Lemont High School Chess Team Achieves 10th Place in Class 3A at 2026 IHSA State Finals
Lemont High School Chess Team Shines at State Finals, Secures 10th Place in Class 3A
LEMONT, IL — The Lemont High School chess team showcased their strategic prowess at the 2026 IHSA Chess State Finals, held at the Peoria Civic Center on February 13-14. Under the guidance of head coach Ken Suslek, the team placed 10th among all Class 3A teams, marking another impressive chapter in their storied history.
For the 29th consecutive year, Lemont advanced to the state finals, a testament to their enduring excellence in chess. The team won three out of seven matches during the competition, demonstrating resilience and skill against tough opponents.
On the first day, Lemont kicked off strong with a decisive victory over Rock Falls, winning 51.5 to 16.5. However, they faced a setback against Conant, losing 46 to 22. The team rebounded with a commanding win against Elk Grove Village (52.5-15.5) but fell short against Highland Park (53-15).
The second day brought mixed results; Lemont triumphed over Buffalo Grove (36.5-31.5) but could not overcome Urbana University (48.5-19.5) and Sterling (41.5-26.5).
Highlighting the individual performances, freshman Ryan Leone stood out by scoring 6.0 points at Board 6, achieving a remarkable 6-1 record. Senior Zach Doyle narrowly missed earning a medal, finishing with 5.0 points from five wins at Board 5. Other notable contributions came from sophomore Ganesh Kolli and freshman Graham Huhn, each scoring 3.5 points, while senior Ryan Haucke added 3.0 points to the team’s total.
Lemont’s journey to the state finals began with a strong performance at the IHSA Glenbard West Sectional, where they secured two wins. The team also dominated the South Suburban Conference-Blue Division, finishing with an impressive 12-0 record in conference matches. Over the past 13 seasons, Suslek’s teams have amassed a remarkable 151-5 record in SSC Blue play.
As the chess community celebrates Lemont’s achievements, the team looks forward to building on this success in future competitions. With a legacy of excellence and a commitment to growth, Lemont High School continues to be a formidable force in Illinois chess.
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