Ateneo Boys’ Chess Team clinches 2nd in JAM 2025, dominates individual boards

Composed of players from both AJHS and ASHS, the Ateneo de Manila High School Boys’ Chess Varsity showcased grit and passion in the recent Jesuit Athletic Meet (JAM) 2025. With every move on the board, the team demonstrated unwavering determination and competitive spirit. 

After the penultimate round, the Blue Eagles held a slim 0.5-point lead over defending champions Xavier School San Juan. In a tense final round, Ateneo ultimately secured 2nd place overall, finishing with 15 game points—just 0.5 shy of Xavier’s 15.5.

Despite narrowly missing the team title, Ateneo dominated the individual boards. Three standout players earned gold medals in their respective boards: Arjay Co (9-Harcourt) for Board 2, Thad Manuel (7-Azevedo) for Board 5, and Aidan Mejia (12-Kibe) for Board 6.

The Ateneo Boys’ Chess Team was composed of team captain Pio Caro (10-Nelson), Adrian Antonio (12-Pro), Arjay Co, Elliot Peralta (9-Garnet), Thad Manuel, and Aidan Mejia. They were mentored by Coach Ildefonso Datu. 

JAM 2025, a prestigious biennial sports event which brings together Jesuit schools from across the country, was hosted by Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro from 24-27 September 2025. In the Boys’ Chess division, Ateneo competed against teams from Xavier School San Juan, Ateneo de Zamboanga, Ateneo de Davao, Ateneo de Naga, and Loyola College of Culion.