'25-'26 Season Kick-Off

[Erik Czerwin]

Coaches,

I just wanted to drop a quick few lines about the "start" of the 2025-26 scholastic chess season.  Many of you have already begun.  Many of you are still in the thick of your Fall sports and activities with chess a distant thought.

Either way, there are a TON of great events and resources for programs at every stage and level.  Below I'll list a few important points, but it's always better to stay plugged in to your local conference coach network.

• The ICCA Resources are plentiful and a set of CURATED resources that coaches just like you have found to be useful.  We've been assembling those links, documents, and various resources for 50 years, and it's all freely available.  Don't miss it!  And if you've got stuff to share, please send it in!
• The ICCA Schedule lists all the chess events for your teams and programs.  October is "pre-season" chess, but you can find everything from casual, educational events to tough matches.  For HS teams, IHSA requires participation in at least one qualifying event (noted on our schedule by a King icon in the far-right column). If you need any help finding the best event for your program, just ask!  And, if you've been thinking about an event of your own, we've got resources to help you.
• Heads-up on events...  LOTS of new fun events.  Chess in the Park.  Rockford Rumble.  Stevenson Team Tournament.  Pablo Alvarez at Highland Park is elevating their event to a Dia de los Muertos chess experience.  These are all events that WANT you and your team to be there.  If anything stands in your way, please reach out to the hosts and organizers.  There are lots of ways to get your teams, your players into those events.  Team too small?  We can find a way.  Team funds depleted?  We can find a way.  The ICCA is built on serving the needs of teams, but we can only provide what we know is needed.  So reach out, let us know!

That's enough for now...  I hope your chess is fun, light, and always improving.  As usual, if you need any support, don't hesitate to ask.  We'll see you at an event soon!

-- Erik Czerwin

Assistant Director of Events - US Chess

Secretary - Illinois Chess Coaches Association

Elevating Chess Experiences - Prairie View Hobbies