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Brian Farkas (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Chase Brinkmann (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Christine Liu (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Cole Tupper (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Connor Osullivan (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Craven Andaya (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Daniel Arredondo (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Derek Wietelmann (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Dylan Zec (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Eduardo Mota (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Erik Garcia (Fr.)

5.5

Bronze

Ethan Montemayor (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Ethan Singerman (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Faris Pena (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Harrison Weinberger (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Iman Ansari (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Jack Drucker (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Jacob Plotnick (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Jake Wittman (Fr.)

5.5

Bronze

Jameson Tenopir (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Jamila Matovu (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Jerry Bauer (So.)

5.5

Bronze

John Waldo (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Jonathan Cheng (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Joshua Gravel (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Joshua Thorstenson (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Jovanni Juarez (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Junho Park (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Liam Whitecotton (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Madeline Green (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Matthew Erlec (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Max Lu (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Nolan Collins (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Pauline Yang (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Roman Kash (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Ryan Austin (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Sam Kemeny (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Sanad Abu Awad (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Seth Parent (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Soham Dongre (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze

Taofeeq Amuda (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Vinay Sridhar (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Wentao Lin (So.)

5.5

Bronze

Wilbert Chu (Sr.)

5.5

Bronze

Yasin Kansu (Jr.)

5.5

Bronze
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2024 Kings and Queens (K-8) and High School CPS Championships

2024 Kings and Queens (K-8) and High School CPS Championships

Senn Park High School

January 20, 2024



The Kings and Queens tournament consisted of three sections – K-4, K-6, and K-8 – with almost 350 CPS players. The High School tournament consisted of two sections:  Junior Varsity and Varsity, which consisted of a combined 175 CPS high schoolers.

 

In the K-4 section, Edison–Blue finished with a perfect 4-0 for an uncontested first place. Three teams tied for second place with 3 points: Keller – Red, Decatur, and Edison – white.

 

Three players from the K-4 section won all 4 games: Natalie Huang from Decatur, Amay Sarupia from Edison – Blue, and Nurislam Ababakirov from Edison – Blue as well. A further three players finished with 3.5/4 points: Angel Salgado from Carson, Camilo Farinella from Edison – White, and Daniel Zheng from Keller – Blue.

 

In the K-6 section, Skinner North beat Pritzker to complete a perfect 4-0 for first place. Second place had a tie of three teams at 3 points, the teams were Lincoln, Edison – RGC, and Pritzker.

 

The K-6 had a remarkable seven players that went undefeated in all 4 games. They were Shrihaan Bathula from Decatur, Shane Thomas Veale and Ethan Villadiego playing for Edison – RGC, Esen Munkhtur and Vincent Yang from Lincoln, and Avida Biswas and Jonathan Cui from Skinner North.

 

Similarly, K-8 was an uncontested victory with a perfect 4-0 by Whitney Young – Gold who beat Lane Tech – AC. Five additional teams tied for second with 3 points: Lane Tech – AC, Decatur, Taft – AC, Bateman, and Keller.

 

The K-8 also had seven players who went undefeated: Gabriel Jael and Kalen Anderson from Bateman, Kyle Mak from Keller, Christopher Vele from Nobel – Blue, and Mason Qiao and Gene Tcheng from Whitney Young – Gold.

 

The High School JV section had one uncontested winner with 4 points: Whitney Young – Orange who beat Whitney Young – Blue during the final round. Four teams also tied for second place with 3 points; Whitney Young - Blue, Walter Payton, Brooks - Blue, and Englewood – STEM Red.

 

Four players from the JV section finished with a perfect record of 4-0. June Vincent Lee Mino from Lincoln Park High – Blue, Alexander Alvarez from Whitney Young – Blue, Chetan Cherukuri and Vincent Pan from Whitney Young – Orange. Additionally, David Zachary Zurawski finished with 3.5 points.

 

Similarly, in the High School Varsity Section, Walter Payton won with a perfect 4-0 after defeating Lane Tech in the final round. Three teams tied for second with three points: Whitney Young, Lane Tech, and Brooks.

