77th Illinois 101 Counties Open Tournament
( Usually scheduled 1^st weekend in October )

The 77th Illinois 101 Counties Open Ty will be held October 1st - 2nd, 2011, in mall in Marion, IL at the Illinois Centre Mall Food Court.
~~~ Notice this is Saturday and Sunday ~~~

Usually held on 1st Saturday & Sunday in October according to Gene Ellison.  Illinois has 102 counties but since Cook County was the Chicago area, with so many strong players they dominated the state checker tournaments and won most everything.  Therefore the down state started their own tournament with the other 101 counties, excluding Cook Co., and hence the name “101 Tournament.”  The early 70's the tournament was open to all players.

The Illinois Centre Mall is located west of the intersection of Interstate I-57 and IL State Highway 13 (Exit 54B). Travel west on IL 13, about a ½ mile to enter the mall. The mall is located at the third stop light west of the interstate exit. Turn right at this third light and to the back of the mall toward the Target parking lot. Park in the lot before Target and the door will lead to the food court where we will be playing. The food court entrance is on the north side.

A recommended hotel is the Super 8 Model at 2601 De Young, Marion, IL 62959, phone 618-993-5577. Please indicate that you are there for the tournament to receive a room discount for checker players of $45.00 (single & double) plus tax.  (Normal rate is $47 to $65).  The Super 8 is located off the first light west of the Interstate.  

Registration on Saturday begins at 8:00 a.m. with play beginning after a 9:00 a.m. business meeting.  This business meeting holds some sad news for checkers, since Roger Doll will officially announce or Gene & Gary Ellison may state they will step down as officers in Illinois Checker Association and officially announce their resignation from leadership/directorship of the Illinois State Open and the Illinois 101 Counties Open Tournaments.  Gene, Gary, and John Grisley will be sorely missed, and their absence will create a void in Illinois Checkers that will be hard to fill, a sad day for checkers indeed.  There will be four rounds on Saturday and 3 rounds on Sunday; 3-move restriction. Entry fee is $10.00.

Here is information for the GPS traveler: Illinois Centre Mall 3000 West Deyoung St # 604, Marion, IL 62959   (618)993-5436

For more information contact or Roger Doll Secretary & Treasurer 618-624-3119 erdoll@charter.net  or Gene Ellison, President, IL 101 Tournament at (618) 962-3321, email:  gellison@hamiltoncom.net.

2011 Tournament Dates     |   2011 Illinois 101 Results     |    2010 Illinois 101 Results