Join us at Marbles: The Brain Store on Sunday, March 10th as 2012 Illinois Chess Tour champion NM Sam Schmakel takes on up to 16 opponents in a simultaneous exhibition, in conjunction with a Tour fundraising sale.

The simul begins at 3:00 P.M. at Marbles: The Brain Store, located at 4745 N. Lincoln, in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago.

Players of all ages and abilities are welcome, with slots available for a nominal fee of $10.00 for adult players, or $5.00 for scholastic players. 100% of entry fees collected will be contributed to the Tour fund.

Additionally, for a three-hour period beginning at 3:00, Marbles will donate 15% of the proceeds of all sales to the Tour. This is a great opportunity to purchase one or more of many exciting brain-friendly items in support of the Tour. 2013 Tour t-shirts will also be on sale during the event.

National Master Sam Schmakel is the highest-rated high school player in Illinois, currently sporting a USCF rating of 2288. He’s a four-time national champion and the highest-rated player in Chicago Public Schools history. Sam has added three titles to his impressive resume just this month, two in team competitions. He’s first board of the Whitney Young High School chess team, newly crowned Illinois State champions; and his four person team of friends, The Illini Schmakelers, just won the U.S. Amateur Team North title. He is also, along with NM Gopal Menon, Illinois Blitz Co-Champion. But for the purposes of this exhibition, Sam will take on a group of eager challengers sporting the title of reigning Illinois Chess Tour champion!

Marbles: The Brain Store is a one-of-a-kind retail store featuring a smart collection of games, puzzles, books and software that strengthen and stimulate the brain. Their products are hand-picked and expert-tested, and are open and available at the store for hands-on play. Roll up your sleeves and try your hand at a collection of merchandise sure to appeal to the chessplaying crowd.

Come to challenge Sam, or come to observe and shop! To reserve your space in the simul, simply email Mike Cardinale at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Spots will be filled in order of email request.

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