 

In the Varsity section, six players had a perfect four wins: Avi Kaplan and Whitman Kosak from Lane Tech, Marco Baldwin from Lincoln Park, Sohan Anup Bendre from Walter Payton, and Dimitrios Deligiannia and Nithin Ramasamy from Whitney Young.

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2024 Illinois K-8 State Chess Championship

The 2024 Illinois K-8 Championship will be both a team and individual event held by Chess Weekend, Inc. with the Illinois Chess Association on March 8-10, 2024 in Schaumburg, IL. The main event will consist of four sections based on grade level – K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8 – with seven rounds starting Saturday morning. Besides the main event, there will be numerous fun side events such as bughouse, blitz, and puzzle-solving contests. 

 

Over 200 trophies will be awarded on top of a commemorative medal or ribbon for all players. Additionally, a wonderful book and equipment vendor will be on site for all needs at the tournament. Though the tournament is an Illinois Championship, players from all states are welcome; but state championship titles go to Illinois players. Complete details of round times and entry fees can be found here.

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ICA Editor and Staff Writer Message

ICA Editor and Staff Writer  – receive any emails sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

My name is Jacob Plotnick and I am the new editor for ICA to write about their tournaments . As the editor and staff writer I will write articles for ICA tour events, state championships, and other larger tournaments. I will additionally take concerns of error into consideration and work to mend them ASAP. I can receive any such emails at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. My goal is to reply to any requests within 72 hours. 

 

I am currently a sophomore in high school and have been playing chess for almost seven years. Outside of chess, my main areas of study are math and engineering. Most recently, the de Rham cohomology, with hopes to pursue aerospace engineering in the future. 

 

If you notice any errors when reading one of my postings, please reach out at your soonest convenience. 

 

Jacob

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Tim Just Winter Open 2024

The Illinois Chess Association would like to congratulate Bill Buklis for successfully running the initial tournament of the 2024 year for the Illinois Chess Tour. The 40th annual Tim Just Winter Open was played from January 5th to January 7th and had six sections ranging from a U1300 to a Major section. There was a separate tournament on the 6th specifically for scholastic players with a further three sections. In total, the event had over 300 players.

 

Major

IM Sam Schmakel defeated Ankush Moolky in the final round to take outright first place. Tugstumur Yesuntumur drew Augusto Cesar Campos to tie for second place.

 

Click the image below to see the top games of round 5: 

U2100

Bryce McClanahan was the outright winner with 4.5/5 points. Artemii Khanbutaey, Steven Napoli, Aidan Baker and Andrey Dmitriev tied for second with a score of 4/5 points.

U1900

Aaron Anderson beat Aayush Thakker and Memanth Samayamantri beat Jack Drucker in their last matches to tie for first with 4.5/5

U1700

Carl John Gibson beat Carmelo S Napoli to finish as the  outright winner at 4.5/5. Carmelo ended with 4/5. Madison Lofts, Harrison Schilling and Nathaniel Bafia all joined Carmelo Carmelo in a four-way tie for second at 4/5.

U1500

There was a two-way tie for first between Kostandinos Skoufos and Alastar WIlliam Keely-Walker, both ended with 4.5/5.

U1300

Hector Guifarro won outright with a perfect 5/5. Hector beat Andy Barrientos who ended up in a five-way tie for second at 4/5.

Scholastic Under 1200

Owen Yang finished in first with an uncontested 5/5. Owen Beat Andy Yu who finished in a four-way tie for second at 4/5.

Scholastic Under 800

Silas Judge and Poojith Jada both won their final games to finish tied with 4.5/5.

Scholastic Under 500

There was another perfect 5/5 by Joshua Anderson. Joshua beat Joseph Zachary Taylow who finished in a four-way tie at 4/5.



