Four top Illinois juniors were among the 74 selected by US Chess for the 2018 All-America Team.

Candidates were based on their 1/1/2017 rating and peak post-tournament ratings from 7/1/16 through 6/30/17.

George Li was one of eleven 16-year olds with a minium rating of 2400. David Peng is one of eight 13-year olds with ratings above 2300.

Arthur Xu is listed as one of four 9-year olds with a minimum rating of 2000 -- and in fact, is listed as the top such youth. For the Age 8 and Under group, Dimitar Mardov is one of nine with ratings above 1900, designated as the third highest in the impressive group.

According to US Chess, "Team members will be presented with their team jackets and plaques at the 2017 National K-12 Grade Championships to be held December 8th through the 10th in Orlando, Florida at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort."

The All-America Team was created in 1987.

According to US Chess, the minimum rating floors are reviewed annually and occasionally adjusted.