Chicago Chess Foundation Scholastic Tournament
de La Salle Institute
Jan. 20th, 2025
336 Players Total
53 Schools Total
Mike Cardinale, a significant figure in the Chicago chess community. Born on March 11, 1965, Mike was a dedicated youth chess organizer and served as the Illinois Chess Association's Metro Vice President. He played a pivotal role in promoting and organizing youth chess activities in Chicago, including directing numerous free public chess tournaments through the Youth Chess Foundation of Chicago (YCFC). In 2017, he collaborated with other leaders to establish the Chicago Chess Foundation (CCF), expanding opportunities for young chess enthusiasts.
Tragically, Mike passed away on March 16, 2019. To honor his legacy, the CCF hosts the annual Mike Cardinale Memorial Tournament at De La Salle Institute. The most recent tournament took place on January 18, 2025, continuing his mission of providing free chess opportunities to Chicago's youth.
