Club member Vrishank Ramnath has already had quite a year, winning the Illinois Grades 2-3 Championship in March and competing against high schoolers at the Ice Harbor Scholastic in May.
Without leaving the shores of Illinois, Vrishank will get a chance to win a National Championship this weekend when he competes at the US Junior Open in Schaumburg.
The 6-round tournament kicks off Friday, June 12, and runs through Sunday.
As of today's pre-registration, Vrishank is rated 316 points higher than #2, Aradh Kaur, with 28 players signed up.
The Junior Open is being held in four sections; at the same time and location, the US Senior Open will be held in one section. Vrishank is not quite eligible for that tournament!
Other club members signed up so far include K-1 National Champion Alex Zhao playing up in the Under 11.
In the Under 15 will be Brian Gong, Aidan Carey and Kevin Ho.
Along with Vrishank, others in the U8 will be Neola Edwin, and siblings Aditya and Vikram Oberai,
More information can be found on the ICA site.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Gong Wins Class C at 2014 Chicago Class
Warren Junior Scholar and future NBA point guard Brian Gong won all five of his matches at the 2014 Chicago Class, completed June 20 in Wheeling, IL.
Brian's outstanding 5-0-0 performance skyrocketed his USCF rating above 1700 for the first time!
50 players competed in two or more rounds of the all-ages section, with one player finishing at 4.5, three players with 4.0 scores, and seven others at 3.5/5.
In the Class E competition, Kevin Cahill finished in a 7-way tie for fourth place with a 4.0/5 tally. Kevin's sole blemish was a fifth-round loss to the section champion, Prathik Kandimalla.
Also in that section, William Cahill boosted his rating above 1000 for the first time going 2-1-2 for 3.0 points out of 5. Tim Gong also posted a 3.0 total, with three wins.
William and Tim tied for 18th place out of 78 players competing in two or more rounds of the section.
In the Class D, Vrishank Ramnath finished strong with wins in rounds 4 and 5, compiling a 2.5 tally for the tournament. 45 players participated in more than one round, with Vrishank tying for 19th place.
Brian's outstanding 5-0-0 performance skyrocketed his USCF rating above 1700 for the first time!
50 players competed in two or more rounds of the all-ages section, with one player finishing at 4.5, three players with 4.0 scores, and seven others at 3.5/5.
In the Class E competition, Kevin Cahill finished in a 7-way tie for fourth place with a 4.0/5 tally. Kevin's sole blemish was a fifth-round loss to the section champion, Prathik Kandimalla.
Also in that section, William Cahill boosted his rating above 1000 for the first time going 2-1-2 for 3.0 points out of 5. Tim Gong also posted a 3.0 total, with three wins.
William and Tim tied for 18th place out of 78 players competing in two or more rounds of the section.
In the Class D, Vrishank Ramnath finished strong with wins in rounds 4 and 5, compiling a 2.5 tally for the tournament. 45 players participated in more than one round, with Vrishank tying for 19th place.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Ramnath Ties for 3rd in K-1 Nationals in Dallas
Aurora Naperville Chess Club member Vrishank Ramnath continues his incredible year with a wonderful showing at the USCF Elementary Nationals in Dallas. Vrishank competed in the K-1 Championship section, winning six matches and losing only once in the next to last round to the eventual runner up. The first-grader tied for third place, taking home the fourth place trophy on tiebreaks.
Club members Alex Zhao and Neola Edwin fared well in the same section. Alex finished with 5.0/7, Neola posted a 4.0/7 score. Along with two others, Alex and Neola helped Downer Grove's Avery Coonley School win the 8th place team trophy in the national event.
Kindergartner Alex's 5.0 result was good enough to place him in a tie for 22nd place out of more than 300 juniors in the section.
Neola has seen her rating rise from 107 after the Illinois K-8 Championships in March to a provisional rating of 541 in just two months! Keep up the good work, Neola (and keep practicing those "Pawn Wars"!).
The event featured four champion sections and five others, attracting over 2200 entrants. The competition was held May 9-11 in Dallas, TX.
Club members Alex Zhao and Neola Edwin fared well in the same section. Alex finished with 5.0/7, Neola posted a 4.0/7 score. Along with two others, Alex and Neola helped Downer Grove's Avery Coonley School win the 8th place team trophy in the national event.
