See results here.

All Girls Nationals top team, K-8 went to Dalton. pictured here with Garry Kasparov and their coach.

To read the entire article, please visit US Chess.

To read the entire article, please visit US Chess.

Kasparov said, “All-Girls National Championships is the apex of scholastic chess competitions in the United States for girls under 20 years of age and I’m excited to have an opportunity to give encouragement to the hundreds of young ladies participating.”

The former World Champion was ranked #1 in the world for 20 years straight. Kasparov is now the chairman of the Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF), a nonprofit that promotes chess in education throughout the U.S. “The Kasparov Chess Foundation is the preeminent non-profit organization promoting scholastic chess. I believe that our continuous cooperation with the USCF through scholastic events and our partnership with RKCF to provide in-school chess education program to Chicago schools, will reach as many students as possible, stated” Kasparov who is a Wall Street Journal columnist, where he writes about chess and Russian politics. Kasparov is also the author of numerous books including the acclaimed series, My Great Predecessors.

The All-Girls National Championships is an annual competition, for girls only, that was started in Chicago 10 years ago.  The first place winner in each section qualifies to represent the United States at the 2013 FIDE World Youth Championships. Last year’s All-Girls National Championships, also held in Chicago, was the largest girls’ only tournament in history with 238 participants.

David Heiser, President of the Chicago based Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation, thinks that Kasparov’s appearance may result in a new record. “I am beyond excited that Kasparov, a living chess legend and one of the most inspiring figures of our times, will be at the All-Girls National Championships.”

All girls under the age of 20 are welcome to come out and play and meet the legend. More details on the tournament and how to register can be found at www.rknights.org/all-girls.
Find out more about the Kasparov Chess Foundation on their website, or contact Richard Krueger at info@kasparovchessfoundation.org. Find more about Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation on their website, or contact David Heiser at david.heiser@renaissanceknights.org.

New York, NY, Feb. 5, 2013 — Kasparov Chess Foundation held its 2013 original Scholastic Championships Series, spanning across major metropolitan areas of the nation these past two weekends. The Foundation organized and sponsored these tournaments in association with local chess organizations in each region, including Chess Center of New York, ChessPRO and Maryland State Chess Association, and Renaissance Knights Foundation in the Mid-West.

Following are the results:

2013 Greater New York K – 12 Championships

Well over 900 players from more than 180 schools participated in a record-breaking tournament for the New York Metropolitan area.

High School Varsity:
Individual: Joshua Colas – White Plains High School – White Plains, NY
Team: Edward R. Murrow High School, Brooklyn NY

High School Junior-Varsity:
Individual: Aaron Coppa – Stuyvesant High School – New York, NY
Team: Christian Brothers Academy – Lincroft, NJ

High School Novice:
Individual: Christopher Wall – Christian Brothers Academy – Lincroft, NJ
Team: Christian Brothers Academy – Lincroft, NJ

Junior High Varsity:
Individual: Thomas Knoff – Booker T. Washington J.H.S. 54 – New York, NY
Team: Eugenio Maria De Hostos I.S. 318 – Brooklyn, NY

Junior High Junior-Varsity:
Individual: Gabriel Rivera – Eugenio Maria De Hostos I.S. 318 – Brooklyn, NY
Team: Eugenio Maria De Hostos I.S. 318 – Brooklyn, NY

Junior High Novice:
Individual: Jessica Mac Arthur – Robert F. Wagner J.H.S. 167 – New York, NY
Team: David A. Boody I.S. 228 – Brooklyn, NY

Elementary Varsity:
Individual: Justin Chen – Yung Wing PS124 – New York, NY
Team: Eugenio Maria De Hostos I.S. 318 – Brooklyn, NY

Elementary Junior-Varsity:
Individual: Johann Hatzius – Collegiate School – New York, NY
Team: The Richard Rodgers School Of The Arts And Technology PS166 – New York, NY

Elementary Novice
Individual: Ian Nan – Shuang Wen PS184 – New York, NY
Team: Trinity School – New York, NY

Primary Varsity:
Individual: Harris Lencz – Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School  -
New York, NY
Team: Princeton Day School – Princeton, NJ

