PIONEER WEEKLY: Burr Ridge Tournament
Kids face off in Burr Ridge chess tournament
February 21, 2011
Thirty-six young chess players challenged their skills Saturday at the Chess Scholars tournament at the Burr Ridge Park District.
Divided into two age groups, the young chess enthusiasts paired up in a series of matches to determine the winner of each division.
Gabe Szopinski of Plainfield watches as Joe Marx of Alsip makes his move during Saturday’s chess tournament.Parents get a last minute glimpse before the matches start Saturday at the Burr Ridge Community Center.Brandon Hetherman makes a move during Saturday’s chess tournament at the Burr Ridge Community Center. Ilya Korzhenevich pairs off contestants Saturday during a children’s chess tournament at the Burr Ridge Community Center.
Colin O’Shea ponders his next move during a match Saturday at the Burr Ridge Community Center. The Burr Ridge Community Center hosted a chess tournament Saturday for children from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Justin Reyes of Bolingbrook, left, shakes hands with Daniel Evans of Burr Ridge after the conclusion of their match Saturday.
Winners of the chess tournament at the Burr Ridge Community Center received medals and trophies. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media Third-grader Luke Selle of Lemont and fourth-grader Justin Reybs of Bolingbrook won all five rounds of play to come out as the champions in their respective age divisions — kindergarten through third grade and fourth through eighth grade. Winners received trophies and medals for their efforts.
Anna Korzhenevich of Chess Scholars said the Deerfield-based company works with 200 schools and park districts throughout the area to offer instruction in chess, as well as chances for players to compete.
Chess Scholars typically holds two tournaments each year at the Burr Ridge Park District.