2026 Chess

State Fair Chess Tournament

Young competitors in five divisions squared off in friendly competition in the Chess Tournament, held Wednesday, August 19, at the 2026 Iowa State Fair

Speed Chess
1st tie – Kushan Tyagi, Ames
1st tie – Joseph Pregon, Hills
3rd - Jim Freerkson, Des Moines

High School
1st - Jude Miller, Waukee
2nd - Tim Babcock, Winterset
3rd – Colin Gilland, Cedar Rapids

Middle School
1st - Barrett Grandinetti, Des Moines
2nd - James Luing, Des Moines
3rd - Carter Bell, Des Moines

Primary School
1st tie – Leviathan Freerkson, Des Moines
1st tie – Magnus Freerkson, Des Moines
1st tie – Nathan Kilaru, Clive

Elementary
1st - Shaun Kilaru, Clive
2nd - Corin Vandekral, Windsor Heights
3rd - Trenton Chapin, Ankeny

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The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country and the single largest event in the state. The Fair began over 170 years ago and is now considered one of the best events in the nation, attracting more than one million Fairgoers every year from all over the world. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University, just off the interstate and minutes from Downtown Des Moines. Fair Spirit, August 13-23, 2026. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.