Primary Novice:
Individual: Evan Kurtz – The Anderson School PS334 – New York, NY
Team: The Anderson School PS334 – New York, NY

Primary K-1:
Individual: Nathaniel Lande Shuman – Dalton School – New York, NY
Team: NEST+m School – New York, NY

2013 Greater Chicago K-12 Championships

With a field of 180 Players from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, and as far away as Arizona, the Greater Mid-West Scholastic Championships was a resounding success.  Following are the results:

K-12 Varsity
Individual – Joseph Fennessey – Marist High School, Chicago, IL
Team –  Nicolet High School, Glendale, WI

K-12 Junior Varsity
Individual – Adam Rubinberg – Niles North High School, Skokie, IL
Team – De La Salle High School, Chicago, IL

K-9 Varsity
Individual – Niall Gillen (no school given)
Team – Decatur Classical, Chicago, IL

K-9 Junior Varsity
Individual – Diana Shklover – Devonshire Elementary, Skokie, IL
Team –  Hadley Glen Ellyn, IL

K-6 Varsity
Individual – Jeremy Margolin – Bell Elementary, Chicago. IL
Team – Solomon Schecter – Northbrook, IL

K-6 Junior Varsity
Individual – Jonah Winter – Walden Elementary, Deerfield, IL
Team – Romona Elementary, Wilmette, IL

K-3 Junior Varsity
Individual – Miles Lokken – Bell Elementary, Chicago, IL
Team – Monroe Elementary, Hinsdale, IL

K-3 Varsity
Individual – Benjamin Friedlander – Sonoran Sky Elementary Scottsdale, AZ
Team – Sonoran Sky Elementary Scottsdale, AZ

Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Championships

Held in conjunction wtih Maryland State Chess Association, more than 250 students representing over 100 schools from the Mid-Atlantic region participated in the tournament.  Following are the results:

HS Championship
Individual Champion= Feldman, Nathan, Pikesville High School, Baltimore MD
Team Champion = Northwest High School, Germantown, MD

MS Championship
Individual Champion = Yu, Jennifer, Belmont Ridge Middle School, Leesburg VA
Team Champion = Roberto Clemente MS, Germantown, MD

Elementary Championship
Individual Champion = Wang, Philip, Centennial Lane Elementary School, Columbia MD
Team Champion = Greenbriar West ES, Fairfax VA

Primary Championship
Individual Champion = Zou, Austin, Northfield Elementary, Ellicott City, MD
Team Champion = Spark Matsunaga Elementary, Germantown, MD

K-12 Under 1000
Individual Winner = Zheng, Kevin, Dunloggin Middle School, Ellicott City MD
Team Winner = Northwest High School, Germantown, MD

K-8 Under 800
Individual Winner = Singhai, Varun, Cockeysville Middle School, Cockeysville MD
Team Winner = Cockeysville Middle School, Cockeysville MD

K-5 Under 600
Individual Winner = Zheng, Ramon, Veterans Elementary School, Ellicott City MD
Team Winner = Essex Elementary School, Essex MD

K-3 Under 400
Individual Winner = Yaqub, Zach, Wood Acres Elementary School, Bethesda MD
Team Winner = Essex Elementary School, Essex MD

For more information, please visit the following co-sponsor web sites:

http://www.renaissanceknights.org/

http://www.chesscenter.cc/

http://www.mdchess.com/

About Kasparov Chess Foundation

Founded by World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, KCF’s mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children throughout the United States by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary, middle and high schools, both in the public and private school sectors. The not-for-profit educational organization also organizes tournaments and competitions on a local and national basis. For more information, please visit http://www.kasparovchessfoundation.org.

New York, NY, Jan 16, 2013 — Kasparov Chess Foundation welcomes students from K – 12 grades to take part in its 2013 Scholastic Championships Series, spanning across major metropolitan areas of the nation. The Foundation is sponsoring these tournaments in association with local chess organizations in each region, including Chess Center of New York, ChessPRO and Maryland State Chess Association, and Renaissance Knights Foundation in the Midwest.

