Awards Night Celebration

The Community Chess Club of Rochester New York celebrated awards night on November 20th, 2024 at the Rochester Chess Center for the 1st Matt Parry Memorial Club Championship.  Our club's vice president Jamshed Ahmed presented the awards. Here are some photos from awards night. Congratulations to all winners and thanks to all chess players who participated. 

Front Left to Right: Matthew Sherman, James Hiltunen, Karlo Lizarraga
Back Left to Right: Brendan Merna, Richard Weise, Petro Chomik

1st Place Champion James Hiltunen

Jamshed Ahmed and James Hiltunen (1st Place)

Jamshed Ahmed and Karlo Lizarraga (2nd Place)

Jamshed Ahmed and Matthew Sherman (4th Place)

Jamshed Ahmed and Brendan Merna (U1600 Winner)

Jamshed Ahmed and Richard Weise (U1400 Winner)

Jamshed Ahmed and Petro Chomik (U1100 Winner)

Jamshed Ahmed and Joe Sarratori
Joe received a special award for being the Strongest Chess Player in the tournament!

James Hiltunen wins 1st Matt Parry Memorial Club Championship 2024

From back to front & Left to Right: Hiltunen vs Tipiani, Carr Jr vs Lizarraga, Liu vs Esterman

Congratulations To James Hiltunen who is 

Rochester New York's new Chess Champion!

The fourth and final round of the 1st Matt Parry Memorial Club Championship took place Wednesday night at the Rochester Chess Center on October 30th, 2024.  On the top board, James Hiltunen (USCF rating 2146) won his game against Marco Tipiani (USCF rating 1839) in a close game to become the new club champion.  James Hiltunen finished with a 3.5 score out of 4.0 in four rounds and won the tournament by tie-breaks.  With that win, James became the 2024 club champion. The tournament was played over 4 Wednesdays in October (9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th).

The awards ceremony will be held at the Rochester Chess Center at 7:30pm on Nov. 20th where cake and soft drinks will be served, and prizes will be awarded.  Regular G/80d5 games will follow the awards ceremony.  The chief TD was Ken McBride, with assistant TD Mike Lionti.  We look forward to next year's annual CCCR chess simultaneous when James Hiltunen will lead the chess simultaneous event.  Congratulations to James Hiltunen on becoming the new club champion.  Also, congratulations to all our other prize winners. 

1st Place: James Hiltunen

2nd Place: Karlo Lizarraga

3rd Place: Marco Tipiani

4th Place: Matthew Sherman

Top Under 2000: Wilson Liu

Top Under 1600: Brendan Merna

Top Under 1400: Richard Weise

Top Under 1100: Petro Chomik

Rochester New York's 

Community Chess Club Championship Hall of Fame: 

Toby Rizzo (2023), Matt Slomski and Ryan Beh (2022), David Phelps (2021-2020), Lev Paciorkowski (2019-2016), Clif Kharroubi (2015), Webster Kehoe (2014), Abraham Glasser (2013-2012), Doug Spencer (2011), Don Stubblebine (2010), Isay Golyak (2009, 2006-2005, 2000-1999), Igor Nikolayev (2003-2001), Matt Parry (2008), Craig LaSalle (2007), Andrey Kozitsky (2004), Jim Clague (1998) and Mike Winans (1997). 

Photos from the 1st Matt Parry Memorial Tournament:

David Carr analyzing his game with Karlo Lizarraga

John Strazzabosco (left) and
Joe Sarratori (aka the STRONGEST chess player in Rochester!)

Join us for the awards ceremony at the Rochester Chess Center 

at 7:30pm on Nov. 20th, 2024.

Summer Chess Camp, Annual Chess Simultaneous & Other Upcoming Events!

