Illinois Juniors Hit ISU's Bone Center for K-8 Championships

It's all systems go for the 2015 K-8 Championships March 7 and 8 at the Bone Center on the campus of Illinois State University. Registrations are being accepted up through 9pm Friday, March 6 either onsite or through the designated website.

More information is available on the Bloomington Normal Area Scholastic Chess organization's website.

Competition will kick off Friday with side events including Blitz and Bughouse.

The main event spans two days will include seven rounds of non-elimination competition in four sections, based on grade level: K-1, 2-3, 4-5 and 6-8. The event is USCF-rated.

Time controls vary by section.

The ICA Calendar listing for the event can be found here but participants should consult the BNASC website for any updates or changes.

Between all events and sections, approximately 200 trophies are expected to be distributed.

Since USCF membership is required to play in the event, the ICA has discounted USCF memberships available. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if interested. The ICA offers new or renewal annual memberships to both the ICA and the USCF for $15. A similar offering is available through the BNASC.

Last year's K-8 event in Schaumburg attracted 680 entries and organizers are expecting a comparable number this year based on early registrations.

The Illinois Chess Association has announced that Schaumburg will once again be the site of the 2016 K-8 based upon a bid proposal from Chess IQ and Chess Weekend.

Preparing for this year's event, Amy Green of the BNASC was kind enough to respond to a few questions from the ICA Editor:

ICA: So what special activities are planned for the K-8? 

BNASC: The 2nd annual Colley Kitson Coach of the Year will be awarded to an upstate and downstate coach this year. In addition to the Championship tournament, there will be Blitz and Bughouse tournaments on Friday evening. We are also thrilled to continue the tradition of recognizing the Warren Scholars. 

ICA: How will this be different than the event you hosted in 2013? 

 

BNASC: We are excited to have representatives from ChessKid.com on site for this year’s event. They will be available to go over games with kids as well as have lots of chess giveaways.

 

ICA: What's the BNASC philosophy on scholastic chess? 

 

BNASC: We are dedicated to promoting the game of chess and chess play through the sponsorship of tournaments, educational events and other related chess activities at the scholastic level.

 

ICA: What family-friendly activities in the Bloomington Normal area away from chess?

 

BNASC: The Children’s Discovery Museum is a few block away from the Bone Student Center. It is located at 101 East Beaufort Street and offers fun for all ages.
 

ICA: Anything else you wanna mention about the tournament? 

 

BNASC: Our kids are looking forward to this tournament not only for the chess play but to also meet new people from schools they normally don’t play against each weekend.