President Choi's Blog

Mizzou Chess champions

March 14, 2024


Coach Chirila, Mizzou Chess members, Curator Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield meet with Lt. Gov. Kehoe.
Coach Chirila, Mizzou Chess members, Curator Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield meet with Lt. Gov. Kehoe.

Earlier this year, the University of Missouri Chess Team achieved an impressive victory at the 2024 Pan-American Intercollegiate Championship. It was Mizzou’s first time winning this major tournament, which is considered the most prestigious collegiate chess event in the Americas. 

Mizzou Chess with Lt. Gov. Kehoe and Sen. Caleb Rowden in the Senate chamber (photo courtesy Office of Lt. Gov. Kehoe)
Mizzou Chess with Lt. Gov. Kehoe and Sen. Caleb Rowden in the Senate chamber (photo courtesy Office of Lt. Gov. Kehoe).

To celebrate their incredible accomplishment, the team visited the Missouri Capitol and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe to have their success formally recognized. They were joined by dedicated Mizzou Chess supporters, Curator Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield. 

The team is recognized during the MU Men’s Basketball game on March 5.
The team is recognized during the MU Men’s Basketball game on March 5.

In the Senate chamber, Lt. Gov. Kehoe and Sen. Caleb Rowden commended the team and their outstanding representation of our state. Back on campus, they were also recognized at a Board of Curators meeting and during a Men’s Basketball game in Mizzou Arena. 

Congratulations again to Coach Cristian Chirila and the Chess Team! Later this month, they head to the Dallas area for the 2024 President’s Cup Final Four of Chess tournament. I know our Tigers can win another historic championship in Texas.

Best of luck to the team. M-I-Z!

— Mun