 Events Summary with more details below:

• Weekdays, All Summer Long: Children's Chess Camp at Rochester Chess Center
• Saturday, July 27th: 7th Annual Finger Lakes Open 
• Thursday Evening, August 8th: Annual Chess Simultaneous with Toby Rizzo & Ryan Beh at Rochester Chess Center
• All Year Long: Weekly Tournaments at Rochester Chess Center
• Mondays, Twice Monthly: Gates Library Chess Club
• Labor Day Weekend, August 30th-September 2nd: 146th New York State Championship in Albany
• Monday Evenings, beginning September 16th: Don Stubblebine Memorial League at the Rochester Chess Center
• Wednesdays, beginning October 9th: 1st Matt Parry Memorial CCCR Club Championship. We will also have our regular non-championship rated games as usual for players not participating in the championship.
• Saturday, October 12th: Arkport Chess Tournament. Flyers are at the Chess Center. Check down below in the post for details on this event. Please note we will also have the regular Saturday Chess Tournaments at the Rochester Chess Center if you are unable to go to the Arkport chess tournament.

Lewis Chessmen Set

                    Rochester Chess Center's Summer Chess Camp for Kids

All Summer Long, beginning Monday, July 1, 2024

Call the Rochester Chess Center at 585-442-2430 for details, 

or sign-up at the Chess Center in person.

The 7th Annual Finger Lakes Open - July 27th

 (formerly Seneca Lake Open)

Seneca Falls Community Center (35 Water St. Seneca Falls, NY 13148)

Saturday, July 27, 2024

Register: At site ends 9:15 or MAIL CHECKS PAYABLE to Tim Smolinski. 24 Munson Ave Geneva NY 14456 by July 20, 2024. (See below for details to provide when registering by mail. Will respond with email confirmation.)

Rounds: 9:30, 12, 2:15, 5:30 

Time Control: USCF RATED G/60 with 5 second delay

2 Sections: Based on Entries and Rating to be determined at tournament

Entry Fee: $30

Prize Fund Guarantee Total: $1100 as follows:

$550 Per Section: 1st $200, 2nd $120, 3rd $ 80, Under (Based on Rating) in Each Section: 1st $100, 2nd $50

PRIZE FUND WILL BE RAISED IF MORE THAN 34 TOTAL ENTRIES

ALSO GIVING $100 IN DOOR PRIZES

FREE WATER AND SNACKS

Questions & PRE-REGISTER: Email genevanychess@yahoo.com

Please provide NAME, ID#, RATING, SECTION, CITY, STATE, ZIP, EMAIL (OPTIONAL), Phone# (OPTIONAL) when registering by mail.

Address: 35 Water Street, Seneca Falls, NY 13148 

Sections: 2

Prize Fund: $1100

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Residency Restriction: No

Online Event: No

Organizer: Tim Smolinski

Email: genevanychess@yahoo.com

Phone: 585-442-2430

Tournament Director: Ken McBride

Note: We hope you choose to attend this excellent tournament at the Seneca Falls Community Center.

The Rochester Chess Center will also have the regular Saturday tournaments (morning Youth tournament & afternoon Open tournament) for those players unable to go to Seneca Falls.

The Community Chess Club's (CCCR) Annual 

Chess Simultaneous Event will be held on 

THURSDAY - August 8th

Click here for the Official Chess Simultaneous Flyer

Both our club champion Toby Rizzo and second place finisher Ryan Beh will 

play against a room full of chess players simultaneously.

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided. Mark the date on your calendar.

Limited Seating.  Spectators are welcome to attend.

Registration will be on-site at the Rochester Chess Center.

We’ll have Free Pizza & Beverages from 5:30-6:30pm on

Thursday August 8th, 2024, at the Rochester Chess Center.

Registration: On-site Only @ Rochester Chess Center 221 Norris Drive Rochester NY 14610 

585-442-2430 Entry Fee: $6; $3 for CCCR Members & Children 12 and under! 

