On Wednesday, May 27th, the IHSA State Champion Naperville North High School Chess Team hosted a night of chess fun for the Naperville community.

The tournament featured unrated sections by grade level, rated sections, a parent tournament, a group lesson, and a "Beat the Varsity Player" challenge.

The goal of the tournament was to continue to spread the great game of chess to the community and to raise money for the NNHS Chess Team to compete in USCF National Tournaments next year.

"This is one of my favorite events of the year," Coach Jeff DiOrio stated.

"I love watching our chess members play against, encourage, and coach the younger kids. This team is filled with great young men and women who have been wonderful ambassadors for chess in our community. 

Continued Di Orio, "Our seniors graduated last week and every one of them is here donating their time to the cause.

In all, the event attracted 65 players from the DuPage County area.

Under 800 and Under 1200 sections were submitted as "rated" to the US Chess Federation. Those crosstables can be found here.

Kevin Song won the U1200 section with a 3.0/4 tally; Lavina Thadani was perfect in the U800. Lavina's rating climbed 171 points!

Di Orio served as Chief TD with graduating senior Bradley Guan, Naperville North's first board during the championship season, also receiving TD credits.

Guan is heading to Carnegie Mellon in the fall.