2024 Tournament Photos & Awards

This year, a group of our Illinois Shotokan athletes took their competitive talents on the road, (or rather a plane), as they traded views of the Windy City for those of a few incredible national and international destinations like Texas, Louisiana, Uruguay, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Brazil, and Mexico.

Not only did they get to compete around the world, but they also brought home an impressive amount of hardware — earning a collective 99 medals between the 2024 Nationals, the US Open, and the Junior International Cup Tournaments.

On the international stage, Senseis Cirrus Lingl and Skylar Lingl captured two gold medals in Uruguay at the 2024 PKF Senior Championships. This win secured a spot for the USA Women’s Kumite Team to advance on to compete at the World Cup in Spain. The Lingl sisters fought with incredible heart and accomplished something historic —Team USA brought home a Silver Medal at the World Cup, the first Silver Medal in Women's Team Kumite, ever!

2024 was a busy year and we couldn't be prouder of everyone's outstanding performances, but more importantly, we take immense pride in the team spirit and camaraderie that shine whenever Team ISKC comes together. There is truly nothing like the sense of community here at Illinois Shotokan— we are so grateful for all of our ISKC families, coaches, and athletes who help transform our club into a community.

This year, our club also reinstated our National Competitor Awards and the prestigious Competitor of the Year Awards. Congratulations to all the 2024 athletes! Your dedication, hard work, and exemplary sportsmanship are an inspiration to everyone around you, setting a powerful example for those just beginning their karate journey.

2024 Competitors of the Year:

Youth Male (7-12 Yrs.) - Luka Bajic

Youth Female (7-12 Yrs.) - Ariana Zhang

Teen Male (13-17 Yrs.) - Anthony Milano

Teen Female (13-17 Yrs.) - Alexa Jocic

Adult Male (18-34 Yrs.) - Devin Leasure

Adult Female (18-34 Yrs.) - Alyssa Floresca

Sr. Adult Male (35 Years & Up) - Mark Lingl

Sr. Adult Female (35 Years & up) - Julie Krater

The Story of Jennifer Malloy

Photo Credit: Chicago Sun Times, 1987

At age 10, Jennifer, an ISKC student and brown belt, was diagnosed with Rabdomyo Sarcoma, an aggressive cancer of the muscles found in the neck and head. In many ways, Jennifer embodied a true-karate-ka. Despite undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and numerous surgeries, Jennifer refused to let her diagnosis stop her from training and competing. 

Jennifer loved karate and exemplified a commitment to the sport and the spirit of competition. While still undergoing treatment, Jennifer continued to work toward her goals of competing in the National Championships and earning her brown belt. 

Despite qualifying for the National Championships, her illness and treatments kept Jennifer from competing at the nationals for two years. Determined, Jennifer would not take “no” for an answer and made the brave decision to compete in the 1986 National Championships.

Just 11 days prior to the National Championships, Jennifer underwent major surgery to stop the growth of a tumor in her head and neck. Only a couple of days after the surgery, Jennifer snuck out of her hospital bed to practice her kata in an empty room and even convinced her doctors to release her from the hospital so she could compete in the National Championships. Jennifer finally achieved her dream and even earned a bronze medal in kata.  

Due to the financial burden that comes with battling cancer, the Malloy family struggled to afford one last treatment they could try to battle the cancer in Jennifer's body. In order to help, Illinois Shotokan Karate rallied its students and resources to put on the first ever Kick for Cures event, formerly known as the Jennifer Malloy Kick Against Cancer, on February 22, 1987. Together, ISKC members raised more than $30,000 to support Jennifer and her family as she underwent treatment. 

Sadly, Jennifer passed away later that year at at the age of 13 after a ferocious two-and-half year battle with cancer. Jennifer touched the lives of students and instructors, alike, and her memory continues to live on and inspire others. 

This year, our annual Kick for Cures event is being held on March 3, 2019. The Kick for Cures is a meaningful and fun way to meet other members of our club and allows us  to practice our karate together for a worthy cause. 

To reserve your spot at the 2019 Kick For Cures event, please RSVP using the form below or call the ISKC office at 847-359-0666.

If you cannot attend, we hope you can join us in spirit by donating online! Every dollar counts!

2019 Jennifer Malloy Tournament Highlights

Thanks to everyone for coming out to our first tournament of the year! We had a great day of competition and can’t wait for the Chicago Classic Tournament on March 24 , 2019. Join us at the next tournament by visiting clicking the link below.