MADISON – Six girls in Madison City Chess League or MCCL left the familiar scenes of North Alabama recently to travel to downtown Chicago for the 18th annual All Girls Nationals Tournament.

The historic Palmer House in Chicago was the tournament site. Coach Sarah May accompanied the MCCL girls to help in supporting the players and review games between rounds.

“This year’s nationals tournament drew 472 girls from 35 states, making it one of the largest in history. We are so grateful to our MCCL families who traveled to Chicago to give their kids the opportunity to play with the nation’s best,” MCCL President Ranae Bartlett said.

Players from Madison who entered the tournament were Annabelle Hsu, Nirvana Rajbhandarl, Samsara Rajbhandarl, Ally Tubbs, Caroline Wang and Constance Wang. The 2023 tournament’s slogan was “Empowering Women and Girls Through Chess.”

“The only school that sent a full team was Bob Jones High School, which competed in the toughest Under 18 section and placed sixth,” Bartlett said. “We are very proud of all our girls who gained valuable experience playing in this national tournament and working with our coach between games.”

“Next year’s All Girls Nationals will be April 12-14, 2024, in Chicago at McCormick Place. Save the date!” Bartlett said.

Students, families and residents can join Madison City Chess League. Annual membership dues are $20. Lifetime membership dues are $200.

All members must adhere to the MCCL Code of Conduct and respect the governing authority of the MCCL Board and Executive Director at all times. Membership dues are non-refundable.

Members support the charitable and educational mission of Madison City Chess League. They are allowed to participate in events for MCCL members only and register early for summer camps and special events.

Leaders will add new members in an online MCCL chess club on chesskid.com. A member receives one vote per family at the annual meeting to elect officers to the MCCL Board of Directors.