The tournament schedules are as follows:

Jan. 26 – 27, Greater New York Scholastic Chess Championships at the New Yorker Hotel, Manhattan, NY; for more information visit: www.chesscenter.cc, or email chesscentr@aol.com.  Online registration: http://gnykids13.eventbrite.com/

Feb. 2 – 3, Greater Chicago Scholastic Chess Championships at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2875 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL; for more information and online registration, visit: www.renaissanceknights.org/greaterchicago/

Feb. 2, Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championships at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute & Western High School, 1400 W. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD; phone: (901) 550-0265; visit: http://www.mdchess.com for more information.

According to Kasparov Chess Foundation President, Michael Khodarkovsky, the tournaments are spread out throughout the country to make it accessible and affordable to all players and their families.

For details on each regional Championship, please see links above. Let the games begin!

About Kasparov Chess Foundation

Founded by World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, KCF’s mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children throughout the United States by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary, middle and high schools, both in the public and private school sectors. The not-for-profit educational organization also organizes tournaments and competitions on a local and national basis. For more information, please visit http://www.kasparovchessfoundation.org.

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Sam finished first overall in the under 12 section and Kayden earned the top spot in the under-14 section. Earlier this year, both players were selected by the Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) to participate in an intensive training program, which started in the beginning of 2012 with a special training camp conducted by World Champion and KCF Chairman Garry Kasparov in Saint Louis in June.

The KCF and the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis established a five-year grant partnership to develop several American chess prodigies from across the nation. The program, called Young Stars – Team USA, is designed to offer extraordinarily talented children the opportunity to maximize their potential and to achieve the highest level in chess.

“Our goal is to prepare the best young players in the country for the most difficult competition in the world,” Kasparov said. “Kayden and Sam prepared diligently for this event and proved they have what it takes to become the world’s elite. With continued hard work and dedication, these rising stars can help lead the next generation of chess players in the U.S.”

The Young Stars – Team USA program includes two training sessions with Kasparov each year, one in the summer in Saint Louis and one in the winter in New York City, and individual coaching for each participant. The winter Master Class session will take place December 14-16.

Kayden said hours of daily preparation and special training sessions with his coach GM Alex Chernin and Garry Kasparov have been key to his recent success.

“When it comes down to it, a result like this is why I spend 30-plus hours a week on chess, and I am just grateful it paid off,” Kayden said.

Because of the Young Stars program, Sam also has benefited from special training sessions with both Kasparov and Chernin. He said the fact that he entered the tournament ranked first overall in his section put some additional pressure on him to succeed.

“Plus the fact that many of my games were available in the database prior to the tournament [meant that] opponents could prepare specific lines against me,” Sam said. “In some of the games I found myself under severe time pressure, especially with black pieces. I had to spend a lot of time at the board just to equalize.”

Sam said that in addition to continuing to fine-tune his game, he hopes to attain his third IM norm in the coming year and plans to begin competing in tournaments that offer GM norm opportunities.

Kayden, who has already achieved the three IM norms necessary for the title, said he is working on improving his FIDE rating to 2400 and trying to maintain consistency in his performances. His results and upcoming tournaments can be found at http://kaydentroff.blogspot.com/.

About Kasparov Chess Foundation

Founded by World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, KCF’s mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children throughout the United States by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary, middle and high schools, both in the public and private school sectors. The not-for-profit educational organization also organizes tournaments and competitions on a local and national basis. For more information, please visit http://www.kasparovchessfoundation.org/.

The event, organized by Kasparov Chess Foundation, in conjunction with The Bryant Park Corporation, City of New York, and Marshall Chess Foundation, will offer free-play chess, as well as Blitz and Rapid tournaments, organized for the following age categories: U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18. The event is free to all, participants are encouraged to register via email at littlehouseofchess@gmail.com. On-site registration begins at 9:30 AM. Tournament play starts at 10:00 AM and runs through 2:00 PM. All participants will receive medals and t-shirts commemorating the day. Chess sets will be provided, please bring your chess clocks.

Meet & Greet Garry Kasparov

Meet and greet legendary World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, who will be available for special presentation, book signings, photos, and words of encouragement to all players. Other celebrities are expected to take part in the festivities.

