More than 575 students from 122 schools competed in the 2026 Greater Chicago K-12 Chess Championship, hosted by the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, brought together hundreds of students from schools across the Chicago area for a full day of scholastic competition. Players in elementary, junior high, and high school sections competed in multiple rated rounds, demonstrating sportsmanship, strategic thinking, and academic focus. The event served not only as a major competitive tournament but also as a special experience for many school chess teams, allowing students to represent their schools in a positive academic activity while interacting with peers from across the city and region. Awards were presented to top individuals and teams, recognizing both competitive achievement and participation in one of the largest scholastic chess events held annually in Illinois.
