Renaissance Knights Events

DECEMBER 12 - CHESS SETS FOR SOLDIERS
Today we mailed out our first 'Tournament-in-a-Box'. The box was sent out to meet the following request we had received. The box contained 15 tournament chess sets with boards, U.S.C.F. Official Rules of Chess book , WinTD pairing program , 2 plaques and 8 medals , Everything Chess Basic Book, Tarish Formula Book, and score sheets.

"To Whom It May Concern:
Hello, my name is CPL Bradley Bundenthal. I am currently serving in the US Army in Kabul, Afghanistan. I heard about your organization from a friend deployed to Iraq. There has been a lot of interest from our soldiers in setting up a chess tournament to boost morale. Our local Morale Welfare & Recreation (MWR) is having a difficult time providing support for these soldiers request. Because of this, I am requesting what ever support you can give to be able to create and run a local chess tournament.
Bradley Bundenthal", 208th Finance, Camp Phoenix

Cpl Bundenthal has played in some USCF rated tournaments in the past but has never directed a tournament. At the urging of his fellow soldiers and chess players he has stepped forward to direct the Kabul Chess Challenge in January. The base has 8 chess sets and 3 clocks that they have been using but were in need of additional equipment to make this tournament happen. We were happy to work with them and provide Cpl Bundenthal the help he needs to make this event a success.

APRIL 1 & 2 - 3RD COAST CHAMPIONSHIP

We held our first 2 day chess tournament in Northbrook. This was the first local tournament in many years that the top section was FIDE rated. This allowed the chance for current FIDE players to improve their international rating and Unrated FIDE players the opportunity to obtain a FIDE rating. The event drew 91 players including two International Masters and Illinois Newest FIDE Master FM Pasilic. The event also had a Ray Saterlee Memorial Prize in remembrance to a long time supporter of chess in the Chicago area who had past away in 2005.

2005

September 11 - Emergency Relief Simul "Hurricane Katrina"
We held an Emergency Relief Simultaneous exhibition titled "Hurricane Katrina" in which we raised $500.00. GM Yury Shulman generously volunteered his time to play 20 opponents. All proceeds went to The McCormick Tribune Foundation Hurricane Katrina Relief Campaign.

September 10 - Free Chess Holiday!

In partnership with the Chicagoland Community Chess Club we hosted a day of chess and fun at the Harbor Club on Bangs Lake in Wauconda. Activities included blitz, bug house, skittles team chess, chess lesson by IM Stan Smetankin, swimming in an outdoor pool, and tubing & boat rides by Howard Fried.

September 18 - Tournament Director Workshops
The first of its kind in Illinois, we held two workshops for Tournaments Directors which were taught by Senior TD Larry Cohen and National TD and author of the 5^th edition of the USCF Rule Book Tim Just.

August 7 & 14 - Emergency Relief Simul "Starving in Niger" I & II
We held an Emergency Relief simultaneous exhibition titled "Starving in Niger I” which raised $130.00, with IM Stan Smetankin who generously volunteered his time. A second Emergency Relief simultaneous exhibition titled Simul "Starving in Niger" II was held, after IM Angelo Young came to the club on August 7 & was so moved, he graciously volunteer his time for the second Simul. This time raising $80.00!

The money was sent to: SAVE THE CHILDREN for their relief efforts in Niger.

April 02 - Club Sponsors a Child in Need
We were happy to announce the club has begun the joyful honor of sponsoring a desperate child in need. Her name is Camilla Genelza, she just turned 4 years old and lives in one of the poorest areas of the Philippines. Camilla lives in a family of five and her father Bert, is a laborer who makes a mere $15 dollars a week. The RKnights Chess Club's sponsorship of $18 dollars a month---60 cents a day, provides important basic care, such as: *medical and dental care *educational assistance *new clothing and sturdy shoes *malnutrition screenings, emergency food, vitamins and nutrition education *better living conditions and more.

Children International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children living in dire poverty. http://www.children.org/

February 12 - Free Chess Festival

We hosted a day of chess and fun in Northbrook in conjunction with a K-8 grade tournament. Events included a simultaneous exhibition w/ IM Angelo Young, a 5 Round Fischer- Random Chess Tournament, chess classes, and more.

January 9 - Tsunami Relief Simul With IM Stan Smetankin

IM Stan Smetankin played a simultaneous exhibition against 10 opponents after a full day of playing chess at Tim Just's Winter Open. The event was able to raise $400.00 which went to AmeriCares Foundation South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund to help the victims of the
Tsunami Disaster.