St. Michael Parish School students, Max Zinski and Nate Kranjc were 2 of the 40 Illinois students, from grades 1-12 who were recently named as 2011 Illinois Chess Association Warren Junior Chess Scholars.

Zinski and Kranjc received that honor because they are among the top-ranked chess players, in their age group, in the country.

The students will receive a special award honoring their accomplishment at the Illinois State K-8 Chess Championship tournament this weekend, March 5-6, in Bloomington, Ill. Additionally, as Warren Junior Chess Scholars, the boys will be eligible to participate in special chess clinics and competitions during the year.

“Students who have achieved the level of Warren Junior Chess Scholar have devoted much time and hard work to their chess studies, and have spent many weekends competing in chess tournaments. Chess had been demonstrated to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” states Tom Sprandel, President, Illinois Chess Association.

Max and Nate are Co-Captains of the Saint Michael School Chess Team. They have lead the Junior High Team at Saint Mike’s to a First Place finish at the Illinois State All Grade Chess Championship in each of their 6th, 7th and 8th grade years. Together with fellow 8th grader Grant Kozeny, the Saint Mike’s team finished 2nd in the country at All Grade Nationals in Florida in December. Next up for the Saint Michael School Chess Team is the State Tournament, March 4th-6th in Bloomington, Illinois, and the National Junior High Chess Championship in Columbus, Ohio in April