This spring, the chess team secured state titles in both LHSAA-sanctioned e-sports competition and the United States Chess Federation’s in-person championship.

The Chess Club offers casual play for enthusiasts who gather once a week for informal matches. The chess team follows a more structured regimen, meeting twice weekly for practice and competing in weekend tournaments. While some students participate in both groups, most club members do not join the team.

The roster for this season included freshmen Austin Janusa, Arav Kamboj, Aidan Thomas, Yousef Fallaha, and pre-freshman Christofferson Mercadel. In both state events, Janusa claimed the individual title by placing first. Though his teammates did not capture individual crowns, their combined efforts in the USCF tournament secured the overall team championship.

“The chess team demonstrated dedication and resilience this year, overcoming adversity to defeat strong opponents like St. Augustine and Country Day,” said head coach Jacob Campos ’13. “Their success reflects hard work, teamwork, and unwavering support for one another—especially in moments of difficulty. This young group remains open to growth and eager to improve their game.”

Reflecting on the season, Janusa noted that consistent preparation, discipline, and a strong sense of teamwork laid the foundation for their achievements. “Out of six tournaments, we placed first as a team in four,” he said. “Individually, I finished first in five events, with key contributions from Kamboj, who earned second place, and Thomas, Mercadel, and Fallaha, who each placed third. What set us apart was how we supported one another—staying focused, composed, and never leaving the tournament hall until every teammate had finished. If we had to sum up the season in three words, they would be: Veni, Vidi, Vici—we came, we saw, we conquered.”

Kamboj described his first year on the team as “a lot better than I expected for someone playing chess for two years.” After a 1–3 start in his first in-person event, he rebounded to earn a fifth-place trophy in November and a fourth-place finish at the University of New Orleans tournament in January. At the St. Augustine tournament in March, he went undefeated and claimed second place. He then contributed three wins at the state championship to help secure the team title. “Every loss is just a step toward success,” he said.

Their double state titles mark a new benchmark for Jesuit chess, reflecting a blend of skill, perseverance, and team support that will inspire seasons to come.