5:30-6:30pm – Pizza & Beverages 

 6:30pm Seating begins for the Chess Simultaneous Exhibition 

6:40pm Announcements/Instructions/Q&A 

6:45pm Chess simultaneous exhibition begins 

9:00pm Randomized Quick Chess (3-minute with 2 Sec. Increment) chess for remaining games 

Chess Simultaneous results:

Toby Rizzo & Ryan Beh won 20 games 

and Lost 1 game to Jacob Snell

We will have a cake to celebrate & give out prizes on August 14th at 7:30pm

at the Rochester Chess Center before the weekly rated games begin.

Weekly Chess Center Tournaments:

Mondays - League, G/90d5 at 7pm. Team vs Team.

Wednesdays - CCCR (Community Chess Club of Rochester) Chess Registration 6:30pm-7:15pm; G/80d5, Games begin at 7:30pm.

Saturdays - Youth tournament 10am-1pm, G/30d5. Prizes. Learn to play chess and gain experience.

Also Saturdays: 3-Rnd Swiss Tournament. Register before 1:45pm. G/60d5, Rnds: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm. Cash prizes.

Gates Library Chess, Organized by Fred Mellender

This club -- for kids under the age of 18 who know how to play chess -- meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. All chess players are welcome, from beginners to masters. Our club is informal. Kids can come and go at any time during club hours. Parents are welcome to watch the games. Registration is requested. For more information & to register, follow the link here: 

Events Calendar

146th New York State Championship - Begins August 30th:

Click Here for details.

1st Matt Parry Memorial CCCR Club Championship 

Begins October 9th:

Tournament details can be found below for the 2024 Community Chess Club Championship which starts October 9th and continues for four rounds over consecutive Wednesdays.  A minimum of 10 games played since the last championship and club membership is required to participate, with some exceptions. 

    

The Community Chess Club of Rochester’s

1^st Matt Parry Memorial Club Championship  

Over $900 in Guaranteed Prizes

Entry fee $15 

Trophies & Medals awarded!   $160 in door prize drawings!   Snacks & Pizza!

     Snacks provided for all 4 Rounds.  Pizza provided Round 4 only.  Bring treats to share (optional).

One Round played each Wednesday on October 9, 16, 23 & 30

Open to CCCR members who have played a minimum of 10 games between Nov. 8, 2023, and Sept. 25, 2024, on separate Wednesday nights.  This championship tournament is one of the great benefits of being a member of the Community Chess Club of Rochester.  If you’re not a member you can join today!

 CCCR Championship Hall of Fame: Toby Rizzo (2023), Matt Slomski and Ryan Beh (2022), David Phelps (2021-2020), Lev Paciorkowski (2019-2016), Clif Kharroubi (2015), Webster Kehoe (2014), Abraham Glasser (2013-2012), Doug Spencer (2011), Don Stubblebine (2010), Isay Golyak (2009, 2006-2005, 2000-1999), Igor Nikolayev (2003-2001), Matt Parry (2008), Craig LaSalle (2007), Andrey Kozitsky (2004), Jim Clague (1998) and Mike Winans (1997).

 

Prizes! Trophies to top 4; Medals to top U2000, U1600, U1400, and U1100; $180 ($100 + $50 gift certificate + 1-year CCCR club membership valued at $30) to 1st place champion, $125 ($75 + $50 gift certificate) to 2nd place; $100 ($75 + $25 gift certificate) to 3rd place; $75 ($50 + $25 gift certificate) to 4th place; $60 gift certificate to top U2000, U1600; Two 1-hour Rochester Chess Center Lessons to top U1400 and U1100.  Three Door prizes before every round: Two hardcover scorebooks and one Chess Night Light or Chess Tie.

