[Editor's Note: Due to server transition, the write up on the completed IHSA finals has been lost but we wish to congratulate IMSA, the 2016-2017 State Champions!  That comprehensive article will be reconstructed and posted here. In the meantime, here's the Day 1 results to whet your appetite (thanks to Andon Mardov!).]

After four of seven rounds, eight schools are continuing the quest for the 2017 top Illinois high school chess team.

With three rounds remaining, wrapping up later today, it's likely we'll see just a single perfect score for the winning team. But you never know until the last king drops.

In Friday's competition, Glenbrook North came from behind with a second-board win and a sixth-board draw, edging Barrington 34.5 to 33.5.

Stevenson (of Lincolnshire) and New Trier (of Winnetka) had slightly easier times in round four, both scoring 68 to 0 victories.

Also with 4.0's are Illinois Math and Science Academy (of Aurora), Whitney Young (Chicago), Hindsdale Central, Maine South (Park Ridge), and Naperville North.

In round five, Glenbrook North faces New Trier. Whitney Young is paired with Maine South, IMSA takes on Hindsdale Central and Naperville North will battle it out against Stevenson.

Results are being updated during each round on the IHSA website here.

The eight-board format state tournament is a unique competition in the US.

This year's event marks the 50th anniversary for Mike Zacate's invention with the IHSA taking on the organizing duties starting in year eight. Nonetheless, Zacate continues at the helm, guiding the floor stewards who officiate the rounds. 

149 teams are entered this year -- with several others attempting to register too late to be included.

Next year the field of entries will likely be reduced as the IHSA institutes a sectional qualifying element -- with teams mandated to score at least 2.0 out of 4 in order to advance to state.

Stay tuned for more reports from the Peoria Civic Center!