Author: Nicollet Chess

The Nicollet Knights Chess Team took FIRST PLACE of 17 teams in the K-8 section of the 61st annual MN State Scholastic Chess Championship. The tournament took place March 7-8 at University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul.

Twenty-seven of our middle schoolers competed, with eighth grader Franklin Briceño taking SECOND PLACE overall – the highest place for a Nicollet player in our team’s history! Charlie Doll, 8th grade, claimed 8th place. Other high placing finishers were Gracin Mathews and Khalid Osman, with Osman, Grayson Cotton and Rafa Avila also taking home class prizes.

In addition, the Burnsville High School team finished in SIXTH PLACE of 22 teams in the K-12 section, with team captain Harrison Stage placing 12th overall.

Franklin Briceño took 2nd place overall in the K-8 tournament.

The Nicollet Knights took First Place of 17 teams in the K-8 section.

The BHS team took Sixth Place of 22 teams in the K-12 section.

Nearly 130 items are up for bid in this year’s Nicollet Knights Chess Club Silent Auction! The online auction runs now through March 22 and includes upwards of $8,000 in items donated by local businesses and community sponsors.

Items up for bid include many restaurants, museums, automotive, beauty, wellness, billiards, golf, coffee, beer, camping, escape rooms, roller skating, pottery, zoo, axe throwing, trampoline parks, theater and other entertainment, chocolate, memorabilia, LOTS of chess-themed items, and so much more!

Money raised from the silent auction goes to support youth chess tournaments, club social events, chess masters, and State and National competitions, among other things.

Make your bid now at https://www.32auctions.com/NicolletKnights2026?r=1&t=all

The Nicollet Knights Chess & Burnsville High School Chess Team Booster Club will host its annual Silent Auction fundraiser March 7-22. We appreciate your support of our youth chess players over the years and we are once again asking for your help!

We are seeking donations from chess families, businesses and individuals to add to our online silent auction. Items can include anything from gift cards to entertainment, restaurants to gift baskets, auto care to memorabilia, private lessons and so much more! 

Money raised from the silent auction helps pay for youth chess tournaments, club events, and State and National competitions. This year’s National competition will be held in Texas this May.

To donate, contact Mark Burtnett at burtnettmark@gmail.com or 517-740-8413 no later than March 5. Thank YOU for your support!