March Madness Takes a New Form: Highlights from the 2026 National High School Chess Championships

March Madness Takes a New Form: The 2026 National High School Chess Championships

Chicago, IL — As the basketball world buzzes with March Madness, chess enthusiasts are witnessing their own version of excitement at the 2026 National High School (K-12) Chess Championships. Hosted at the Sheraton Grand Riverwalk, this year’s tournament has already delivered unexpected twists and turns, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.

With 358 participants vying for the title, the first two rounds have concluded, and the results are nothing short of shocking. Only 29 players emerged from Friday’s matches with perfect 2/2 scores, led by top-seeded 10th grader IM Eric Chang Liu from Texas, who tied for first in last year’s event. However, defending co-champions IM Tanitoluwa Adewumi and FM William Safranek, both from New York, faced surprising challenges, each held to draws by lower-rated opponents.

Upsets and Highlights

The tournament kicked off with a bang, showcasing the fierce competition among young chess prodigies. In Round 1, 11th grader Gabriel Xiong from Ohio pulled off a stunning 303-point upset on Board 12, setting the tone for a weekend filled with surprises. While some boards favored higher-rated players, the matches often proved to be closer than anticipated, as seen in the intense battle on Board 7.

Not to be outdone, IM Rose Atwell from California dazzled the audience with a stylish victory on Board 5, while WGM Sabina Foisor provided live commentary on the US Chess Twitch channel, sharing her insights and favorite positions from the rounds.

Round 2 intensified the competition, with eighth-grader CM Vihaan Jammalamadaka from Washington holding Adewumi to a draw in a spectacular fight. Ryan Wang from New Hampshire also managed to draw against IM Bach Ngo, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this year’s championship. By the end of the day, nine of the 19 players rated over 2300 were held to draws, a testament to the skill and determination of the competitors.

A Weekend of Events

The excitement didn’t stop there. On Thursday, Blitz and Bughouse champions were crowned, with IM Eric Chang Liu dominating the K-12 Blitz with an impressive score of 11½/12. New York’s Stuyvesant High School clinched the team championship, led by FM Aditeya Das, who is also performing well in the main event.

As the tournament progresses, participants and spectators alike can look forward to a variety of events, including the Friends & Family tournament, guest lectures, and even a human chess game. The atmosphere is electric, with opportunities for players of all ages to engage in the world of chess.

Looking Ahead

As Round 3 is currently underway, the stakes are higher than ever. With a grueling triple-round day ahead, players will need to summon all their skills and strategies to advance. The full standings, results, and live updates can be found on the US Chess website, ensuring that fans don’t miss a moment of the action.

In a year where some may lament the lack of upsets in traditional sports, the 2026 National High School Chess Championships is proving that the thrill of competition is alive and well in the world of chess. As the tournament unfolds, one thing is clear: the madness has only just begun.