Kindergartner Alex's 5.0 result was good enough to place him in a tie for 22nd place out of more than 300 juniors in the section.
Neola has seen her rating rise from 107 after the Illinois K-8 Championships in March to a provisional rating of 541 in just two months! Keep up the good work, Neola (and keep practicing those "Pawn Wars"!).
The event featured four champion sections and five others, attracting over 2200 entrants. The competition was held May 9-11 in Dallas, TX.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Aurora Chess Club Members Excel at 2014 K-8 Championships
First Grader Vrishank Ramnath swept all seven rounds of the K-1 Section to claim the championship at the ICA's 2014 State Championships played March 15 and 16 in Schaumburg.
Vrishank defeated the highest-rated player in the section, Arthur Xu, in the 5th round, and finished off the tournament with a victory over kindergartner Alex Zhao in the final round. With the top tiebreak of the 5.5/7 finishers, Alex claimed the fourth place trophy in the section (out of 97 participants).
Alex has since joined the ANCC club. Welcome Alex!
Vrishank managed to raise his USCF rating 168 points from the event, over 1100!
Kevin Ho finished in a multi-way tie for 16th in the Grades 4-5 section, scoring an impressive 5.0/7. On tiebreaks, Kevin took home the second place trophy for fifth grade. Congrats to Kevin! 209 players competed in the Grades 4-5 division.
Brian Gong compiled a 5.5 score in the Grades 4-5 section, tying for 8th place, bringing home the 12th place trophy on tiebreaks. Brian's only loss was to eventual champion Shreya Mangalam.
By virtue of his official USCF rating over 1500 as a 9 year old, Brian was named to the prestigious Warren Junior Scholars Class of 2014. Congratulations, Brian!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
No ANCC meeting tonight, Nov. 26, Club to Resume Dec. 3rd
Due to a last-minute family commitment of my co-coordinator and my own illness after a busy chess weekend, there will be no Aurora Naperville Chess Club meeting tonight.
I apologize for the late notice on this cancellation. We do hope that in the event future sessions must be canceled, we will know this by the prior week's session.
I do encourage you to take advantage of the subscription feature of this site so that notice of any postings are sent to your email.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope to see you next Tuesday, Dec. 3rd.
For those of you participating on our CICL team, please let me know if you'll be making it for our Wed., December 4th match with Fermi.
I apologize for the late notice on this cancellation. We do hope that in the event future sessions must be canceled, we will know this by the prior week's session.
I do encourage you to take advantage of the subscription feature of this site so that notice of any postings are sent to your email.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope to see you next Tuesday, Dec. 3rd.
For those of you participating on our CICL team, please let me know if you'll be making it for our Wed., December 4th match with Fermi.
Monday, November 18, 2013
ANCC's Kevin Ho Ties for 2nd at 2013 All Grade; Vrishank Ramnath Ties for 7th
Despite a long day and an early loss, Fifth Grader Kevin Ho managed to rise to the occasion Saturday, November 16 at the 2013 All Grade sponsored by the Illinois Chess Association.
Kevin won his final three rounds, posting a 4.0/5 score to earn a portion of second place in the Fifth Grade section. Kevin's only blemish was a second-round loss to eventual Champion Edward Zhang. 41 competed in the section.
The All Grade attracted over 300 competitors to the Bone Center on the campus of Illinois State University. Bloomington Normal Area Scholastic Chess (BNASC) organized the event.
The USCF crosstables can viewed here. Competitors were paired in 10 sections.
Kevin has had quite a year, also bringing home hardware in the Labor Day Scholastic held in September. In that event, Kevin tied for sixth among Under 1200 competitors.
New ANCC-member Vrishank Ramnath finished in a 10-way tie for 7th place in the First Grade Section. Vrishank started out 3-0 before losing to the eventual champion, Arthur Xu, and one of his runners up. Vrishank had the highest tiebreaks of the ten 3.0/5 finishers, and therefore claimed the 7th-place trophy. 34 competed in his section.
Earlier in November, Vrishank had finished in a three-way tie for ninth in the K-3 section at the 2013 Polgar World Open. His 3.5/6 score placed him a half point ahead of two 2013 All Grade Champions: Jai Mahajan was the undefeated 3rd Grade Champion; Sam Fayn also went undefeated as the 2nd Grade Champion. Not bad, Vrishank!
