Forty-four students (K-12) competed in the 2024 January Scholastic USCF-rated Chess Tournament on Saturday, January 27. The event was sponsored by Rochester Chess, an educational nonprofit whose mission is to provide opportunities for youth and adults to play chess and receive chess instruction. The tournament has been rated by USCF: https://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?202401278182.0-30755720.

Thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers for helping make this event successful! You are too numerous to name. 🙂

Stay tuned for more information on the next local scholastic tournament and the Minnesota State Scholastic Championship by subscribing to receive periodic updates at our site: https://rochesterchess.com/

The playing field was divided into 4 sections based on chess experience. Twelve students played in their first ever USCF-rated event!

Although there were individual winners in the tournament, in reality the competitors were all winners. They shared their passion for chess, met others who enjoyed the game, and most importantly improved their critical thinking skills by playing chess.

Super-talented Cole Lappi (9th grader at Century) won the championship section with a perfect 4-0. Isaac Gommels (7th grader at Schaeffer Academy) finished in clear second place with a score of 3-1.

Akhshar Vijayakumar (5th grader at Byron Middle School) and Chase Stenzel (8th grader at Byron Middle School) tied for first place in the reserve section with scores of 3.5/4.0.

Noah Mannix (7th grader at Stewartville Middle School) defeated all of his nearest rivals to finish undefeated 4./4 in the Bantam section. Caleb Laber and Logan Anderson (both (4th graders at Ben Franklin) finished tied for second place with scores of 3/4.

William Zhao (8th grader at Byron Middle School) easily finished with a perfect 4/4 score in the unrated section. Henry Frank (5th grader at Franklin Elementary) was close behind with a score of 3/4 in second place, losing only to the eventual winner.