 

Registration: Now through Sep 25: $15 entry fee. After Sep 25, entry fee increases by $5. Tournament: 4 Rounds over 4 Wednesdays: Oct. 9, 16, 23 & 30; All Rounds: G/80d5. Arrive by 7:15pm all rounds; Open Swiss at the Rochester Chess Center; Byes: One half-point bye available only if requested before 1st round. No limit on zero-point byes, Perfect scores: co-champions, std. tie-breaks otherwise. Gift Certificates (for chess center store and chess lessons) expire 12/31/24. Oct. 2024 USCF Ratings. Stay for club photo after final round; Info: Rochester Chess Center at 585-442-2430, 221 Norris Drive, Rochester, NY 14610. Chief TD: Ken McBride. Event Organizer & Assistant TD: Mike Lionti. Chess Center will have usual refreshments for sale. All games must be played on the championship schedule. CCCR membership must be in effect during the tournament. 

* * If you’re unable to play the scheduled round or arriving later than the round time, call the Chess Center in advance to speak with the Tournament Director! * *

The UK's Prime Minister's Chief Mouser
plays chess with mice and always checkmates

JERSEY STAMPS 2004 100th ANNIVERSARY 

OF THE BRITISH CHESS FEDERATION

October 12th - The 23rd Annual Arkport Open:

4 Round Swiss System, Rounds 1-4 G/60, at Arkport Village Hall, 6 Park Ave., Arkport, NY 14807

Prizes: $$ GTD: $200 - 100 (otherwise in proportion) U1800 $100 - 50, U1600 $50.

ENTRY FEE: $30 CASH at site. Open to all USCF members or join at site.

REGISTRATION: 9-9:45 a.m. Saturday, 10/12/2024

ROUNDS: 10, 12, 2:15, 5:30

BRING SET, BOARD, AND CLOCK. NONE PROVIDED.

DIRECTOR: Garrett Thompson of the HORNELL CHESS CLUB

ADVANCE ENTRIES: make checks payable to G. J. Thompson, 4226 Dry Brook Road, Scio, NY 14880. Info: (585) 808-6896, 16thompsong@gmail.com

DIRECTIONS: Arkport is 5 miles north of Hornell, NY on NY36. From Rochester area take I390 South to Exit 4 at Dansville, follow NY36 south to Arkport. From Buffalo area take I90 to Batavia, NY63 to Geneseo, then I390 as above. From west: 186 to Exit 34N onto NY36 and north to Arkport. From east: I86 to Exit 34N and as from the west.

At traffic light on NY26 in Arkport turn east onto East Ave., immediate right onto Main St., first left onto Park St. by U.S. Post Office, and look for Village Hall (fire station) on right. Tournament is in Village Hall Community Room in rear (east end) of Village Hal, NOT in Hornellsville Town Hall (brick building).

Food: Cy's Grocery on Main St., has deli, other restaurants nearby.

Motels: Sunshine Motel (good value) (607) 324-4565 about 2 miles south of Arkport. Other motels in area.

NO SMOKING, NO COMPUTERS, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

A collage of beautiful chess stamps

Our Friend & Chess Player Matt Parry passed away June 15, 2024

In Memoriam for Matt Parry - June 15, 2024

The chess community is very sad to share the news that Matthew John Parry, 33, passed away on June 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Matt was a hugely successful chess player and poker player, and most of all he was a wonderful friend to many in the Rochester community.  Matt will always be remembered.  Please see the obituary link below for funeral information.  

We send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Matt.

On the evening of Wednesday June 26th, 2024, the Community Chess Club of Rochester will play chess games in memory of Matt.  Games will take place at the Rochester Chess Center.  Registration is from 6:30pm to 7:15pm. At 7:30pm, we will share memories of Matt before the games begin.

Obituary link

 

Chess League, Chess Camp & Other Events for the Summer!

The Monday Night 2024 Summer Chess League Is Forming Now

Please join us for the Don Stubblebine Memorial League 

Play Chess on Monday Nights

starts on Monday June 24, 2024

Register no later than 6:30pm 6/24/24.  Call the Rochester Chess Center

at 585-442-2430 for details, or sign-up at the Chess Center in person.

This Summer League runs for 10 weeks plus a make-up week. 

