Local Students Capture State Chess Titles

St. Michael Parish School Students, Max Zinski and Nate Kranjc performed exceptionally at the Illinois State Chess Competition. Max Zinski tied for second place overall and he placed third in the tiebreak round. Nate Kranjc was undefeated in the Blitz Competition, capturing the title. Kranjc and Zinski also earned the Championship title in the team Bughouse Competition. 

Recently, the St. Michael Parish School eighth graders were recognized as 2 of 40 Illinois students, from grades 1-12, named as 2011 Illinois Chess Association Warren Junior Chess Scholars.

Zinski and Kranjc received that honor because they are among the top-ranked chess players, in their age group, in the country.

Last weekend, the students received the award honoring their accomplishment at the Illinois State K-8 Chess Championship tournament. As Warren Junior Chess Scholars, the boys will be eligible to participate in special chess clinics and competitions during the year.

Zinski and Kranjic are Co-Captains of the Saint Michael School Chess Team.  They have lead the Junior High Team at Saint Mike’s to a First Place finish at the Illinois State All Grade Chess Championship in each of their 6th, 7th and 8th grade years.  Together, with fellow 8th-grader Grant Kozeny, the Saint Mike’s team finished second in the country at All Grade Nationals in Florida in December.  

Next up for the Saint Michael School Chess Team is the National Junior High Chess Championship in Columbus, Ohio in April.