Three youth invitationals organized by the ICA Warren Junior Program were held March 14th and 15th at ChessIQ under the direction of TD Sevan Muradian.

Top Illinois high school, elementary and girls players competed for an opportunity to represent the state at the National Barber, Denker and Girls competitions staged in conjunction with the 2015 U.S. Open.

In addition to winning the right to compete at the corresponding national event, each section winner received $250 towards chess lessons and a $500 travel stipend. Runners up also received $250 towards coaching. Prizes were made possible by a generous grant from the Walter S. Mander Foundation.

Zhaozhi Li of New Trier High School proved unstoppable in the high school Denker competition, posting a perfect 5-0 record, with Alex Bian of Stevenson High School placing 2nd.

Jacob Furfine followed up his K-8 Championship of a week earlier with an impressive 4.5 /5 win in the Barber competition. Hanson Hao finished 2nd.

Senior Caeley Harihara of Walter Payton High School won the Girls Championship, with Shayna Provine of Benet Academy High School placing 2nd.

Crosstables available here.

Congratulations to all of the competitors on an outstanding weekend of chess competition and camaraderie.

The US Open and the prestigious National Barber, Denker and Girls invitationals will be held in Phoenix, AZ this August.