Games start at 7pm. 10 Rounds; Game in 90 min. w/ 5 sec. delay.  

All games must be completed at the Chess Center.  

Rochester Chess Center's Chess Camp for Kids

starts on Monday, July 1, 2024

Call the Rochester Chess Center

at 585-442-2430 for details, or sign-up at the Chess Center in person.

The 7th Annual Finger Lakes Open

 (formerly Seneca Lake Open)

Seneca Falls Community Center (35 Water St. Seneca Falls, NY 13148)

Saturday, July 27, 2024

Register: At site ends 9:15 or MAIL CHECKS PAYABLE to Tim Smolinski. 24 Munson Ave Geneva NY 14456 by July 20, 2024. (See below for details to provide when registering by mail. Will respond with email confirmation.)

Rounds: 9:30, 12, 2:15, 5:30 

Time Control: USCF RATED G/60 with 5 second delay

2 Sections: Based on Entries and Rating to be determined at tournament

Entry Fee: $30

Prize Fund Guarantee Total: $1100 as follows:

$550 Per Section: 1st $200, 2nd $120, 3rd $ 80, Under (Based on Rating) in Each Section: 1st $100, 2nd $50

PRIZE FUND WILL BE RAISED IF MORE THAN 34 TOTAL ENTRIES

ALSO GIVING $100 IN DOOR PRIZES

FREE WATER AND SNACKS

Questions & PRE-REGISTER: Email genevanychess@yahoo.com

Please provide NAME, ID#, RATING, SECTION, CITY, STATE, ZIP, EMAIL (OPTIONAL), Phone# (OPTIONAL) when registering by mail.

Address: 35 Water Street, Seneca Falls, NY 13148 

Sections: 2

Prize Fund: $1100

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Residency Restriction: No

Online Event: No

Organizer: Tim Smolinski

Email: genevanychess@yahoo.com

Phone: 585-442-2430

Tournament Director: Ken McBride

Note: We hope you choose to attend this excellent tournament at the Seneca Falls Community Center.

The Rochester Chess Center will also have the regular Saturday tournaments (morning Youth tournament & afternoon Open tournament) for those players unable to go to Seneca Falls.

The Community Chess Club's (CCCR)

Annual Chess Simultaneous Event

will be held on THURSDAY August 8, 2024

Both our club champion Toby Rizzo and second place finisher Ryan Beh will 

play against a room full of chess players simultaneously.

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided. Mark the date on your calendar.

Limited Seating.  Spectators are welcome to attend.

Registration will be on-site at the Rochester Chess Center.

More info coming soon. 

Weekly Chess Center Tournaments:

Mondays - League, G/90d5 at 7pm. Team vs Team.

Wednesdays - CCCR (Community Chess Club of Rochester) Chess Registration 6:30pm-7:15pm; G/80d5, Games begin at 7:30pm.

Saturdays - Youth tournament 10am-1pm, G/30d5. Prizes. Learn to play chess and gain experience.

Also Saturdays: 3-Rnd Swiss Tournament. Register before 1:45pm. G/60d5, Rnds: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm. Cash prizes.

Gates Library Chess, Organized by Fred Mellender

This club -- for kids under the age of 18 who know how to play chess -- meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. All chess players are welcome, from beginners to masters. Our club is informal. Kids can come and go at any time during club hours. Parents are welcome to watch the games. Registration is requested. For more information & to register, follow the link here: 

Events Calendar

April 13th - Wayne Central Schools Annual Chess Tournament!

There will be NO YOUTH tournament on April 13th at the Rochester Chess Center.

The weekly Chess Center Youth tournament will resume on April 20th. 

Chess Camp & Monday Chess League starts April 1st

Spring Break Chess Camp starts April 1, 2024

at the Rochester Chess Center. Call 585-442-2430 for more information and to register.

