If you happened to find yourself on the corner of South Main & Morgan at La Onda’s 4th annual South Main Mercado, you would’ve found 12 players housed under two tents competing in a Chess tournament.

The competition was stiff almost instantly as Glen Gratz traveling from Capron, Illinois entered the tournament ready to claim the 1st place $300 Cash prize. A small crowd gathered as they watched him climb the leaderboard. One by one players paired against Gratz fell as local spectators watched him climb the leaderboard.

It was announced anyone who placed 2nd & 3rd would win $120 & $80! Rockford native players Nate Blair, Gabriel Emiliano, Ray Gonzalez, Brian Javier, Javier Argumedo , Rai Kuri, Robert Masters, Jonathan Lewis, Adan Martinez & Huntley High School’s Chess coach Xavier Lee battled their way through the ranks as each round passed. It was anybody’s game!

The tournament concluded when Robert Master’s flag fell against Gabriel Emiliano. Five rounds, 60 games played, & $500 on the line the players waited as the results came in.

Gabriel Emiliano took home a bronze medal & $80

Nate Blair took home a silver medal & $120

and Glen Gratz left as the undisputed champion of the South Main Mercado as he went home with a Gold Medal & $300!

Rapid Tournament