Lemont High School Chess Team Places 31st at 2025 IHSA State Finals

The Lemont High School chess team made waves at the 2025 IHSA Chess State Finals, showcasing their skills and determination on the board. Despite placing 31st overall, the team’s performance was nothing short of impressive.

With a history of 28 consecutive appearances at the state finals, Lemont High School’s chess team has consistently proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with. This year, they won four out of seven matches and secured a fifth-place finish among all Class 3A teams.

Led by head coach Ken Suslek, the team kicked off the state finals with a bang, winning their first three matches in a row. Senior Vikram Oberai made history by winning six matches at Board 1, a remarkable achievement that solidified his place as a standout player in the program.

Senior Alex Lazarowicz also shined, maintaining an undefeated record at Board 8 and earning 5.5 points overall. Freshmen John Perry and Ganesh Kolli, along with senior Preston Gierman, also made significant contributions to the team’s success.

Despite facing tough competition on the second day of the state finals, Lemont High School’s chess team continued to show resilience and determination. Their performance at the IHSA Hinsdale Central Sectional, where they won two matches, further demonstrated their skill and teamwork.

With a perfect 12-0 record in conference matches and multiple players earning All-SSC honors, Lemont High School’s chess team has much to be proud of this season. As they look towards the future, the team remains focused on improving and building upon their successes in the years to come.