The Illinois Chess Association would also like to recognize the following scholastic players for increasing their USCF rating by over 50 points:

Joahua Anderson (U500)

Calvin Rivas (U500)

Joseph Zachary Taylor (U500)

Pierce Kruse (U500)

Joel Jonathan Boodu (U500)

Silas Judge (U800)

Poojith Jada (U800)

Sairam Manimaran (U800)

Aidan Michael Cassidy (U800)

Jotin Samayamantri (U800)

Rogelio Jorge Diaz-Portales (U800)

Neeraj Movva (U800)

Aarav Varshney (U800)

Owen Yang (U1200)

Andy YU (U1200)

Saketh Viswanadha (U1200)

Dane Allen Cooper (U1200)

Kevin McAleenan (U1200)

Nilan Velu (U1200)

Anish Itagi (U1200)

Sahasvath Indla (U1200)

James Patrick Budd (U1200)



If you have any questions or comments, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Jacob Plotnick accepts Position as ICA Editor and Staff Reporter

 

Jacob has graciously accepted the position as our editor and a new position as a staff reporter. Jacob is currently a sophomore at the Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora. He is a former Illinois State Champion for the United States Chess Federation Jr. Grand Prix. In addition to being a Class "B" player, Jacob is also a certified local tournament director.

As our editor, Jacob fills a void that the ICA has had for a number of years. He will be reviewing, editing, and publishing articles sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Jacob will also have a staff position responsible for creating articles and working with organizers for our state championships, ICA tour events, and larger Illinois tournaments and events.

Please join us in welcoming Jacob to his new position.

 

 

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ICA Tour to restart in 2024

 

In July, the ICA conducted a survey among chess players with the intention of getting feedback to help us improve and shape the future of the ICA. We listened and are bringing back the ICA Tour! Details to follow. Our first tour tournament will be the Tim Just Winter Open, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg from Friday, January 5 to Sunday, January 7, 2024.

 

 

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Event

2016 Illinois Senior State Championship
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6

Saturday October 29th - Sunday October 30th

Online registrations are now available!

4 round swiss. G/120;d5

$1,850 Prize fund b/60 paid entries!

Eligibility: Tournament open to all born before November 1, 1966.

Location: Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, 1800 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173, (847) 605-1234.

Sections: Open (FIDE Rated!) and Reserve (Under 1700 or unrated).

Schedule: G/120;d5 - Sat. 10:00am, 3:00pm and Sun: 10:00am, 3:00pm.

One 1/2-point bye available any round, must commit by end of round 2.

Prizes: $1,850 b/60 paid entries!

  • Open Section: $500-250-150; Under 1900 $125-75.
  • Reserve (Under 1700) Section: $275-150-100; Under 1500 $100-50; Under 1300 $50-25.

Unrated players qualify for top prizes only.

Entry Fee:

  • $50 online or USPS postmarked by 10/21
  • $65 online by 10/28
  • $70 on-site 8:30 - 9:30am;
  • Entries after cutoff receive ½-point byes for round 1.

$5 discount for ICA members (annual dues $15 regular)— join at www.il-chess.org.

$10 extra to play in Open Section with rating of 1699 and below.

Free entry to Illinois GMs, WGMs, IMs, WIMs, FMs, WFMs.

Use the online registration form or mail checks postmarked by 10/21/16 to Illinois Chess Association, P.O. Box 180177, Chicago, IL 60618. No phone entries.

Advance entries posted at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/entrylist/ILSenior2016. Boards, sets, and clocks provided by The Illinois Chess Association. All special rules, details, and tournament conditions subject to change without notice; changes will be posted ASAP at the  site & online. INFO: (773) 294-1709 11 a.m.-7p.m. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Hotel Reservation: (847) 605-1234, $89 room rate if reserved by 10/14. Mention Illinois Senior or Illinois Chess Association.

2017 Illinois Blitz State Championship
Held on Saturday night of the 2017 Illinois Open

Register online at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/event/ilblitz2017

5 double rounds at G/3;inc 2. FIDE Rated!

Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2875 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062, (847) 298-2525.

