KML Varsity Chess Team Places 2nd in Final League Tournament

KML Charger Chess captured second place in the season-ending North Shore Milwaukee Chess League Tournament, just behind University School Milwaukee who earned its 9th straight league championship. The tournament punctuates five months of league play and provides valuable preparation for the state tournament, March 21-22 in Madison, where KML will defend its Division 1 state title.

Charger varsity team players include: Board 1 Dylan Hanson, Board 2 Riley Lechmaier, Board 3 Evan Semfleben, Board 4 Zachary Kesting.

Two other KML teams competed to gain experience for future seasons. 

KML Chess meets regularly between October and March, offering opportunities to learn, compete, and socialize. The Chargers are coached by Ron Klemann and the KML Chess program advisors are Angie Molkentin and Ben Walter. 

KML Chess hosts its popular summer chess camp June 8-11, 2026. Keep up with KML Chess news here and learn more about all KML summer camps here.

KML Varsity Chess left to right: Jackson Agenten (alternate), Riley Lechmaier (Board 2), Dylan Hanson (Board 1), Evan Senfleben (Board 3), Zachary Kesting (Board 4).

KML 2nd Team left to right: Mason Westin (Board 1), Andrew Meyer (Board 2), Logan Golner (Board 3), James Balza (Board 4).

KML 3rd Team left to right: Delilah Kreuser (Board 4), Joey Pedersen (Board 3), Alexis Watters (Board 2), Ivan Westin (Board 1).

Coach Klemann helps players between rounds.

KML Teams Earn Experience and Hardware at WI Gradelevel Tournament

KML Chess players earned valuable experience at the Wisconsin Gradelevel Tournament held Saturday, February 28 at UW-Milwaukee. The annual tournament included nearly 400 players from Kindergarten to high school competing by grade level. Every player contributed to the team's success, and several players earned individual honors.

KML's 9th grade team included James Balza, Mason Westin, and Delilah Kreuser. The team earned third place and James Balza placed 10th overall in the section with 3 wins in 5 rounds.

KML's 10th-12th grade team included Dylan Hanson, Evan Senfleben, and Alexis Watters. The team earned 2nd place and Dylan Hanson placed third overall in the section with 4 wins in 5 rounds.

7th grader Ivan Westin from Good Shepherd, West Bend, placed 9th in his section with 3 wins and a draw in 5 rounds.

The Chargers are preparing for the state tournament March 21-22 in Madison, where they will defend last year's Division 1 state title.

KML Chess Players at the WI Gradelevel Tournament

394 K-12 players competed in five rounds

The sportsmanship of chess

Helping teammates between rounds

KML players with team and individual awards

KML Federation Schools Chess Opportunity

 Chess players in KML Federation schools have an opportunity to join the KML Chess Team at the Wisconsin Gradelevel Championships Chess Tournament on Saturday, February 28 at the University of Wiscosnin-Milwaukee Student Union.

The KML Chess Team will attend and play in the high school division. Students from KML Federation gradeschools may register for the tournament and compete against players at their gradelevel. The Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation awards prizes for individuals and school teams at this tournament. It's a great opportunity for young players to experience competition and hang out with other chess players, including the KML high school chess team at the event.

Parents of grade school students must register their players as well as provide transportation and supervision on site during the event. Carpooling and cooperation with KML Chess may be an option. Contact KML Chess Advisor Angie Molkentin with questions by using this link, which also contains sign-up information. Early bird sign-up deadline is Friday, February 13, with entry fees increasing after that date.