KML Chess Wins Division 1 State Title

The KML Chess team earned a score of 3.5 in four rounds to win the Division 1 state title this weekend at the 2025 Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Championship. The Chargers were seeded 8th of 12 teams in the division going into the tournament. 

The Chargers had their eyes on the D1 prize, having won Division 2 state championships in 2023 and 2024. The team could have played as the top seed in Division 2, and chose to test their strength against the Division 1 teams.

KML started with a draw in Round 1 against last year's D1 champs, University School Milwaukee, then moved on to defeat Wisconsin Lutheran, Muskego, and the formidable Chesterton Academy Green Bay to win the championship outright. 

Board 1 Carson Reik (senior) led the team with three wins and a draw in four rounds. Board 2 Dylan Hanson (sophomore), Board 3 Sawyer Yogerst (senior), and Board 4 Kyle Sayovongsa (senior) each finished with three wins.

The Charger JV team finished fifth of 12 teams in the JV section, with contributions from Joey Pedersen, Sophie Poradek, Alexis Watters, and David Dorn.

For the next year, the Chargers will take care of the state chess traveling cup, which lists the names of winners dating back to 1970. Find that list here.

The KML Chess motto is, "All glory to the King!" That is especially true this year, as we celebrate the talents of these players and their determination to play through whatever challenges they faced along the way. Whether celebrating accomplishments or fighting through challenges - on the board and in life - we know Jesus Christ is beside us, and in the end He reigns above all. May all of our players take that confidence with them next season or whatever is next for them in life.

Varsity Division 1

Junior Varsity

Both teams with Advisor Ben Walter, Advisor Angie Molkentin, Coach Ron Klemann

Round 4 vs. Chesterton Academy

Round 2 vs. Wisconsin Lutheran

Going over games between rounds.

Carson under pressure in the final round.

#2 Seeded KML Fights, Ends Up Fifth at 2025 City Championship

The KML A Team finished 5th out of 16 teams in a tight race at the 2025 City Championships this week. This was a perfect warm-up experience for the State Tournament, as we tested our teams.

The City Tournament is scored by game points as opposed to match points. So our 4-person teams needed to win on every board possible to contend for the championship. 

The Chargers took care of business in the first 2 rounds, undefeated on all boards, the only team in the field of 16 with a perfect score. Round 3 was a little tougher with 2 wins and 2 losses against Brookfield East. Going into Round 4, KML remained among the top 3 teams with a chance to win. We were paired with top-rated USM, and Round 4 did not go our way. 

Dylan Hanson and Sawyer Yogerst won 3 out of their 4 games for the day and Carson Reik and Kyle Sayavongsa won 2 of their 4. All in all, this is a very good performance in a field of teams at this level, even though we didn't finish as high as we hoped as the 2nd seeded team going in.

KML B came in 8th place out of 16 teams, a great finish for our second team. Evan Senfleben and Zachary Kesting won 3 of their 4 games. Senior Will Kesting had the tough job of playing Board 1, taking on all the best players. Newcomer David Dorn held his own on Board 4. KML C gained valuable experience playing in this format, managing their game, the clock, and notation. 

It was such a pleasure to chaperone 3 KML teams, with our A team playing on the top tables, our B team supporting and showing strength for our future, and our C team learning. Our experienced players modeled sportsmanship and resilience for our newer players.

Stay sharp, Chargers, as we prepare for the State Tournament! Remember, the State Tournament is scored differently - 2.5 wins out of 4 in a round is a win for the team, with game points and opponent strength as tiebreakers. It also has a slightly longer time control (G-45 instead of G-30). Our goal is to continue to play well for our chance to play at the top boards once again.