Chess Team

Chess is a team-based competition governed by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The chess team competes throughout the state and metro-East region during the winter season, which includes an IHSA sectionals tournament, and an IHSA state finals tournament. The team is expected to show the same dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship as any other team-based competitive sport or activity.

Are you involved in a fall sport or activity and still want to play for the team? No problem. Attendance isn't required until your fall sport/activity wraps up and the winter season starts. Contact Mr. Spriggs if you have questions.

Team Placement:

Team placement is based on players' classical Lichess rating as of Nov. 1 of the current school year. Provisional ratings—ratings with a question mark next to the number—will not be accepted, so players must have played enough recently rated games to earn an official rating and a spot on the roster.

Our five core values:

Resilience: Face challenges head-on, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward.
Teamwork: Build each other up through collaboration and mutual support.
Growth: Strive for continuous improvement in skills and character.
Integrity: Play fairly, act with honesty, and uphold strong ethical standards.
Passion: Bring energy, enthusiasm, and love for the game to every practice and match.

League Matches

Our top 5 players face off against local area high schools on both sides of the river once a week on Wednesdays throughout the winter season.

Who:

Top 5 ranked players on the roster will compete, and 6th- and 7th-ranked players will be on standby as alternates in case of unexpected absences.

What:

Head-to-head matches between local area high school teams in the Gateway Chess League where each board earns a specified number of points for a win, loss, or draw. The team with the most points wins the match. Each player gets 60 minutes to make all their moves, with an additional 5-second time delay after each move. Teams with the best records will face off in the playoffs.

When:

Wednesdays after school during the winter season

Where:

Various metro-East high schools in the Gateway Chess League

Player Expectations:

Always show up for your team
Be on time
Practice integrity
Come prepared
Play for the team, not just for yourself
Take notation
Comply with the school's/IHSA's code of conduct for interscholastic activities

IHSA Sectionals

Teams in Illinois who compete in at least six matches qualify to compete in the Illinois High School Association's team sectionals tournament. Our top eight players will get a chance to face off against Southern Illinois' best teams in a four-round tournament. The winners will get the chance to compete in the state finals tournament.

Who:

The top 8 players on the roster will compete, and the 9th- and 10th-ranked players will be on standby as alternates in case of unexpected absences.

What:

Over four rounds, teams will qualify for finals based on the number of points scored. Teams with two wins or more will advance to the state tournament. Sectional championship plaques will be awarded to all teams with perfect scores.

When:

Saturday, January 31, 2025

Where:

TBD

Player Expectations:

Always show up for your team
Be familiar with IHSA rules and tournament etiquette
Play for the team, not just for yourself
Take notation
Wear your team shirt
Comply with the school's/IHSA's code of conduct for interscholastic activities

IHSA Finals

With more than 128 teams competing over two days, the IHSA state chess tournament is an exciting event that players will remember for a lifetime. If we earn two wins during sectionals, we'll qualify to attend one of the world's largest team tournaments!

Date: February 12-14, 2025

The trip requires two overnight stays. Players will miss their 6th and 7th hours on Thursday, and all day Friday. Please mark the dates on your calendar. We will leave Thursday, February 12 in the afternoon and return late Saturday night. The state will not let our team compete if we don’t have the required number of players, so all players on the team must commit to attending the tournament.

Hotel

We’ll be staying at the Hampton Inn and Suites in East Peoria.

The cost of the hotel is covered. Players will be paired two to a room.

Standard amenities are available and a continental breakfast is included.

Food

Dinners will be covered by the chess club on Thursday and Friday night. A continental breakfast is included at the hotel, and students will need to bring at least $30 to cover lunch for both days (Note: the Civic Center is a cashless facility, so credit or debit cards only.)

Players should bring snacks or extra money for snacks between meals.

Transportation

We'll leave West at 1:30 P.M. on Thursday. Parents can send their players off that morning or meet us at 1:15 to see them off if you enjoy embarrassing them in front of their friends.

Since vehicle space is limited, players are encouraged to pack lightly, but be sure to have them bring their team shirts and deodorant.

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