After an exhaustive examination of alternatives, the Illinois Chess Association has accepted a bid from the Bloomington Normal Area Scholastic Chess (BNASC) to host the Illinois K-8 championship for the 2016-2017 school year.

BNASC President Amy Green expressed pride in the decision to offer the hosting rights to her organization. She indicates the competitive dates for the events itself will be Saturday and Sunday, March 11-12, with wild-and-crazy Bughouse (two-person teams) and faster-than-the-speed-of-light Blitz on that Friday.

Ms. Green states, "Due to renovations at the ISU Bone Student Center the venue for this year’s event will be the Marriott in Uptown Normal. We are excited about this location as many restaurants as well as the Children’s Museum are within walking distance."

The BNASC promises "more information on registering for the event and hotel rooms will be coming later in the year."

Any questions regarding the event can be sent to Amy Green at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The ICA's process calls for rotation of the US Chess-rated event between upstate and downstate locations. The BNASC hosted the event in 2011, 2013 and 2015 attracting 517, 594 and 571 in respective years. The 2009 "Scholastic Chess Championships" drew 653 competitors to Normal. 

Going back to 2006-2008, the statewide "Scholastic Championships" attracted over 700 for three consecutive years: 2006 (718) in Chicago, 2007 (701) in Normal and 2008 (741) in Glenview.

In 2005 the "Elementary Championships" drew 656 to Peoria and the 2004 K-8 saw 722 compete in Des Plaines. 

The 2003 "State Chess Championships" fielded 729 in Bloomington preceeded by 824 playing in Northbrook in the 2002 "State Scholastic" event.

This year's 2016 K-8 Championships in Schaumburg drew 660 entries.

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Next school year should offer an exciting calendar for scholastic chess players in Illinois, kicking off with the All-Grade (K-12) in Naperville on November 5. 

The National K-12's shifts from Orlando to Nashville, TN at the Opryland Resort, December 16-18.

US Chess-rated Greater Chicago Championships are February 4, 2017 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The non-rated IHSA championships (for high school teams ONLY) will be held in Peoria February 10-11, 2017.

The non-rated IESA championships (for individuals and teams Grades 5-8) will be conducted in Peoria February 24 and 25.

As mentioned above, the rated Illinois K-8's will be March 11 & 12 in Normal.

The rated National All-Girls sponsored by Renaissance Knights and the KCF runs April 7-9 in Chicago at McCormick Place.

Ice Harbor Scholastic (K-12) with both rated and non-rated competition will be hosted April 28-30 at the Grand Harbor Resort in Dubuque, IA. Ice Harbor has become the de facto midwest chess championships -- and the participants LOVE the indoor water park at the tournament site. A word to the wise: get your hotel reservations in early!

The 2017 SuperNationals -- held every four years, combining the Elementary, Junior High and High School national championships -- will be hosted at the Opryland Resort May 12-14. The 2013 SuperNationals attracted more than 5,300 competitors.

If you've got a major scholastic team event to add to this lineup, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Similarly, if you wish to be emailed when this calendar is updated -- or more All-Grade or K-8 details unfold -- contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll be glad to keep you in the know.