Illinois Chess History
Wayne Clark: A Personal Tribute
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- Written by Tim Just, NTD, NA Tim Just, NTD, NA
By Tim Just, NTD, NA
Wayne Clark was a very close friend. I mentored him as a TD until he surpassed me—the student became better than the teacher: IA, NTD, Organizer, Multiple Illinois Opens as a TD and organizer, Co-author of “My Opponent is Eating a Doughnut,” CCA TD for Midwest events (often the chief TD), Scholastics on the state and national level, FIDE International Youth Championships, Numerous Illinois Class events, Midwest and Chicago Class tournaments, World Open, US Open, Tim Just’s Winter Open, etc. At those events he mentored other TDs; thus, continuing the tradition. His influence on chess officials and players, both at the Illinois and National level, is immeasurable. His impact on the Illinois chess scene—as a TD and organizer—is beyond calculation. Additionally, he provided trophies to local organizers for their events!? He considered it a nice sideline that impacted the local chess scene. At one point US Chess named him the best of the best; i.e., 2013 TD of the Year.
He entered our Central Lake County chess club—AKA the College of Lake County Chess Club—as a player. He left as one of the top officials in our chess universe. He gave his best to both the players and TDs, while avoiding chess politics.
"Chess State" Video
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- Written by Eva Harrison Eva Harrison
Below is a link to the "Chess State" video which was produced by Naperville Community Television in 2017.
It presents an excellent overview of the history of organized chess in Illinois, particularly that of the IHSA State Tournament.
Enjoy it!
ICCM, NM Dr. Steven R. Tennant, DDS, 1948-2017
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- Written by NM Len J. Weber NM Len J. Weber
On December 4th of last year, we lost Dr. Steve Tennant, a chess player of note and some notoriety in Illinois. Steve was 69 years old.
The earliest records of Steve's playing career seem to be lost to history, but he seems to have first made a USCF master rating around 1970. Steve was a dentist by profession, and he ran a dental office in the Palos/Orland area for over 35 years.
Those who knew Steve knew him as an intellectual force, who claimed he had a photographic memory. We knew not to doubt him, as he could recall entire games from decades earlier and play them over. Steve was a big fan of trivia on many subjects and could be counted on to quiz those around him as a matter of course. Steve's personality could be abrasive at times, and his life and chess history is filled with episodes of long standing contention with various personalities.
Grandmaster William Lombardy Passes Away at 79
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
[Editor's Note: Mike Klein has since updated his insightful Chess.com piece and has included thoughts from many in the chess community including Bruce Pandolfini.]
Grandmaster William Lombardy has passed away at the age of 79. According to Mike Klein, reporting for Chess.com, Lombardy had only recently moved to Caifornia, staying with friend Ralph Palmieri in the East Bay (east of San Francisco). According to Klein's source, Lombardy "collapsed and died" Friday, October 13 in Martinez, CA.
Lombardy was depicted in the 2014 movie Pawn Sacrifice, his character portrayed by Illinois-native Peter Sarsgaard (the priest serving as Fischer's coach during the legendary match with Boris Spassky).
Former ICA President, Treasurer Carl Dolson Passes Away
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
For a man with a lot of heart, it's hard to comprehend that his would give out. Former Illinois Chess Association President Carl Dolson passed away September 30 at the age of 61.
Readers of this site may recall that Mr. Dolson had recently passed out while driving and was fortunate to have been assisted by an off-duty police officer who secured prompt medical attention. Unfortunately, the incident was followed by others and he was considering a cardiac assistive device. After contemplating quality of life matters, Mr. Dolson had decided against that option -- and, according to his son, Chris -- it is now suspected that the senior Dolson would not have survived the surgery.
After dedicated service as Treasurer, Mr. Dolson became ICA President for almost two terms, relinquishing the position when he moved to Indiana with his wife in 2016, to be closer to his two young grandchildren.
First IL High School Chess Champion DeFotis Passes Away
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
Back in the 1960's, long before the IHSA team format and before the upsurge in chess popularity from Bobby Fischer, there was something called the Illinois High School Students Chess Championship.
Greg DeFotis was the very first champion of that event in 1966.
Word has reached the ICA that Mr. DeFotis has passed away at the age of 65. He died September 5. Funeral services were held at Yurs Funeral Home in St. Charles on September 9 followed by a private burial service.
Illinois Loses Chess Legend Erik Karklins, 102
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
Weeks after celebrating his 102nd birthday, Erik Karklins has passed away.
Born in Riga, Latvia, the city which also brought us Mikhail Tal, Mr. Karklins was an architect who immigrated to the United States in 1951, ultimately making Chicago his home. His peak rating was believed to be 2305.
Mr. Karklins' surviving family includes his son, FM Andrew Karklins. In his December 2010 Chess Life article, Ken Marshall says the duo formed the strongest father-son combination in Illinois history. (The Turguts now may have something to say about that).
Funeral Services for LWW Coach Miller Set for Wednesday
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
Longtime chess coach, tournament director and former ICA-board member Steve Craig Miller passed away December 14 two weeks shy of his 60th birthday.
Miller was also a recent president of the Illinois Chess Coaches Association (ICCA).
A memorial will be held Wednesday, December 21 at 3pm at the Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 East Francis Road in New Lenox.
Miller was the chess coach at Lincoln Way West high school since the school was constructed, and for many years ran $5 USCF-rated tournaments to give his students enhanced experience beyond scholastic chess.