Approximately 285 students from 25 schools competed in the 2026 MLK Chess Tournament on January 19 at Illinois State University. The event, hosted by the Bloomington-Normal Area Scholastic Chess organization, emphasized sportsmanship and community among young players. Participation marked an increase from the previous year's 250 students.
The 2026 MLK Chess Tournament took place on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Illinois State University's Bone Student Center in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Organized by the Bloomington-Normal Area Scholastic Chess group, the annual competition drew players from schools in Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, Chicago, and surrounding areas. More than 292 players initially signed up, with around 285 ultimately participating, reflecting growing interest in scholastic chess.
Young competitors engaged in matches that highlighted strategic thinking and mutual respect. For instance, Mithra Sivalingam shook hands with Payson Leake before their game, underscoring the tournament's focus on sportsmanship. Sadhvi Amireddy pondered her next move against Sivansh Parasa, while Cooper Panizzi concentrated on his board against Arav Karthik. Tournament director Gavin Borne assisted lower-primary players with questions, ensuring a supportive environment for beginners.
This year's turnout surpassed last year's by about 35 participants, signaling stronger community involvement in youth chess initiatives. The event provided a platform for students to test their skills in a friendly setting, fostering both intellectual growth and social connections. Results from the tournament have been announced, though specific winners were not detailed in available reports.