Xavier School San Juan is back-to-back JAM Chess Overall Champion

Xavier School San Juan continued its winning tradition as it ruled the Jesuit Athletic Meet (JAM) Chess Team Tournament which was held at the Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City from September 24-26, 2025.

FIDE Master (FM) Master Ivan Travis Cu banner the squad that successfully defended its title in the High School Division of this prestigious tourney that features Jesuit School in the Philippines.

Joining FM Ivan in the winning team are Jericho Winston Cu, Ryan Gabriel Taguba and Arena FIDE Master (AFM) Philip Gregory Pe.

Completing the victorious squad that is being mentored by Xavier School Athletic Director Ms. Aimee Apolinario and International Chess Federation Arbiter Rolando Yutuc are alternate players Nathan Emilio Valdez and Kirk Xander Lim.

Aside from winning the gold medal in board 1 after tallying a perfect score (4/4), FM Ivan also asserted his dominance to rule the blitz category with 4.5 points, the same output of AFM Philip. Xavier finished with 8 match points and 15.5 game points.

Ateneo de Manila University finished second with 8 match points and 15.0 game points followed by Ateneo de Zamboanga University with 7 match points and 12.5 game points.

Ateneo de Davao University HS placed fourth with 5 match points and 9 game points, Ateneo de Naga University placed fifth with 2 match points and 8 game points and sixth and last place Loyola College of Cullon with 2 game points.

Beyond the result, Xavier saw the victory as a breakthrough that validates the long hours they’ve invested in practice and preparation.

“Ang goal namin ay mailabas yung laro namin. Kung ano yung nalalaro namin, maipakita namin ng walang alinlangan, walang doubt. Masaya ako kasi nalabas talaga yung potential namin. ” Coach Yutuc said during the post-match interview.

The Tournament Director was Carla Sucalit while National Arbiter Lorenzo Cuizon Jr. served as the Chief Arbiter in the said chessfest -DAS

From left to right: bd 5 Nathan Emilio Valdez, bd 2 Jericho Winston Cu, bd 6 Kirk Xander Lim, bd 3 Ryan Gabriel Taguba, bd 4 AFM Philip Gregory Pe, bd 1 FM Ivan Travis Cu, Athletic Director Ms. Aimee Apolinario and Head Coach Rolando Yutuc.