With five wins and one loss, IM Calvin Blocker was crowned the 64^th Ohio Chess Champion at the Ohio Chess Congress. 130 players competed in four sections which took place over Labor Day weekend in Columbus at the newly renovated Holiday Inn City Center.

It would take a research trip to the White Collection at the Cleveland Public Library to figure how many times Calvin has won the Ohio Championship title. By Calvin?s own recollection the number is well into the teens. Calvin?s one loss was to tournament winner Mark Heimann of Pittsburg. Heimann is ineligible for the title of Ohio Champion since he doesn?t reside in Ohio. Heimann finished undefeated with five wins and one draw. His one draw was against new Ohio resident IM Tim Taylor. Taylor?s only loss was to Blocker in the last round. Heimann?s twin brother, Alex, finished in third place with four wins, one loss, and a draw.

Complete results. 

Two more championships are in the record books. Bexley Middle School again hosted these two premier events which saw pre-tournament favorites capture top honors in both championship sections.

In the High School Championship, Jon Hiltion of Cincinnati was clear first with a score of five wins and one draw. Jon's draw was against fellow master Kasun Waidyaratne. Jon will likely represent Ohio in the Denker Tournament of HS Champions this summer in Dallas. In the Middle School Championship Michael Vilenchuk of Dublin was clear first with a perfect score of six wins and no losses.

In the team competition, perennial powerhouse Columbus Alternative High School took the top honors in the High School Championship and Dublin Middle School took top honors in the Middle School Championship.

Individual Standings           Team Standings               USCF Rating Report