At the Polgar event, ANCC-member Brian Gong tied for 4th in the Grades 4-5 section with a 4.0/6 score. Kevin competed in that same section, tying for 11th with a 3.0/6 tally.
Kevin won his final three rounds, posting a 4.0/5 score to earn a portion of second place in the Fifth Grade section. Kevin's only blemish was a second-round loss to eventual Champion Edward Zhang. 41 competed in the section.
The All Grade attracted over 300 competitors to the Bone Center on the campus of Illinois State University. Bloomington Normal Area Scholastic Chess (BNASC) organized the event.
The USCF crosstables can viewed here. Competitors were paired in 10 sections.
Kevin has had quite a year, also bringing home hardware in the Labor Day Scholastic held in September. In that event, Kevin tied for sixth among Under 1200 competitors.
New ANCC-member Vrishank Ramnath finished in a 10-way tie for 7th place in the First Grade Section. Vrishank started out 3-0 before losing to the eventual champion, Arthur Xu, and one of his runners up. Vrishank had the highest tiebreaks of the ten 3.0/5 finishers, and therefore claimed the 7th-place trophy. 34 competed in his section.
Earlier in November, Vrishank had finished in a three-way tie for ninth in the K-3 section at the 2013 Polgar World Open. His 3.5/6 score placed him a half point ahead of two 2013 All Grade Champions: Jai Mahajan was the undefeated 3rd Grade Champion; Sam Fayn also went undefeated as the 2nd Grade Champion. Not bad, Vrishank!
At the Polgar event, ANCC-member Brian Gong tied for 4th in the Grades 4-5 section with a 4.0/6 score. Kevin competed in that same section, tying for 11th with a 3.0/6 tally.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Winick, Robledo Top '13 Northern Illinois Fall Classic Open Section
Newly-minted Class A-player Jon Winick and Expert Mark Robledo, Jr. both came within a half-point of perfect scores at the '13 Northern Illinois Fall Classic, drawing in the fourth and final round.
The dual-rated tournament was held October 19 in Lisle, attracting a robust field of 30 competing within three sections. Complete crosstables can be viewed here.
In the Reserve, Gama De Luna scored a perfect 4.0/4 in only his second USCF tournament. In the Booster, the ANCC's Matthias Guillet also ran the table 4.0/4 competing in his first USCF event. Matthias recently returned to chess after a multi-decade absence.
It was truly a tournament of personal bests for many:
Aaron Maney, Bob Stoltz and Marissa Li split second place prize money among Under 1800's within the Open. All three scored 2.0/4.
Paul Schmitt finished 2.5/4 in the Reserve, claiming second place in the section.
In the Booster, ANCC's Steve Wilson posted a 3.0/4 score, tying for second with Ming Zhang. This was Steve's first USCF-rated event, losing only to Matthias in the third round.
Adam Bareket won the upset prize, edging out his brother, Tom, who also staked a claim. Class D Adam defeated a Class B player in the first round, while Class C Tom bettered another Class B opponent in his initial game.
The Northern Illinois Fall Classic represents the third tournament hosted by the Aurora Naperville Chess Club at the fantastic training facilities of Molex Corporation in Lisle. A debt of gratitude goes out to all the Molex participants who make this hosting possible. These are truly excellent playing conditions, and the registrant pool keeps growing at each event.
The dual-rated tournament was held October 19 in Lisle, attracting a robust field of 30 competing within three sections. Complete crosstables can be viewed here.
In the Reserve, Gama De Luna scored a perfect 4.0/4 in only his second USCF tournament. In the Booster, the ANCC's Matthias Guillet also ran the table 4.0/4 competing in his first USCF event. Matthias recently returned to chess after a multi-decade absence.
It was truly a tournament of personal bests for many:
- Jon surpassed 1800 for the first time, posting an 1842 post-event rating.
- Armel Peel went over 1600 for the first time, increasing his rating 145 points while scoring 2.5/4. Starting the event in Class C territory, Armel drew a Class B player, beat an Expert and a Class B player, before succumbing to another Expert. And thus Armel can add "Class B" to his chess resume, quite impressive considering his 992 provisional-rating one year ago.
- Also posting a 2.5/4 tally, Vic Zaderej eclipsed 1500 for the first time, jumping 70 rating points.
