Peoria Hosts Annual IHSA Chess Tournament
02/14/2014 12:28 PM

PEORIA – More than 1,500 students are playing for the state chess champion title in Peoria.

The 40th annual tournament has been held at the Civic Center for over a decade.

The students make up 139 teams, making it the largest tournament in history. IHSA Director Scott Johnson said the sport appeals to students of all ages and varying backgrounds.

IHSA Assistant Executive Director Scott Johnson said the sport appeals to students of all ages and varying backgrounds. “Chess cuts across all boundaries. We have girls and boys, we have people who are athletes and non-athletes, and we have all different nationalities, some different languages being spoken. Kids that have disabilities can play.”

The tournament wraps up on Saturday afternoon. Whitney Young High School of Chicago in the reigning champion and seeded number one again this year.

Source: http://www.centralillinoisproud.com

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