ICCA December Update

[Erik Czerwin]

Coaches,

Happy Holidays!  This one is coming out early to get ahead of the Thanksgiving break...

As we round the corner and head towards Winter Break, a few quick items worthy of note are listed below.  After that, look for the newsletter in January.  As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns, or need support for your program.

News you can use...

- ICCA OFFICER ELECTIONS - This February, we'll be electing officers to the 4 Officer positions.  If you would like to run, please e-mail me your candidacy statement before December 31st, 2023.

- Mike Zacate Memorial Page - We've set up a webpage dedicated to Mike's memory, particularly as it relates to the ICCA.  If you have any pictures or testimonial notes that you would like to share, please send them to me.  I'll add them all to the page as they come in.  Check out the page at: ILChessCoach.org/about/history/MikeZacate

- IHSA 50th State Chess Team Tournament - This year marks the 50th year of the IHSA State Chess Team Tournament.  We'll be finding some fun and unique ways to celebrate.  If you have any thoughts and want to help out, let us know!

Upcoming Tournaments:

Saturday, December 2nd

- Bolingbrook Raider Tournament - Coach Tallon has been running this 4-round G45/d5 event for several years, and with Coach Glenn Panner at the TD spot, it's sure to reach its 32 team cap soon, so be sure to register ASAP

- Palatine Pirate Tournament - Coach Fisher-Rohde is running this event for the 5th year in a row.  Offering 4 rounds of G55/d5 for Varsity 8-board and JV 5-board teams as well as a High School Open, this is a great event to test your team's mettle at full State time controls.  With TD team Erik Czerwin and Patrick Latortue, this is sure to be a fun event!

- Brimfield Chess Tournament - This event downstate is a winter tradition, and offering 4 rounds of G40/d5 for Varsity 8-board, JV 6-board, and a HS Open, this event is a great opportunity to play a quick tournament with some teams from around the state.

Saturday, December 9th

- Huntley Red Raider Tournament - Coach Glowaty, who played in 2008-09, has started this new tradition on the ICCA Calendar.  He's got 4 rounds of G45/d5 for HS Teams and Individuals, 5 rounds of G30/d5 for Middle School Individuals, and 5 rounds of chess for Elementary individuals.  Right off of I-90, this is a great event to bring your whole K-12 program to compete.  With a TD crew headed by Erik Czerwin, Patrick Latortue, and Harry Kyriazaes, who will also be training some new TDs, this is going to be a smooth event with learners at all levels.  See you there!

- Glenbard Classic - Coach Aderhold and Coach McWilliams resurrected this historical tournament hosted at Glenbard South HS.  Located just off Butterfield Road at 355 and 88, it's an easy-to-get-to event running 4-rounds of G55/d5 for HS Varsity teams and 5 rounds of G40/d5 for High School, Middle School, and Adult sections, Swing by for some fierce chess before heading home for a fierce winter break.  TD Josh Flores will be running this classic event as he prepares to TD an IHSA Sectional in just about a month, so be sure to meet him and welcome him to the ICCA circuit.

Saturday, December 16th

- Bishop MacNamara Fightin Irish Tournament - Coach Earsley is new to the scene with this 4-round G45/d5 event.  Check it out and help a new tournament get off the ground!

That's it for now!  Of course, check out all the upcoming spring tournaments at ILChessCoach.org/Schedule

Also, be sure to check-in with the results and follow along on the ICCA Team Data Sheet! (bit.ly/ICCAteams)

--

Erik Czerwin

Teacher, Tutor, Coach, Rocketeer - CzTeacherMan

ICCA, NICL, Rock River Chess