According to Michael Khodarkovsky, President of Kasparov Chess Foundation, the event commemorates KCF’s 10th year anniversary and promises to attract families and guests from the greater New York area. “In the ten years of operation, we’ve made it possible for thousands of school students to learn the game of chess throughout the country as a direct result of our in-school programs and competitive regional and national tournaments. These students will continue to be shaped by the many social and educational benefits of chess long after they exit the school system, and for this, there is much to celebrate,” Mr. Khodarkovsky explained.

About Kasparov Chess Foundation

Founded by World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, KCF’s mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children throughout the United States by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary, middle and high schools, both in the public and private school sectors. The not-for-profit educational organization also organizes tournaments and competitions on a local and national basis. For more information, please visit http://www.kasparovchessfoundation.org/

About Bryant Park Corporation (BPC)

Bryant Park Corporation (BPC), a private not-for-profit company, was founded in 1980 to renovate, finance and operate Bryant Park in New York City. BPC is funded by income from events, concessions and corporate sponsors, as well as an assessment on neighboring properties, and does not accept government or philanthropic monies. In addition to providing security and sanitation services and tending the park’s lush lawn and seasonal garden displays, BPC provides public amenities and activities, including movable chairs and tables, cafe umbrellas, restaurants, food kiosks, world-class restrooms, and a wide range of free events throughout the year. The Midtown park, conveniently located at 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets, is visited by more than five million people each year and is one of the busiest public spaces in the world. BPC’s Web site, http://www.bryantpark.org, is available for more detailed information and a schedule of upcoming events.

About Marshall Chess Foundation

The Marshall Chess Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation formed to promote, stimulate and encourage the study, play and appreciation of the game of chess as a means of intellectual development. The Foundation holds lectures and symposia on historical chess events and renowned players (with emphasis on prominent New York chess personalities). The Foundation also highlights through lectures and exhibitions the use of chess in films, television, theater, literature, painting, and other visual media. For more information, visit http://www.marshallchessfoundation.org.

CHAMPIONS

18 & Younger
Individual – ANUPAMA RAJENDRA, IQ Academy, WI
Team – Homer Hanna H.S., Brownsville, TX

16 & Younger
Individual – LILIA POTEAT, Hunter College Campus, New York, NY
Team – I.S. 318, New York, NY

14 & Younger
Individual – JOIE WANG, Rocky Run Middle School, Chantilly, VA
APURVA VIRKUD, Baker Middle School, Troy, MI
Team – I.S. 318, New York, NY

12 & Younger
Individual – ASHRITHA ESWARAN, Silver Oak, San Jose, CA
Team – Hunter College Campus, New York, NY

10 & Younger
Individual – RAMITHA RAVISHANKAR, John Marshall Elementary, Edison, NJ
JENNIFER YU, Newton-Lee Elementary, Ashburn, VA
Team – Bull Run Elementary, Centreville, VA

8 & Younger
Individual – MAGGIE NI, Homeschooled, TX
Team – Greenwich Academy, Greenwich, CT

CHICAGO PARTICIPANTS

18 & YOUNGER SECTION
Chicago Academy for the Arts – CAMIAH MC NEAL
De La Salle – SAMANTHA TOBIAS, SANDRA TOBIAS, MELODY CHANG

16 & YOUNGER SECTION
Walter Payton College Prep CAELEY HARIHARA – 4th Place

12 & YOUNGER SECTION
Thorp – GEORGIA WOLF
Roque’ de Duprey – ANASTASIA GREEN, SAMANTHA MENDOZA, ISALY JIMENEZ
Wells Prep – MARTINA HARRIS

10 & YOUNGER SECTION
Gallistel – VERONICA RODRIGUEZ
Roque’ de Duprey – ALEXIS MENDOZA

8 & YOUNGER SECTION
Decatur – ARIA HOESLEY, SAMANTHA MOYER
Edison – MINH-AN THOMAS
Peirce – MEGAN WONG
Lenart – MELINDA BURGIN

About Kasparov Chess Foundation

Founded by World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, KCF’s mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children throughout the United States by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary, middle and high schools, both in the public and private school sectors. The not-for-profit educational organization also organizes tournaments and competitions on a local and national basis. For more information, please visit http://www.kasparovchessfoundation.org/