National Chess Day in Memphis.

Hi all!
News about the most outstanding National Chess Day in Memphis TN.

IM Jake Kleiman,

Tennessee's Number One Current USCF rated player.

What a fun day to be had by all!

Shelby County Chess, Mid-South Chess, Friday Knights Chess Club along with the University of Memphis Chess Club were all represented at the National Chess Day event at the Wolfchase Galleria Mall in Memphis with the weekend events kicking off at the Friday Knights Chess Club on Friday evening.

A very special appearance by Tennessee's own Top Rated USCF, Current Player, IM Jake Kleiman was enjoyed for autographs and pictures.

Click here for the USCF take on the activities.

Click here for the Commercial Appeal article, with picture of 7 year old Ben Johnson making his chess move.

Click here for the Commercial Appeal Photo of 7 year old Robert Randall.

Congratulations to Parker Zhao and with ties to Memphis!

Is this the one?

(Photo from CCSCSL)

Congratulations to one of the country's newest International Masters who has Memphis ties.

IM -elect Parker Zhao earned his 3rd IM norn in the highly competitive Open section of the Manhattan Open Chess Tournament held recently in NYC.

Parker is a student of GM Alex Stripunsky,

a favorite coach who considers Memphis his second home,

and also has a close friend in IM Jake Kleiman of Memphis.

From USCF August 22, 2011

"This was Parker's third IM norm in fact, and after his results from the tournament have been rated, his rating should climb past the 2400 FIDE threshold for IMs elect. His last-round game , a victory over IM Greg Shahade, featured a "surprise" Queen sacrifice by White on move 19."

Photo from CCSCSL

CONGRATULATIONS TO JAKE KLEIMAN!

Tennesssee's own!

IM Jake Kleiman (2375 FIDE) captures a big win over GM Alexander Shabalov (2586 FIDE) in round 6 at the 2011 World Open in Philadelphia this past week.

Jake Kleiman is a recent Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude graduate of Rhodes College. Jake earned the title of National Master in 2003, his Fide Master title in 2006 and International Master title in 2011. He is very proud to have been invited to play in the US Cadets, the World Junior Olympics, the US Masters, and on the US World Youth Team. In 2005 and in 2006, Jake was invited by the American Foundation for Chess to play in the US Championships. Also in 2006, Jake was runner-up in the US Junior Championship.In addition, he was recognized by the United States Chess Federation with its annual Scholar/ Chessplayer Award.

No stranger to chess instruction, Jake has been coaching at Mid-South Chess Camp as well as in school settings for nine years. He is excited to instruct alongside these internationally renowned chess players and coaches and especially with his mentor and dear friend, GM Alex Stripunsky.

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Jake!

Credit where credit is due!

"Congratulations" to all of IM Jake Kleiman's students from

White Station Middle and PDS

for their great performance for their respective teams at the

Regional State Qualifer and

State Team Championships

as well as the State Individual Tournament.

Also congratulations are due to other coaches on the Mid-South Chess team for the role their students played for

PDS at the State Team Championship.