The National K-12 Grade Championships, better known as “The Nationals,” is just around the corner! Here is what you need to know.
One of the U.S. Chess Federation’s premier events, kids from across the United States gather every year to compete against other students in their grades, for the title of National Champion. In 2019, there were 1,785 participants!
The tournament will be held over three days at the huge Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, right outside Washington DC. Opening ceremonies will begin on Friday, December 9, at 12:45 p.m, with games being played on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and the awards ceremonies on Sunday, December 11, at 6:00 p.m. Players will start with 90 minutes on their clocks, and the kids will play as many as three grueling games a day, lasting up to three hours or more!
This year, SJIC is sending a team of 27 students (with a small army of parents, friends, and coaches). SJIC’s Innovators will also have its own team conference room to serve as a central hub for its players between rounds. Players can go over games with SJIC Coaches FM Dov Gorman and USCF Expert Kamiliia Sharuda, relax with their friends, and just enjoy having an area designated for SJIC players only.
Over the next week, we will be posting profiles to highlight four SJIC players. We will also post updates on the Innovator’s progress at the tournament. Keep checking back for the next post!
