WSCF Antigo Chess Tournament Brings Together Student Players from Across Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation (WSCF) hosted its Antigo Chess Tournament, “Checkmate to Homelessness,” on October 10 at Northcentral Technical College’s Antigo Campus. The event brought together 44 student chess players from across the region for five rounds of competition, showcasing strategic thinking, sportsmanship, and teamwork while supporting William House of Hope, Antigo’s homeless shelter.

Individual Results

The top five players in each division received trophies, while all remaining participants received medals.

Open Division

• 1st Place: Paxton Mueller, Edgar
• 2nd Place: Alex Wanta, AoE
• 3rd Place: Shaban Fetoja, Oconto
• 4th Place: Tate Gabriel, Antigo
• 5th Place: Akshar Vijayakumar, Appleton

K–7 Division

• 1st Place: Mackenzie Rettinger, Edgar
• 2nd Place: Caleb Rew, Wittenberg
• 3rd Place: Caleb Fischer, Edgar
• 4th Place: Benny Lis, Plover
• 5th Place: Lily Koeppel, Antigo

Team Results

Open Division

• 1st Place: Edgar High School — Team Trophy
• 2nd Place: Antigo High School
• 3rd Place: Mosinee High School

K–7 Division

• 1st Place: Edgar Middle School — Team Trophy
• 2nd Place: Antigo Middle School
• 3rd Place: Edgar Elementary School

Schools represented at the tournament included Edgar, Antigo, Wittenberg, Plover, Mosinee, Oconto, Merrill, Wausau, AoE, and Appleton.

The tournament’s “Checkmate to Homelessness” theme highlighted the importance of giving back. Participants were encouraged to bring donations for William House of Hope, and proceeds from the event will benefit the Antigo shelter. Nicole Barren from William House of Hope attended with a support person and helped manage the concession stand and coordinate tournament logistics.

“It was truly inspiring to see so many young people gather at NTC-Antigo for the WSCF tournament,” said Nicole Barron from William House of Hope. “Seeing our youth demonstrate such incredible focus, strategic thinking, and genuine sportsmanship was a powerful reminder of what our community can achieve together. We are deeply grateful to everyone who played, supported, and donated through ‘Checkmate to Homelessness’ to help further our mission at William’s House of Hope.”

The WSCF thanks Northcentral Technical College for providing the venue, along with Langlade County 4-H, area chess coaches, and volunteers who helped make the tournament a success. Players demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and respect throughout the day, making the event a celebration of chess, teamwork, and community spirit on a beautiful fall day in Antigo.