Aaron Maney, Bob Stoltz and Marissa Li split second place prize money among Under 1800's within the Open. All three scored 2.0/4.
Paul Schmitt finished 2.5/4 in the Reserve, claiming second place in the section.
In the Booster, ANCC's Steve Wilson posted a 3.0/4 score, tying for second with Ming Zhang. This was Steve's first USCF-rated event, losing only to Matthias in the third round.
Adam Bareket won the upset prize, edging out his brother, Tom, who also staked a claim. Class D Adam defeated a Class B player in the first round, while Class C Tom bettered another Class B opponent in his initial game.
The Northern Illinois Fall Classic represents the third tournament hosted by the Aurora Naperville Chess Club at the fantastic training facilities of Molex Corporation in Lisle. A debt of gratitude goes out to all the Molex participants who make this hosting possible. These are truly excellent playing conditions, and the registrant pool keeps growing at each event.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Registrations for October 19th Fall Classic Up to Two Dozen
Registrations are piling up like leaves under my oak tree for Saturday's Northern Illinois Fall Classic.
No matter what your chess level is (except for above 2000, sadly), there promises to be good competition.
Four rounds of middle-time control chess should provide excellent conditions.
Currently, the sections are shaping up as Under 1000 (8 entries), Under 1500 (8 entries) and Open/Under 2000 (8 entries). But I imagine things may shift as walk-up registrations and requests to play up are accommodated.
Plenty of room left in all sections and the early-registration discount has been extended until Friday at 11:59pm if you mention the phrase "PILE OF LEAVES".
See you Saturday!
No matter what your chess level is (except for above 2000, sadly), there promises to be good competition.
Four rounds of middle-time control chess should provide excellent conditions.
Currently, the sections are shaping up as Under 1000 (8 entries), Under 1500 (8 entries) and Open/Under 2000 (8 entries). But I imagine things may shift as walk-up registrations and requests to play up are accommodated.
Plenty of room left in all sections and the early-registration discount has been extended until Friday at 11:59pm if you mention the phrase "PILE OF LEAVES".
See you Saturday!
Thursday, October 3, 2013
ANCC to sponsor 4-round Fall Classic Oct. 19 in Lisle
The Aurora Naperville Chess Club is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 2013 Northern Illinois Fall Classic. This four-round event will be held the third Saturday of October filling the void left by the rescheduling of the Midwest Class.
The host site for the event will be the comfortable training facilities at Molex Corporation in Lisle, just south of the intersection of Ogden Avenue at Indiana.
First round will get underway at 9:30am with the event concluding by 7pm. Contestants will battle for cash prizes under USCF Dual-Rated time controls, Game/60 plus a 5 second delay.
Sections are designed so that all participants are generally in competition for at least some prize -- as if a full day of interesting chess competition is not its own reward. Generally these sections include Open, Reserve - Under 1600 and Booster - Under 1200 but these may be consolidated based on registrations. In the Open, where three or more registrants would qualify, there is typically an Under 1800 prize, in the Reserve, there are plans for an Under 1400 prize and in the Booster there may be an Under 1000 prize.
USCF membership is required but this can be processed at the tournament site so that the club receives credit. Questions can be addressed by writing info@aurorachess.com.
The host site for the event will be the comfortable training facilities at Molex Corporation in Lisle, just south of the intersection of Ogden Avenue at Indiana.
First round will get underway at 9:30am with the event concluding by 7pm. Contestants will battle for cash prizes under USCF Dual-Rated time controls, Game/60 plus a 5 second delay.
Sections are designed so that all participants are generally in competition for at least some prize -- as if a full day of interesting chess competition is not its own reward. Generally these sections include Open, Reserve - Under 1600 and Booster - Under 1200 but these may be consolidated based on registrations. In the Open, where three or more registrants would qualify, there is typically an Under 1800 prize, in the Reserve, there are plans for an Under 1400 prize and in the Booster there may be an Under 1000 prize.
USCF membership is required but this can be processed at the tournament site so that the club receives credit. Questions can be addressed by writing info@aurorachess.com.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Sad farewell to Jason, Kelebrant and Moose
It is with a heavy heart that the Aurora Naperville Chess Club bids so long to Jason and his two sons. Jason has been a wonderful coordinator of the club since Darin's return to Kansas.
