Nearly 70 Play in Inaugural CCI 2017 Chicago Cup

 

On the 19th and 20th of August 2017 history was made in Chicago, The history I am referring to is the first annual “Chicago Cup” chess tournament. The tournament was held at the luxurious Chicago South Loop hotel, and facilitated by the Chicago Chess Initiative and organized by long-time area player John Porter.

The reason I say historical is two-fold: one, because the southside of Chicago has been a chess desert since the passing of one of our favorite chess organizers and teachers, Tom Fineberg. And two, because it was a FIDE-tournament which means the time controls are set for those rules and that rating system.

The tournament had just less than 70 active players who registered while three Masters, one International Master and even a soon-to-be master were doing battle in this five-round event.

14 Experts and a host of Class A and Class B players also competed -- and that was just in the Open section!

In the Reserve section we had a Women Candidate Master (WCM) who played some remarkable games.

In conclusion it comes as no surprise to most that IM Angelo Young took clear first in the open section, while Terrence Aguinaldo and Jack Santner shared first in the Reserve. Not only did they win money but they captured the gold and silver cups respectively.

Parents, players and chess pundits were amazed at the quality of the trophies and the fun they experienced at the first annual Chicago Cup!

Mixed team winners were: Megan Chen and David Webb along with Jack Santner and Saanvi Adusumalli.

The word is out now: John Porter and the Chicago Chess Initiative run quality events and are doing their part to keep chess alive in Chicago on the southside. Stay tuned more tournaments coming very soon.

(Pictures to follow)