Ateneo HS Chess Varsity finishes strong as PAYA Juniors 1st Runner-Up

Composed of student-athletes from both the Junior High School and Senior High School, the Ateneo de Manila High School Chess Varsity Team clinched the 1st Runner-Up title in the Juniors Division of the 2026 Philippine Athletic Youth Association (PAYA) Chess Championship, held on 15 and 22 February 2026 at La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong City.

Blue Eagles Adrian Antonio (12–Pro), Aidan Mejia (12–Kibe), Pio Caro (10–Nelson), Arjay Co (9–Harcourt), Thad Manuel (7–Azevedo), and Mikayla Tusi (7–Balmain) battled over the board against formidable opponents from Xavier University, De La Salle Zobel, La Salle Green Hills, Colegio San Agustin, and Lourdes School of Quezon City.

Through strong, persistent, and consistent performances across all boards, the team secured a remarkable overall finish while earning individual board medals. Aidan Mejia captured the Gold Medal in Board 6, while Arjay Co, Thad Manuel, and Mikayla Tusi each earned Silver Medals in Boards 2, 4, and 5, respectively. Pio Caro secured the Bronze Medal in Board 3, completing the team’s medal haul of one Gold, three Silvers, and one Bronze.

The Ateneo Junior Chess Varsity Team is coached by Ildefonso Datu.