General Announcements

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

Details: Written by Steve Plotnick ICA President Steve Plotnick ICA President

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

ICA Editor and Staff Writer Message

Details: Written by Jacob Plotnick - Staff Writer Jacob Plotnick - Staff Writer

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

Jacob Plotnick accepts Position as ICA Editor and Staff Reporter

Details: Written by ICA Board ICA Board

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.

ICA Tour to restart in 2024

Details: Written by Eva Harrison Eva Harrison

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.

ICA Elections - Nomination Period for 2023 Is Now Open!

Details: Written by Eva Harrison Eva Harrison

The ICA is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the five general members of the Board of Directors. Directors will take office on January 1, 2024 and serve a two-year term.

Who Is Eligible to Be Nominated?

Under the ICA Bylaws, directors must be residents of Illinois and members of the ICA. At least two at-large directors must reside in Cook County or the Collar Counties (DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will), and at least two must reside outside these counties.

Submitting Your Nomination

Any ICA member may submit a nomination. Self-nominations are also permitted and encouraged.
Nominations may be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Nominations must be seconded by 10 voting ICA members and the nominee must agree to serve. The deadline for submitting nominations is October 10, 2023.

ICA at the Illinois Open

Details: Written by ICA Board ICA Board

The Illinois Chess Association will have representation at the upcoming Illinois Open over Labor Day in Northbrook, IL. We plan to have a board member there for at least one round each day. Please stop by to talk about some exciting news such as our new Illinois Quick rated chess tournament, improved website and some very exciting new benefits coming to both our members and affiliates. There will be an Illinois Chess Association banner in place to help you find where to visit. Here is a copy of our flyer that we will be bringing to the event. Please come and play our great Illinois Open and find a few minutes to visit with one of the board members.

Patrick Cohen succeeds Sean Hennessy as ICA Secretary

Details: Written by Stephen Plotnick Stephen Plotnick

The Illinois Chess Association would like to welcome Patrick Cohen as our new Secretary. Patrick has been a part of the Illinois Chess Association board for several years and was our past president. He helped rebuild our board during some difficult times and has a great knowledge of Illinois Chess and our programs. We couldn't be more fortunate to have Patrick back on our Executive Board. I would like to personally thank Patrick for switching positions on our board. Patrick is currently a general board member from our downstate region. If anyone is interested in filling his former position, please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please welcome Patrick to his new position.

Stephen Plotnick

President, Illinois Chess Association

Illinois Chess Association, Inc.