Monday Night Chess League Forming Now 

The Don Stubblebine Memorial League 

Play Chess on Monday Nights

starts on April 1, 2024

Register no later than 6:30pm 4/1/24.  Call the Rochester Chess Center

at 585-442-2430 for details, or sign-up at the Chess Center in person.

This Spring League runs for 10 weeks plus a make-up week. 

Games start at 7pm. 10 Rounds; Game in 90 min. w/ 5 sec. delay.  

All games must be completed at the Chess Center.  

Weekly Chess Center Tournaments:

Mondays - League, G/90d5 at 7pm. Team vs Team.

Wednesdays - CCCR (Community Chess Club of Rochester) Chess Registration 6:30pm-7:15pm; G/80d5, Games begin at 7:30pm.

Saturdays - Youth tournament 10am-1pm, G/30d5. Prizes. Learn to play chess and gain experience.

Also Saturdays: 3-Rnd Swiss Tournament. Register before 1:45pm. G/60d5, Rnds: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm. Cash prizes.

Gates Library Chess, Organized by Fred Mellender

This club -- for kids under the age of 18 who know how to play chess -- meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. All chess players are welcome, from beginners to masters. Our club is informal. Kids can come and go at any time during club hours. Parents are welcome to watch the games. Registration is requested. For more information & to register, follow the link here: 

Events Calendar

Special Youth Events:

Check with the Rochester Chess Center for special tournaments held at schools, group lessons at the Chess Center and other fun events coming up soon. 

Please Visit

 Rochester Chess Center (nychess.org) 

for more Events & Information!

26th Annual Seton Chess Tournament for Children - March 23, 2024

 Registration Details Below

There will be no Youth tournament at the Rochester Chess Center on March 23, 2024 because all chess players will be at the Seton Catholic School for this special children's tournament. All children chess players are invited to participate. Sign up as indicated in the flyer above. Ken McBride will be the tournament director.

Chess Camp at Rochester Chess Center for Winter Break: Feb 19-23!

 

221 Norris Drive

Rochester, New York 14610

Call 585-442-2430 for Details and to Register for the Winter Break Camp!

CAMPS Available to students age 5-14 years.  All skill levels from beginner to advanced are encouraged to attend.  Beginners who arrive without any knowledge of the game will become proficient players from their camp experience; advanced players benefit from sharing classes and experiences with some of the top scholastic players in the USA.

Because this is our 32nd year of offering camps, our counselors are among the most experienced chess teachers found anywhere.  We coordinate daily activities and instruction to expand the student's chess skills.  Chess is known to teach logic, problem solving, analysis techniques, and will improve study habits.  These skills have obvious carry-over benefits to schooling and career.  But, the main reason kids come back to our chess camps year after year is because we have fun.  These are daily outings to the park for seasonal activities (Frisbee, soccer, hiking) so dress for the outdoor action.  Bring your lunch.

Deposit (1/2 of the camp fee) will reserve a spot.  Single days are allowed.

When registering for a full week, include t-shirt size.

Call Ken, Dave or Shelby at 442-2430 to register and mail your deposit to:

Rochester Chess Center, 221 Norris Drive, Rochester, NY 14610

Fee: $285 per 5 day week;  $71 per day

Chess Center Members please apply your 30% discount to the above fee:

$199 per 5 day week; 50 per day

Chess Center membership is $115 (or $185 Family membership) for 12 months.  Benefits include family picnic, and discounts on Camps, lessons, equipment, and snack bar.  Of course, your membership also is important in supporting Rochester area chess promotion.  We also run the Interscholastic Chess League for Rochester and Buffalo (www.nychess.org)

Tournaments for Kids are every Saturday 10am to 1pm.  Participants can expect to play 3 to 5 games.   These games are great fun and teach the discipline of recording moves and budgeting time on the chess clock.  Cost is $8 and players have the option of playing rated or non-rated games.  There is often some time for instruction during the Saturday tournaments in the form of analysis of completed games.  Every player gets a prize and a trophy awarded to the top scorer.