Canyon Crest Academy wins 2026 Regional High School Team Chess Championship

The local scholastic chess scene reached new heights on Sunday, Jan. 11, as 15 high schools converged at the San Diego Chess Club in Balboa Park for the 3rd Annual San Diego Regional High School Team Chess Championship.

Organized by San Diego Chess Club’s Irina Nizmutdinova and Jonathan Frye, the 2026 tournament showcased a significant expansion in talent, drawing competitors from across San Diego County as well as Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties, according to a news release.

The battle for first place came down to a razor-thin margin. Canyon Crest Academy ultimately claimed the championship title, finishing with a 5.5/6 team score and clinching the victory via tiebreakers. San Marino High School(LA County) displayed a formidable performance to take second place with an identical 5.5 score, while Westview High School powered through a dense field to secure third place with 4 points. Westview narrowly edged out Fountain Valley High School, which also finished with 4 points but took fourth on tiebreakers, the news release stated.

The tournament roster reflected a true cross-section of Southern California’s rising talent, featuring teams from: Bonita Vista High School, Canyon Crest Academy, Cathedral Catholic High School, Del Norte High School, Eastlake High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Fountain Valley High School, Gompers Preparatory Academy, Mission Hills High School, Patrick Henry High School, Rancho Bernardo High School, Redlands High School, San Marino High School, South Bay Independent, and Westview High School.

Individual excellence was a hallmark of the day. Canyon Crest Academy’s victory was bolstered by NM Sepehr Golsifedy and NM Roger Shi, both of whom finished at the top of the field with individual scores of 5 out of 6.

By bringing together unrated newcomers and seasoned masters, the championship continues to cement its reputation as the premier stage for high school chess in the region, signaling a bright future for the sport in Southern California, the news release stated.