(CROSSVILLE, TN) The United States Chess Federation (USCF) held its’ 2006 National Junior High Chess Championship at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky between April 7-9, 2006.

1,123 young chess enthusiasts, representing 38 states. Not only will they be competing for the title of 2006 USCF National Junior High Chess Champion but for trophies as well.

Section champions were:
K-9 Championship: Ray S. Robson (FL) scored 6.5.
K-9 Under 1250: Krystof Mezgiel (NY) and James Matthew Novak (NC) tied with 6.5.
K-9 Unrated: Kayeen Kemp (MI) finished with a perfect score 7.0.
K-8 Championship: Thomas Henry Riccardi (NY) finished 6.5.
K-8 Under 1000: Dylan Liu Chen (NY) had a perfect score of 7.0.
K-8 Under 750: Michael Peguero (NY) perfect score 7.0.

Team Competition winner were:
K-9 Championship: Hunter College (NY) won with 17.0.
K-9 Under 1250: I.S.318 (NY) finished with 23.0.
K-9 Unrated: Middle School 118 (NY) won with 22.5.
K-8 Championship: Odle Middle School (WA) finished with 19.5.
K-8 Under 1000: Rockway Middle School (FL) won with 23.0.
K-8 Under 750: I.S. 318 9 (NY) finished with 24.5.

The winner of the Coach/Player section was Frank Nothaft (VA) had a perfect score of 4.0 to win the Parents & Friends Tournament which offered chess competition to 46 competitors.

The team of A. Kostrinsky and T. Riccardi won the 2006 National Junior High Bughouse Championship with scoring 11.0 and Ray S. Robson of FL won the 2006 National Junior High Blitz Championship with a final score of 11.0. Both of these events are played with 5 minutes for each side!

22 chess competitors faced Grandmaster Gregory Kaidanov. Ray S. Robson beat GM Kaidanov and Andrew Ortiz drew!

USCF’s Scholastic Director Jerry Nash says, “As I walked the tournament halls throughout the weekend, I received numerous compliments about how smoothly the event was run. This, of course, is due in large part to the fine staff headed by the USCF’s Event Coordinator, Diane Reese. The skills and experience of these men and women are deeply appreciated by the scholastic community. I also had the opportunity to meet with many of the coaches, teachers, and parents who attended the tournament. I was again reminded of the dedicated adults from across the country who invest so much time throughout the year. They not only provide consistency for their programs, but more importantly they make an enormous impact on the lives of their students."

Additional details about the event and the final results can be found at: http://www.uschess.org/tournaments/2006/jhs/ and the tournament crosstables can be found at: Crosstables.

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The United States Chess Federation (USCF), founded in 1939, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and is now headquartered in Crossville, Tennessee. USCF is devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. It promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, and as a means for the improvement of society. The USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization with over 80,000 members. For additional information on the USCF see: http://www.uschess.org.