Members of the Whitney Young High School chess team arrived at school on Tuesday morning brandishing trophies representing their many accomplishments at the 2012 USCF National All-Grade Championship. Highlighting the event was the team winning their second National Blitz Championship. The first blitz championship was won at the 2011 National High School Championship.
Individually, Sam Schmakel and Charles Swan finished in 4th and 5th, respectively. In the Bughouse event, Sam Schmakel and Jimi Akintonde finished 3rd, while Mark Waechter and Phillip Parker-Turner finished 4th.
In the main events, Sam Schmakel was the 11th grade co-champion, bringing his streak to three. Next year, he will be trying for a high school championship sweep. Also, in the 12th grade section the team finished in 4 th place, while in the 9th grade section the team finished in 6th place with Phillip Parker-Turner finishing in 15th place, individually. Overall, the tournament was a huge success with most players gaining rating points. Next up is the IHSA State Championship and then Supernationals 2013.