Illinois Scholastic Players Battle It Out at the National Elementary Championship

Illinois Players were well represnted at the recent National Elementary Championship Tournament held May 10th through the 12th in Nashville TN.

K-6 Championship Division

Avi Harrison Kaplan 14th with 5 points. He represents Decatur Classical of Chicago

In the same division, with ratings based from 1100 to 1199, Josephine Swan, also of Decatur Classical, finished thrid on tiebreak.Jenna Cinco also of Decatur Classical finished first in the 900-999 rations section.

Decatur Classical of Chicago finished 9th in the team competition  for the K-6 Championship Division

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Chess at the Chicago Ridge Mall

Chicago Ridge Mall “Chess at the Mall V” Chess Simultaneous Exhibition Results

Scott Escalera “bounced” from each player, 7 in total, in a “u” shaped table formation. His opponents can think about their move until he comes back to them. Scott then takes approximately 3 seconds per his chess move after theirs, then he moves on. He wins 5. Draws 1 and has 1 loss. This would be amazing for almost anybody, but he is just a kindergartener!

Ok, he isn’t just a kindergartener. He is the Illinois State K1 Champion and the 3rd place kindergartener at the scholastic chess national tournament this year. This was Scott’s first chess simultaneous exhibition or “simul” for short and both Illinois Chess Vets and Chicago Ridge Mall are proud Scott made is simul exhibition debut at this month’s chess event.  Scott will be invited back this summer to conduct another event.

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Chess at the Promenade Mall

Chess at The Promenade Bolingbrook 2019

When: Saturday June 8th, 11am - 3pm

 

Cost: Free


Main Event:Simultaneous Exhibition with World-renowned  chess  Grandmaster  Boris Avrukh (peak rating 2668).

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Chicago Loses Youth Organizer Mike Cardinale, 54

Long-time Chicago youth chess organizer and former Illinois Chess Association (ICA) Metro Vice President Michael Cardinale has passed away after a valiant fight against recurring brain tumors.

Visitation will be Monday, March 25 from 4pm - 8pm at Barr Funeral Home, 6222 N. Broadway.  The funeral  mass will be Tuesday, March 26 at 11am at St. Ita Catholic Church, 5500 N. Broadway.

Mr. Cardinale passed away peacefully Saturday, at home with his wife, Autumn Mather, family and beloved canine companion, Flavia. Mike had recently turned 54. 

As an ICA officer, Mike had resurrected the Illinois Chess Tour and served as its commissioner for several years, promoting geographic connection within the Illinois chess community.

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ICA Executive Board Election Results

The most recent ICA election cycle has concluded and effective January 1st, the following Executive Board members have taken office: Patrick Cohen, President; Stephen Plotnick, Metro VP; Rachel Schechter, Downstate VP; and Patrice Connelly, Secretary. Their scheduled term is through 12/31/2020. The position of Treasurer went unfilled and remains vacant.


Continuing in office as Board Members At Large, through 12/31/19, are Eva Harrison, Megan Chen, Michael Lenox, Murrel Rhodes, and Garrett Scott.

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