Spring 2026 Collegiate Chess League: New Champion Awaits as SRM and UTD Face Off in Finals
Quarterfinals Highlights
SRM 9.5 – 2.5 UTRGV
Mizzou 10.5 – 5.5 Texas Tech
Semifinals Recap
SRM 9.5 – 6.5 SLU
UTD 8.5 – 3.5 Mizzou
Up Next: Finals Matchup Set for April 18
New Champion Awaits as Collegiate Chess League Semifinals Conclude
April 15, 2026 – In a stunning turn of events, the Collegiate Chess League is poised to crown a new champion this spring. St. Louis University (SLU) and the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou), who have dominated the league with seven consecutive championships, have been eliminated in the semifinals. The SRM Institute of Science and Technology and the University of Texas-Dallas (UTD) will face off in the finals on April 18, 2026.
Quarterfinals: A Strong Start
SRM 9.5 – 2.5 UTRGV
SRM Institute showcased their prowess in the quarterfinals, easily dispatching the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Grandmaster Harsh Suresh led the charge, winning all three of his games and contributing to a decisive 9.5-point victory. The match was effectively sealed with a dominant 4-0 performance in the second round, allowing SRM to conclude the match early.
Mizzou 10.5 – 5.5 Texas Tech
Mizzou, the reigning champions from Fall 2024, aimed to reclaim their title with a convincing win over Texas Tech. After a tight start, the Tigers surged ahead, winning the second half of the match 6.5-1.5. Grandmaster Mahel Boyer was a standout performer, securing victories in all three of his games, including a notable win against International Master Roman Pyrih.
Semifinals: Upsets and Triumphs
SRM 9.5 – 6.5 SLU
In a thrilling semifinal clash, SRM faced off against SLU, who had claimed the last two league titles. SRM took an early lead with a 3-1 score in the first round and maintained their momentum, entering the second half with a 5.5-2.5 advantage. Despite SLU’s efforts to rally back, led by Grandmaster Pranesh M, who won all four of his games, SRM held firm to secure their place in the finals.
UTD 8.5 – Mizzou 3.5
UTD, eager to avenge their near-miss from the previous season, faced Mizzou in the other semifinal. The match began competitively, with both teams trading victories. However, UTD seized control in the second round, winning 3-1 and extending their lead to 8.5 points. Mizzou’s hopes for a comeback were dashed as UTD dominated the final rounds, securing their spot in the championship match.
Looking Ahead
With the semifinals concluded, the stage is set for an exhilarating finals matchup between SRM and UTD, scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at 2 PM EDT. Fans can catch a replay of the semifinal matches hosted by Joe Lee on Chess.com.
The Collegiate Chess League continues to be the premier online chess competition for college students, and this season’s finals promise to deliver high-stakes excitement as a new champion is crowned.