Photo Release

CONSULATE GENERAL JOINS CONSULAR CORPS AT OPENING OF PRISONERS’ CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

Consul Melvin Almonguera, accompanied by Assistance-to-Nationals Officer Atty. Mark Arinquin, joined members of the Chicago Consular Corps (CCC) at the opening ceremonies of the 6th Annual Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners, held on 13 October 2026 at the Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC) in Chicago. Dr. Jane Gubser, Executive Director of the facility, formally opened the event on behalf of the CCDOC.

The international competition, held from 13 to 15 October 2026, attracted a record 140 teams from 56 countries, including the Philippines. The championship featured men’s, women’s, and youth categories, with teams competing across multiple groups and time zones.

In the final results, Mexico secured first place in the Men’s Section, followed by Armenia in second place. In the Women’s Section, India emerged as champion, with Mexico placing second. India also claimed first place in the Youth Section, while Serbia finished in second place.

The annual championship, jointly organized by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, provides incarcerated individuals worldwide with opportunities for education, social connection, and personal growth. Conducted online via Chess.com, the competition connects correctional facilities separated by thousands of kilometers through a shared virtual chessboard. END

(Photos courtesy of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office)