Schedule:

  • First round begins 9:00 p.m.
  • Registration from 6:30 - 8:45 p.m.

Prizes: $500 b/30

  • 1st: $150
  • 2nd: $50
  • 3rd: $50
  • Top Under 2200: $42
  • Top Under 2000: $41
  • Top Under 1800: $40
  • Top Under 1600: $39
  • Top Under 1400: $38

Unrated players qualify for top prizes only.

Entry Fee:

  • $25 USPS postmarked by 8/11 and on-line by 8/11
  • $30 USPS postmarked after 8/12 (must be received by 8/25);
  • $30 onsite (6:30 - 8:45)
  • Entries after cutoff receive ½-point byes for round 1.

$5 discount for ICA members (annual dues $15 regular, $10 scholastic— join at www.il-chess.org.

Use the online registration form or mail checks received by 8/25/16 to Illinois Chess Association, P.O. Box 4521, Skokie, IL 60077-4521. No phone entries.

Advance entries posted at www.kingregistration/tournaments/entrylist/ilblitz2017. Boards, sets, and clocks provided by The Illinois Chess Association. All special rules, details, and tournament conditions subject to change without notice; changes will be posted ASAP at the  site & online. INFO or questions: Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Details for the Illinois Open State Championship are available at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/event/ILOpen2017

Scholastic side event on 9/2, details and registration at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/event/ldwscholastic17.

Hotel Reservation: (847) 493-6929 or www.crowneplaza.com/northbrookchi, $99 room rate if reserved by 8/19, must use Group Code ILL when registering. Free hot breakfast buffet for guests. 25% discount at Willows Restaurant to all tournament participants.

2016 Illinois Blitz State Championship
Held on Saturday night of the 2016 Illinois Open

Online registrations are now available!

5 double rounds at G/3;inc 2. FIDE Rated!

Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2875 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062, (847) 298-2525.

Schedule:

  • First round begins 9:00 p.m.
  • Registration from 6:30 - 8:45 p.m.

Prizes: $500 b/30

  • 1st: $150
  • 2nd: $50
  • 3rd: $50
  • Top Under 2200: $42
  • Top Under 2000: $41
  • Top Under 1800: $40
  • Top Under 1600: $39
  • Top Under 1400: $38

Unrated players qualify for top prizes only.

Entry Fee:

  • $25 USPS postmarked by 8/12 and on-line by 10 p.m. on 8/12
  • $30 USPS postmarked after 8/12 (must be received by 8/31);
  • $30 onsite (6:30 - 8:45)
  • Entries after cutoff receive ½-point byes for round 1.

$5 discount for ICA members (annual dues $15 regular, $10 scholastic— join at www.il-chess.org.

Use the online registration form or mail checks postmarked by 8/25/16 to Illinois Chess Association, P.O. Box 180177, Chicago, IL 60618. No phone entries.

Advance entries posted at www.kingregistration/tournaments/entrylist/ilblitz2016. Boards, sets, and clocks provided by The Illinois Chess Association. All special rules, details, and tournament conditions subject to change without notice; changes will be posted ASAP at the  site & online. INFO: (773) 294-1709 11 a.m.-7p.m. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Details for the Illinois Open State Championship are available at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/event/ILOpen2016

Scholastic side event on 9/3, details and registration at http://www.chessforlife.com.

Hotel Reservation: (847) 493-6929 or www.crowneplaza.com/northbrookchi, $94 room rate if reserved by 8/19, must use Group Code CSS when registering. Free hot breakfast buffet for guests. 25% discount at Willows Restaurant to all tournament participants.

2017 Illinois Open State Championship
An Illinois Chess Tour Event.

Saturday, Sept. 2 - Monday, Sept. 4 (Labor Day Weekend)
2-day option (Sunday Sept 3 - Monday Sept 4)

Register online at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/event/ILOpen2017

$10,000 Guaranteed! $9,400 tournament prize fund plus $600 in door prizes for ICA members!

Pairings and Results are available online at http://www.kingregistration.com/results/ilopen2017.

Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2875 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062, (847) 298-2525.

Sections: Open (open to all) and Reserve (Under 1800 or unrated). Both sections FIDE Rated - FIDE Laws of Chess will be followed.

Schedule:

  • 3-day option — Sept 2-4, G/90+30, Sat. & Sun. 12 noon & 6 p.m., Mon. 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.
  • 2-day option (ideal for those wanting to play in Saturday night’s Illinois Blitz Championship) — Sept. 3-4, rds. 1-3 G/45 d5, then merge with 3-day at rd. 4. Sun. 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m., Mon. 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.

1/2-point byes (maximum two) OK all rounds, must commit by end of round 2; round 6 byes may not be rescinded after round 2.

Prizes: $9,400 unconditionally guaranteed!

  • Open Section: $1,500-900-450-260-150; Under 2400 $480-230-120; Under 2200 $460-220-110; Under 2000 $450-210-100.
  • Reserve (Under 1800) Section: $900-500-225-140-105; Under 1600 $360-180-120; Under 1400 $350-170-110; Under 1200 $340-160-100.

Unrated players qualify for top prizes only.

$600 in door prizes! Ten Amazon gift cards given to ICA members.

Entry Fee:

  • $97 USPS postmarked by 8/11 and online by 8/11.
  • $117 USPS postmarked after 8/5 (must be received by 8/25); online by 9/1 for 3-day schedule; online by 9/2 for 2-day schedule.
  • On-site registration: $135, 10-11:30 a.m. Sat., 9-10:30 a.m. Sun.
  • Entries after cutoff receive appropriate ½-point byes.
  • Reentries for $50 with appropriate byes.

$5 discount for ICA members (annual dues $15 regular, $10 scholastic)— join at www.il-chess.org. ICA members earn points for the Illinois Chess Tour. To be eligible for 2017 Tour prizes you must join ICA before the conclusion of the Illinois Open.

$20 extra to play in Open Section with rating of 1799 and below.

Free entry to Illinois GMs, WGMs, IMs, WIMs, FMs, WFMs.

Use the online registration form or mail checks to Illinois Chess Association, P.O. Box 4521, Skokie, IL 60077-4521. No phone entries.

Advance entries posted at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/entrylist/ILOpen2017.

Boards, sets, and clocks provided by The Illinois Chess Association.

All special rules, details, and tournament conditions subject to change without notice; changes will be posted ASAP at the tournament site & ON THIS WEB PAGE. INFO: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Side Events:

Scholastic side event on 9/2, details and registration at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/event/ldwscholastic17.

Illinois Blitz Championship on 9/3 evening, details and registration at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/event/ilblitz2017.

Hotel Reservation: (847) 298-2525 or www.crowneplaza.com/northbrookchi, $99 room rate, must use Group Code ILL when registering. Includes free breakfast buffet for up to 4 people. Rate is still available. 25% discount at Willows Restaurant to all tournament participants. Discount is only good off special menu specific for the tournament.

Summary of differences between FIDE Laws of Chess and US Chess Federation rules: http://www.uschess.org/content/view/12723/668

FIDE Laws of Chess: http://www.fide.com/fide/handbook.html?id=171&view=article

2017 Labor Day Weekend Scholastic

Saturday September 2nd

Register online at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/event/ldwscholastic17

Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2875 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062, (847) 298-2525.

Sections: Under 1200 and Under 700. Open to players age 18 and under only.

Schedule:

  • 5 rounds - 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00
  • Time control is G/25;d0 (quick rated only)

Prizes:

  • Trophies to top 10 in each section.
  • Participation award to all players.

Entry Fee:

  • $25 online by 8/27
  • $30 after that or onsite
  • US Chess membership required
  • Entries after cutoff receive ½-point byes for round 1.

Advance entries posted at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/entrylist/ldwscholastic17. Boards, sets, provided by The Illinois Chess Association. Please bring clocks. All special rules, details, and tournament conditions subject to change without notice; changes will be posted ASAP at the site & online.

