Underclassmen Lead Morgan Park Academy On The Boards To Spot In IHSA Chess Finals

CHICAGO — Morgan Park Academy’s varsity chess team has earned a spot in the IHSA State Chess Championships following a strong performance at the sectional tournament on Saturday, Jan. 31.

Led by underclassmen on the top three boards — sophomore Ethan Lopez, freshman John Koutsoubas, and sophomore Ivan Li, respectively — coach Michael Villanueva’s team demonstrated exceptional focus, strategy, and poise in the competition, clinching their place among the top teams in the state.

The Warriors leaned on the depth of their lineup, which also features sophomore Ivan Fullilove and juniors Tyee Mason, Zoya D’Antignac, Mario Fernandez Martil, and Oliver Kearn.Morgan Park Academy will compete in the state championships on Feb. 13-14 at the Peoria Civic Center.

“This achievement reflects the students’ dedication, analytical skill, and commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom,” Upper School principal Tom Drahozal said. “We’re proud to congratulate the chess team and wish them continued success as they represent our school on the state stage.”

Serving students from prekindergarten through grade 12, Morgan Park Academy is an independent college preparatory school founded in 1873 that annually ranks among the top private schools in the state and first among all schools in Chicago’s Southland area.