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Antigo Chess Club Students Participate in Edgar School's Successful "Checkmate to Homelessness" Chess Tournament

Raising Funds and Awareness for Wausau’s Homeless Shelter

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FOR MMC

Students from the Antigo Chess Club participated in the “Checkmate to Homelessness” Chess Tournament hosted by the Edgar School District on January 18th, 2025. The tournament brought together student players from several school districts across the region, including Edgar, Mosinee, Antigo, Phillips, Colby, Marathon, Merrill, and Abbotsford, as well as homeschooled players. The event aimed to raise awareness and support for homelessness in Central Wisconsin, with participants contributing donations to the Wausau Homeless Shelter, including blankets, socks, mittens, and toiletries.

In collaboration with the Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation and coordinated by Colin Hanson, chess advisor for Edgar School District, the tournament not only showcased the region’s top chess talent but also made a significant impact on the local community’s fight against homelessness.

“This tournament was more than just a chess competition,” said Colin Hanson. “It was a chance for our community to come together, celebrate the spirit of chess, and support a cause that affects so many families in Central Wisconsin. The generosity of our participants and supporters has been truly inspiring.”

Tournament Highlights
The event featured intense competition in two divisions: Open and U1000. In the Open Division, the top players were:

  • 1st Place: Tate Gabriel of Antigo
  • 2nd Place: Hunter Raskie of Phillips
  • 3rd Place: Waylon Barber of Mosinee

In the U1000 Division, the top players were:

  • 1st Place: Sullivan Schwebler of Antigo
  • 2nd Place: Vinnie Reif of Edgar
  • 3rd Place: Cedric Grimm of Edgar

Team Champions

  • Open Division Team Winner: Edgar High School
  • U1000 Division Team Winner: Edgar Elementary

The event also helped foster stronger connections among local chess clubs, with advisors discussing strategies to increase the frequency of chess meetings and tournaments across the region.

Impact and Future of Chess in Central Wisconsin
Danna Gabriel, Advisor for the Antigo Chess Club, remarked, “The tournament generated significant momentum for chess in this region. Advisors from all participating schools engaged in meaningful discussions on how to increase the frequency of chess meetings and host more tournaments at their respective schools. This marks a major step forward for our chess program.”

The tournament’s success also paved the way for future events and collaborations, strengthening the community's commitment to both the game of chess and the cause of homelessness.

Special Thanks
A special thanks to Antigo Chess Club helpers Jason Markgraf and Andy Merry, whose generous donations helped our Antigo players participate in this tournament. Their support made a significant impact and is deeply appreciated by the club and the community.

Ways to Support the Antigo Chess Club
The Antigo Chess Club is run through 4-H, and donations are always welcome to help support their program. To make a cash donation, please send your contribution to:

Langlade County 4-H Leaders Association Chess Club Donations
Mail: Langlade County 4-H, 1225 Langlade Rd, Door #7, Antigo, WI 54409 Alternatively, donations can also be dropped off at the 4-H office.

For more information on how to donate or get involved with the Antigo Chess Club, please contact antigochessclub@gmail.com 

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