Announcements
Meet Hector Hernandez, Pillar of Chicago's Chess Community
- Details
- Written by Eva Harrison Eva Harrison
- Created: 23 February 2022 23 February 2022
Last month, the Mexican American Historical Archives (MAHA), which is part of the weekly electronic newsletter Illinois Latino Voice, published an in-depth article on Hector Hernandez, former ICA President, winner of the 2000 Billy Colias Excellence in Teaching Award, and recipient of the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. Hector is a well-known figure in the Latino community of Chicago and has been instrumental in advancing chess on Chicago’s lower west side for several decades. In addition to his personal chess accomplishments—Hector is a Candidate Master, who achieved his highest rating of 2167 in 1993—he has touched many lives as a talented chess instructor, scholastic coach, and chess club founder.
ICA Election Cycle Underway for 2021 - Call for Nominations
- Details
- Written by ICA Board ICA Board
- Created: 13 October 2021 13 October 2021
The ICA is calling for nominations of the five General Members to the Board of Directors.
The Constitution of the Illinois Chess Association states:
Article V: Board of Directors
Section 2. Number, Tenure, and Qualifications. The Board of Directors shall consist of ten members. The Board of Directors must include the Executive Board. Those individuals on the Board of Directors who are not on the Executive Board shall be termed General Members of the Board of Directors. At least two General Members of the Board of Directors shall reside in Cook County or the Collar Counties (DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will), and at least two shall reside outside those counties. Election of General Members of the Board of Directors shall occur in odd numbered years. Each Director shall hold office until his successor shall have been selected and qualified. Directors shall be residents of Illinois and members of the ICA. The number of Directors may be decreased to not fewer than three by amendment of this article or any bylaw.
The Board of Directors manages the affairs of the ICA. For specific information about the responsibilities of General Members, please contact Darren Erickson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Call for Delegates to 2021 U.S. Open in New Jersey
- Details
- Written by Eva Harrison Eva Harrison
- Created: 03 February 2021 03 February 2021
The Illinois Chess Association is calling chess enthusiasts to serve as Illinois delegates to US Chess' annual business meetings at the 2021 U.S. Open, which will take place July 31-August 8 in Cherry Hill:
Crowne Plaza Philadelphia-Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
(888) 233-9527
Hotel Rate: $119
The number of delegates Illinois is authorized to send to New Jersey this summer is expected to be five, along with several alternates. Delegates will represent Illinois as voting members of US Chess and will discuss updates to the US Chess rulebook and other matters of importance in the governance of US Chess.
$500 Stipend for High School Graduates; Deadline is July 1st
- Details
- Written by Eva Harrison Eva Harrison
- Created: 01 June 2021 01 June 2021
The application deadline for HS Seniors to win the $500 ICA education stipend is only 4 weeks away. To apply, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by July 1, 2021 stating your name, contact information, date of graduation, and where you are going in the fall.
Last year, the lucky winner was Michele Pankov.
Full details on eligibility can be found here: http://il-chess.org/announcements/1398-ica-education-stipend
ICA Election Cycle Underway for 2020 - Call for Nominations
- Details
- Written by Eva Harrison Eva Harrison
- Created: 14 October 2020 14 October 2020
The ICA is calling for nominations of officers to the Board of Directors. Officers are elected in even-numbered years and are the five members of the Executive Board: President, Metro Vice-President, Downstate Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Officers must be residents of Illinois and members of the ICA.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the schedule has changed slightly as follows:
The deadline for submitting a nomination is November 10, 2020. In addition to stating their willingness to serve, those interested in running for election need to submit support from 10 ICA members eligible to vote, i.e. members age 19 or older with an active membership at the time of supporting the nomination.