With 347 players from over 90 different schools and the home-schooled community, Illinois has the third most registrants, two days before SuperNationals VI kicks off formally, Friday, May 12. 

The Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN will once again serve as the host site to perhaps the largest chess tournament ever held in the US (correct me if I'm wrong!).

5,496 registrants is already ahead of the official count for the 2013 SuperNationals. Such events, bringing together Elementary, Junior High and High School Nationals, are held only every four years. (Update: As of Thursday, IL is at 356 and overall is at 5,552).

At this time New York (1034) and Texas (767) have the most registrants, almost thrice and more than twice Illinois' entries respectively.

Host state Tennessee has 340 signed up while Florida has 329. Distant California has only 158 registered, combining both Northern and Southern CA entries.

These numbers were compiled Wednesday afternoon, May 10.

A strong representation of Illinois high schools has contributed mightily to these totals. ICCA Secretary Erik Czerwin credits the efforts of ICCA President Dylan Canavan. Ten schools form the bulk of these high school registrations, comprising over 100 players.

Hinsdale Central (20), Highland Park (18), Joliet STEM Academy (13), Sandburg of Orland Park (12), Naperville North (11), Argo of Summit (11), Whitney Young of Chicago (10), New Trier of Winnetka (8), Stevenson of Lincolnshire (7), and IMSA of Aurora (6) will have players competing in various Kindergarten to Grade 12 sections. 

Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove has the most entries of any Illinois non-high school with 21, followed by Chicago's Gallistel Language Academy with 19.

(Chicago) Bateman Elementary coach Adam Geisler advised the ICA that his "football team" of 11 entries represents the most they've ever sent to Nationals. Says Geisler, "To prepare, we have been busy with tactics puzzles, tournament strategy and game analysis, including some gems from the recent Lozano Spring Scholastic tournament.  Here's hoping for some great results!"

The seven-round competition concludes May 14 -- and Illinois attendees are invited to write in with reports and anecdotes -- and of course picture submissions!  Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All but four states appear to have registrants.

Side events begin tomorrow (Thursday). Safe travels!