Kelebrant and Moose always kept us on our toes when we were blessed with their presence at club.
Illinois' loss is Ohio's gain.
Kelebrant and Moose always kept us on our toes when we were blessed with their presence at club.
Illinois' loss is Ohio's gain.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
We're On!
Come on out tonight! We will be meeting as usual at 7:15pm and hopefully the excellent turnout will continue!
Monday, June 24, 2013
Growth!
Well, we have had great turnouts the past 2 weeks! Last week we had 17 people out, which is the largest turnout in my memory. We will be meeting again tomorrow night and I hope to see these trends continue! If you can bring a sets and clocks it would be helpful. We are hoping to increase the number of supplies we have available, but are not there yet. Space will not be a problem in the foreseeable future, so the more the merrier!
I hope to see a great crowd out again tomorrow.
I hope to see a great crowd out again tomorrow.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Club tomorrow
Please join us tomorrow, Tuesday, June 4th at the Turners Club for a great night of chess! Hopefully we will have some of our college students join us and some others who have a lighter load during the summer!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Growth at ANCC
Well, last week was our largest night in my memory. We have had several new faces recently along with some returning college students. Come out tonight to get in on the action!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Join Us Tonight!
Once again we will be out at the Turners Club at 7:15 for a great night of chess. A number of our members have participated in recent tournaments, which is good to see. For anyone interested in a USCF membership so they can participate in future rated tournaments, see Jason or Bill. We can get you signed up and ready to play! Also, it's time to get the ladder system rolling. We will be modifying the rules slightly to make the system more flexible and hopefully more enjoyable for all.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Chess Club Tonight!
We will be having chess club once again tonight at 7:15 and I look forward to seeing many familiar faces and hopefully a few new ones!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
2013 Northern Illinois Spring Classic - This Saturday!
2013 Northern Illinois Spring Classic
Saturday, May 11Sponsored by the USCF- and ICA-affiliated Aurora Naperville Chess Club.
4 rounds, G/55 with 5 second delay, Dual-rated. Sections at TD discretion based upon registrations, but generally Open, Reserve - Under 1600 and Booster - Under 1200.
Prize Fund: Cash Prizes at TD discretion (calculated and posted during first round). Guaranteed 67% of entry funds received, generally 80%. Additional “Under” prizes within sections and upset prizes too. For example, Under 1800 in the Open Section, Under 1400 in the Reserve, Under 1000 in the Booster. Must have at least three eligible players for a prize to be created. Unrated players are eligible for Section prizes only.
Where: Molex Training Center, 2201 Wellington Court, Lisle. Site is 1/8 mile south of Ogden Avenue at Indiana Avenue.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT MOLEX FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER. SEE CONTACT INFORMATION BELOW.
On-site Registration: 8:30am-9:00am
Rounds: 9:10am, 11:15am, (Lunch), 1:50pm, 3:55pm, with conclusion anticipated by 6:00pm.
Entry Fee: $20 with advanced registration by Friday, May 10 at 9pm, $25 without pre-registration.
Pre-registration: send USCF ID number and name to nicetournaments@gmail.com.
Lunch: numerous options within a mile or so off Ogden in Lisle and Naperville.
Skittles room available for family hang-out and games analysis.
Questions? Contact nicetournaments@gmail.com or see details at www.aurorachess.com
Monday, May 6, 2013
Come Back to the Boards!
Well, colleges are wrapping up classes for the year and I hope to see some of our college students returning for the summer and coming out to join us. I look forward to an evening with some competitive chess on the 7th!
Monday, April 29, 2013
We're on!
We will be out at the Turners club tomorrow night for a great night of chess. Tomorrow we will actually be offering FREE rated games to all comers with a USCF ID. Tell your friends, tell your relatives, tell anyone you know. A great opportunity to get some rated games in at an unbeatable price! All games will be G/30 +5.
Games will start at 7:30, 8:40 and 9:50 (depending on participants).
No cost... open to all USCF members (non members can play too, but their games will be unrated).
Games will start at 7:30, 8:40 and 9:50 (depending on participants).
No cost... open to all USCF members (non members can play too, but their games will be unrated).
Monday, April 15, 2013
Chess Tomorrow!
Come join us tomorrow for a night of chess. Our group has been expanding and there have been some competitive games. Challenge someone and move your way up the ladder!
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