News
Illinois Loses Three US Chess Life Members
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
- Created: 15 August 2016 15 August 2016
At the onset of the 2016 US Chess Delegates meeting, a memorium roll call is read and the assembled pay respects to those in the chess community who have passed away during the past year.
In addition to the way-too-early death of Sevan Muradian previously covered on this website, three Illinois gentlemen were identified.
Duane Muehler, Fred Braucher and Fred Ekstrom were all Life Members of US Chess.
Denker, Barber, Girls and US Open Heading to Indy, Committees and Delegates Meet to Set Course of US Chess
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
- Created: 29 July 2016 29 July 2016
Thanks to winning their respective Illinois invitational tournaments in May, soon-to-be IMSA Junior George Li will be representing the Land of Lincoln at the National Denker tournament kicking off this weekend in Indianapolis. Soon to be high-schooler Vincent Do represents Illinois in the Barber while Miranda Liu will be Illinois' representative in the National Girls event. Other Illinoisians will be representing the state in the US Open starting next week.
Others will be doing their representation away from the chess boards in meeting rooms as a series of Workshops and the Annual US Chess Board of Delegates meeting takes place August 3 through 7 at the Indianapolis Marriott East.
One Way Chess Launches in Chicago, Champaign
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
- Created: 14 July 2016 14 July 2016
Former ICA Board Member At Large and two-time Collegiate Final Four participant Michael Auger has developed a chess training company with some associates.
While conducting private lessons online to students around the country, the in-person lessons are mostly being offered in the Chicago and Champaign areas.
Michael was kind enough to respond to some questions posed by the ICA which appear below. We wish Michael well in his new endeavor. Details can be found at https://www.onewaychess.com/
Illinois Players On Top Of the World (Open) 2016, Claim $36K
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
- Created: 11 July 2016 11 July 2016
Illinois-based Ionatan Giurgiu won the Under 2000 section of the 2016 World Open completed last week in Philadelphia. Giurgiu won $12,000 with eight wins in eight games -- not even playing in the 9th round as the title was already secure. Ionatan had played nine events at Chess IQ from 2012-2014 and even played in the Illinois Open back in 2012.
Downstater Caleb Denby tied for 10th in the section with a 6.5/9 tally.
Boguslaw Niemczewski claimed the Under 1600 section with a 8.0/9 score. Niemczewski took a half point draw in the last round with the title -- and a $10,000 first prize -- secured. Niemczewski has played in many Chicago Opens including 2003-2009 consecutively.
Lenox Advocates Chess For Veterans, Physically-Challenged
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
- Created: 03 July 2016 03 July 2016
The Illinois Chess Vets spread the word about chess at the Chicago Abilities Expo from June 24 to 26. ICA Veterans Committee Chairman Michael Lenox estimated there were as many as 5000 attendees across the three days.
Lenox broadcast play-by-play announcements of blitz games using a wireless microphone and PA system, attracting visitors to the group's display. The Vets hosted 2014 US Blind Champion Jim Thoune who had driven up from Bowling Green, KY.
Thoune won games against all challengers, except for that of Robert Stoltz -- who was somewhat of a ringer.