News

2 Special Guest Lectures Mark the Climax of UQ Summer Group Lessons

Two stars from the 2022 US Junior Girls’ Chess Championship, WFM Sophie Morris-Suzuki and WGM Jennifer Yu, were warmly welcomed by thirty or so excited participants at the UQ Summer Group Lessons on July 19th and July 26th, respectively, marking the climax of the bubbly summer chess fun among young girl players.

2 Special Guest Lectures Mark the Climax of UQ Summer Group Lessons

Sophie and Jennifer both had incredible showings at the recently concluded championship, tying for first place while Jennifer being crowned the champion after a nail-biting playoff. As they each explained the thought processes behind intriguing critical positions in their games, Sophie and Jennifer shared with the fascinated audience invaluable advice ranging from opening preparation methods to move-by-move calculation techniques.

“I like to create practical chances; even if something may not be the best move objectively, I need to go for it if the position is too dry,” Jennifer shared, voicing her strategy of stirring up complications, an act of great courage that had rewarded her magnificent chess achievements, including the title of 2019 US Women Champion. When recalling her memories from such a prestigious tournament, Sophie highlighted her positive mentality and relaxed attitude. “I play my best chess when I’m having fun, not being too uptight or nervous.”

The strategies and the outlook shared by these two role models have been echoed in the weekly UQ classes, which aimed to fulfill the mission of giving young girls the opportunity to meet in the summer and study together the techniques applicable to their own games, such as attacking an uncastled king and exploiting weakened pawns. “I learned a lot! I can’t wait to join again next time!” exclaimed Liliana Gao, a regular student at the summer series who was always active and engaged.

The summer fun is set to continue into the fall, with an extended curriculum featuring a wider collection of topics! All UQ instructors enthusiastically invite aspiring girls at all chess levels to join the next season, so stay tuned everyone!

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IM Evan Park Takes Leadership Role as President of CTC Global Outreach

The CTC Global Outreach Initiative is pleased to announce that International Master Evan Park of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is joining CTC and will spearhead the initiative together with WIM Ellen Wang.

IM Evan Park Taking the Leadership Role as President of CTC Global Outreach

Evan has been competing since the age of eight and has been honored to compete around the world, most recently in Europe, where he tied for first at the Cattolica Spring Festival Primavera in Cattolica, Italy. Delighted to join CTC, he is committed to the organization’s goal of expanding chess to kids in the areas where they are deprived of the opportunities to enjoy this amazing game.

The first project Evan has started is to customize the weekly Skype lessons for Salama Gachie Chess Club members. While Ellen continues to teach beginner students each Tuesday, Evan is meeting the advanced group on Thursday, helping them move their chess skills to the next level.

Evan’s philosophy is inspiring: “I have always believed that chess can be a magical game, which brings together people of all cultures to have fun. A simple wooden game can become something so much more, and I aim to promote it to the fullest of my abilities.”

For Evan’s bio and chess vision, please visit https://chessctc.org/about.

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Summer 2022 Unruly Queens Free Group Lessons Starting Soon

As the long-awaited beautiful summer draws closer, CTC is proud to announce the new series of Unruly Queens free online chess lessons that spans over 10 Tuesday evenings throughout the summer.

Summer 2022 Unruly Queens Free Group Lesson

From 06/21 to 08/23, women and girls at all ages and levels are welcome to meet the UQ lead instructors WIM Ellen Wang, WFM Yassamin Ehsani, WIM Evelyn Zhu, and WFM Martha Samadashvili over zoom from 7pm to 8pm, to learn and practice chess in a friendly and inspiring environment. Lessons will be taught based on participants strengths, needs and requests. Mini rapid and bughouse tournaments on chess.com will also be arranged with prizes.

To register, please visit here. Any questions or interest in becoming an UQ instructor? Please email the UQ team at theunrulyqueens@gmail.com

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