Illinois Open main event on 9/2-9/4, details and registration at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/event/ilopen2017.

Illinois Blitz Championship on 9/2 evening, details and registration at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/event/ilblitz2017.

Hotel Reservation: (847) 493-6929 or www.crowneplaza.com/northbrookchi, $99 room rate (includes free breakfast for up to 4), must use Group Code ILL when registering. 25% discount at Willows Restaurant to all tournament participants.

2016 Illinois Open State Championship
TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80
US Chess Junior Grand Prix!
An Illinois Chess Tour Event.

Saturday September 3rd - Monday September 5th (Labor Day Weekend)

Online registrations are now available!

$10,000 Guaranteed! $9,400 tournament prize fund plus $600 in door prizes for ICA members!

Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2875 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062, (847) 298-2525.

Sections: Open (open to all) and Reserve (Under 1800 or unrated). Both sections FIDE Rated - FIDE Laws of Chess will be followed.

Schedule:

  • 3-day option — Sept 3-5, G/90+30, Sat. & Sun. 12 noon & 6 p.m., Mon. 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.
  • 2-day option (ideal for those wanting to play in Saturday night’s Illinois Blitz Championship) — Sept. 4-5, rds. 1-3 G/45 d5, then merge with 3-day at rd. 4. Sun. 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m., Mon. 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.

1/2-point byes (maximum two) OK all rounds, must commit by end of round 2; round 6 byes may not be rescinded after round 2.

Prizes: $9,400 unconditionally guaranteed!

  • Open Section: $1,500-900-450-260-150; Under 2400 $480-230-120; Under 2200 $460-220-110; Under 2000 $450-210-100.
  • Reserve (Under 1800) Section: $900-500-225-140-105; Under 1600 $360-180-120; Under 1400 $350-170-110; Under 1200 $340-160-100.

Unrated players qualify for top prizes only.

$600 in door prizes! Ten Amazon gift cards given to randomly drawn ICA members in rounds 4-6.

Entry Fee:

  • $97 USPS postmarked by 8/12 and on-line by 10 p.m. on 8/12
  • $117 USPS postmarked after 8/5 (must be received by 8/31);
  • online by 6 p.m. on 9/2 for 3-day schedule;
  • online by 6 p.m. on 9/3 for 2-day schedule.
  • On-site registration: $135, 10-11:30 a.m. Sat., 9-10:30 a.m. Sun.
  • Entries after cutoff receive ½-point byes for round 1.
  • Reentries for $50 with appropriate byes.

$5 discount for ICA members (annual dues $15 regular, $10 scholastic— join at www.il-chess.org.

$20 extra to play in Open Section with rating of 1799 and below.

Free entry to Illinois GMs, WGMs, IMs, WIMs, FMs, WFMs.

Use the online registration form or mail checks postmarked by 8/25/16 to Illinois Chess Association, P.O. Box 180177, Chicago, IL 60618. No phone entries. Re-entries $50 with appropriate byes.

Advance entries posted at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/entrylist/ILOpen2016. Boards, sets, and clocks provided by The Illinois Chess Association. All special rules, details, and tournament conditions subject to change without notice; changes will be posted ASAP at the  site & online. INFO: (773) 294-1709 11 a.m.-7p.m. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Scholastic side event on 9/3, details and registration at http://www.chessforlife.com.

Illinois Blitz Championship on 9/3 evening, details and registration at www.kingregistration.com/tournaments/event/ilblitz2016.

Hotel Reservation: (847) 493-6929 or www.crowneplaza.com/northbrookchi, $94 room rate if reserved by 8/19, must use Group Code CSS when registering. Free hot breakfast buffet for guests. 25% discount at Willows Restaurant to all tournament participants.

Summary of differences between FIDE Laws of Chess and US Chess Federation rules: http://www.uschess.org/content/view/12723/668

FIDE Laws of Chess: http://www.fide.com/fide/handbook.html?id=171&view=article

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