Quick ICCA update

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Erik Czerwin

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Nov 9, 2025, 1:45:41 PMNov 9
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Coaches,

Hello!  It's been a few weeks of a VERY active chess season.  92 schools have already competed in IHSA-qualifying events, and dozens (hundreds?!) of K-8 players have participated in sections at those events as well.  We're doing great things for chess and for our players.  

Just a few quick reminders for everyone as we move through the season:
  • All HS teams must participate in a Team-Paired tournament in order to qualify for the IHSA Sectionals & Final series.  The ICCA compiles a list of those events on the ICCA Schedule.  BE SURE to register for those events ASAP and then send in your rosters/lineups the week of the event.  Early registration helps hosts plan for food, skittles areas, and support staff.
  • Coach your players on the procedures for tournaments!
    • All players need pen/pencil and notation for every round, they should NEVER leave the skittles area without those items.
    • PLAYERS must call for rulings and/or ask questions of TD/Steward staff.  Coaches and TDs cannot interfere in games, and asking for a ruling is exactly that.  The players must know the rules and how to enforce them by calling for a steward.  Coach them in this!
    • Spectator behavior...  There should be NO talking, gesturing, nodding, etc. with players who are in a game.  It is your responsibility as a coach to teach your players how to behave appropriately at a tournament.  If you need ANY support in this, please let me know! (Secr...@ILChessCoach.org).
    • TEACH THE RULES!  I've attached an old rules/procedures review I used to use with my teams.  Check it out and be sure that you and your team have the right answers to all those questions.  
Upcoming Tournaments
Be sure to check out the upcoming tournaments!  We've got some great events left in November and December has two amazing weekends of chess before winter break.
Upcoming rated chess (Road to Nationals!)
With HS Nationals right in Chicago this March, getting your players memberships and opportunities to experience rated chess is an important step.  Remember, players can (and often do) attend these events on their own with friends and family.  You can join in as a player, as a coach, or just stay home!  Take a look at the information below and share with your team!
  • Saturday, November 15th 
    • Illinois All-Grade Chess Championship - Peoria, IL - this is a GREAT one-day where your players will get to play rated-style chess, boost their ratings, and start getting ready for Nationals in March.  Check it out and share it with your neighboring programs as well as your feeder programs becuase this ALL GRADE Championship has room for players of ALL GRADES K-12!
  • Sunday, November 23rd
    • Illinois Class Championship - Schaumburg, IL - This one-day championship event is PERFECT for newer rated-chess players.  4-rounds of chess sectioned by rating class means that players will get 4 rounds of chess against opponents close to their own playing strength.  That makes for an intense day of chess!  And since it's heading into Thanksgiving Break, this can give players a chance to really analyze and contemplate these games.
  • Friday November 28-Sunday November 30th
    • Sevan Memorial Tournament - A multi-day event for more serious players, this rated event runs G90+30 time controls and is a great way to enjoy chess before heading back to work the following week.  Maybe a great place for you, as a coach, to pit your own skills against some opponents.  I'll see you there!


-- Erik Czerwin
Assistant Director of Events - US Chess
Elevating Chess Experiences - Prairie View Hobbies
00_Rules and Procedures Review.pdf
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