Ivanhoe Chess Team Shines at State Grand Final
Ivanhoe Grammar School students have achieved an outstanding result at the 2026 Northern Star Interschool State Chess Grand Final, securing third place overall against some of Victoria’s strongest school chess players.
Held on Friday 9 October, the Grand Final brought together 164 of Victoria’s top-performing students who had progressed through the regional and state semi-finals. Representing Ivanhoe were Year 11 student Tedric, Year 7 student Dada, Year 12 student Damien and Year 10 student Bohan.
The seven-round Swiss tournament proved highly competitive, with every game demanding concentration, strategic thinking and careful decision-making. Throughout the day, the Ivanhoe team supported and encouraged one another as they navigated a challenging field.
At the conclusion of the tournament, International Master Tedric placed first overall with a perfect score of seven wins from seven games, while Bohan finished an impressive seventh with 5.5 points from seven rounds. Strong performances from Dada and Damien contributed to an outstanding team result, with Ivanhoe securing third place overall.
Congratulations to Tedric, Dada, Damien and Bohan on an exceptional achievement and for representing Ivanhoe with skill, determination and wonderful team spirit.
On Friday 9 October, Tedric, Dada, Damien and I represented Ivanhoe Grammar School at the 2026 Northern Star Interschool State Chess Grand Final. The tournament was the finale of the interschool year of chess, competing against 164 of Victoria’s top 4 per cent, having gone through the regional state semi-finals and reaching the state finals. The 7-round Swiss tournament was very competitive, being a challenge from start to finish. Every game needed full concentration and focus, with missed tactics or sequence miscalculations being the difference that decided many games.
Throughout the day, we got around each other, supporting and encouraging each other. By the end of the tournament, International Master Tedric had placed 1st overall in the state with a perfect score of 7 out of 7, and I placed not far behind in 7th in the state with 5.5 out of 7. The phenomenal performance of Dada and Damien helped us secure third place for our school as well. The experience demonstrated both the strength and potential of chess at Ivanhoe, and I look forward to seeing the program continue to flourish in the years ahead.
Bohan, Year 10
