Event Preview
Registrations Coming In For 2017 K-8 In Normal: March 10-12
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
With more than three dozen Illinois youth already signed up in four sections, the 2017 Illinois K-8 Championships will be attracting over 500+ (maybe 600 or 700?) chess players from throughout the state, March 10-12.
Bloomington Normal Area Scholastic Chess -- which provides an incredible model of how a community chess organization can be run -- will once again host of the US Chess rated championship. BNASC was awarded the event based on a competitive bid submitted to the ICA in 2016.
Due to anticipated renovations at the nearby Bone Center on the ISU campus, this year's event will be held entirely at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Normal.
Deadlines Looming For Early Registration
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
Time waits for no one.
And chess organizers (with a few exceptions) generally follow that same golden rule.
Several tournaments are nearing their early registration cut-off date. This means you can still get in on the fun -- it just might cost you a few more dollars.
Wednesday January 25 is the early registration deadline for the Illinois Elementary School Association state championships coming up Feb. 24 & 25 in Peoria at the historic Civic Center.
Single and Ready to Mingle? Players Seeking Teams for Feb 17-19 USAT North Are Contacting Organizers With Availability
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
With less than six weeks until the US Amateur Team North competition to be held in the northwest Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, registrations for both teams and individuals are starting to mount.
The February 17-19 event has two- and three-day options and will once again be hosted at the Hyatt Schaumburg.
Four person teams with one alternate can register until February 1 for a fee of $160. That calculates to $40 a person to play five rounds in a national event -- without even leaving the state of Illinois!
Winter Open Preview
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- Written by Bill Buklis Bill Buklis
The first Illinois Chess Tour event of the 2017 season starts tomorrow with the 34th Annual Tim Just Winter Open. The tournament once again returns to the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg. Registrations have been heating up in the last days before the tournament.
At this time there are currently 179 players registered for the main event and 76 players in the companion tournament - the Winter Scholastic.
Leading the field are FMs Sam Schmakel, George Li, David Peng, and Tansel Turgut. The reserve section is currently led by Rick Lutzke, William Dwyer, Adam Wallach, and Emmett Madigan.
For more information visit the pages in the ICA event list for the Winter Open or the Winter Scholastic.
Stay tuned for the full tour schedule as it will be posted online soon.
Registrations Over 150 for Sunday's Illinois Class
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
Robust competition is promised in seven sections as the 2016 Illinois Class convenes Sunday November 20.
Once again, the event is being held at the Hilton property in Lisle, just north of the I-88 tollway and east of the Naperville Road exiit.
Online registration continues through 9:00pm Saturday (11/19) -- and onsite registration will be available from 8:30am through 9:30am.
There are sections for everyone including separate U1200 and U800 sections. No previous USCF experience is required although a membership must be active. For juniors, an $11 annual membership is available, representing a substantial discount over standard rates.
Registrations Surpass 100 for '16 IL Class Nov. 20
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
If you would like a full-day of quality chess against compatible but not overwhelming opponents, there is no doubt that the 2016 Illinois Class would fill the bill.
The November 20 event is sponsored by the Illinois Chess Association with proceeds going towards supporting ICA operations and programs.
$30 (U1200 and U800 sections) and $50 registration slots (Masters & Experts, Classes A through D) are still available for ICA members with non-members paying $5 more.
Save $200-plus, Early Registration Deadlines Approach: Sevan Memorial 11/11, IL Class 11/13, Sevan Scholastic 11/22
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
According to the National Retail Foundation, the average Black Friday shopper in 2015 spent $300. Imagine in how much better shape your pocketbook (or wallet) will be if you played chess instead that day!
Thanks to the Sevan Memorial (and Sevan Scholastic) you will have that opportunity to play tournament chess instead of shopping... and with a potential of $12,500 in prize money offered (in the main event) you might actually come out with positive cash flow! (Full disclosure: The prize fund offering is based on 220 paid entries).