Chess Center is Looking to Hire School Instructors

The Chess Center in Rochester (Powered by Chess Gorilla) is looking to hire instructors to help with school programs.  Please contact Shelby Lohrman or Nick Secours for more information.  585-442-2430.  

September 17th: Chess Lecture with Clif Kharroubi

                                                                  Special Event  

The Community Chess Club's Lecture Series continues with Candidate Chess Master

Clif Kharroubi

Topic: Opening Revelations

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 

Time/Place: 5:00-6:30pm at the Chess Center in Rochester

$3 for CCCR members; $5 for non-members.  All are welcome!

Free Pizza, Snacks & Soft drinks for all who attend Clif Kharroubi's chess lecture

Schedule:

5pm-5:30pm: Pizza, Soft Drinks & Snacks 

5:30-6:30pm: Chess Lecture 

6:30pm: Registration for CCCR G/80d5 games (optional w/ entry fee)

7:30pm: USCF G/80d5 Rated Games begin 

Note: The lecture will be video recorded 

Sponsored by the Community Chess Club of Rochester

 You can watch all of Clif's Previous Lectures on YouTube

Upcoming Chess Events Summary:

• All Year Long: Weekly (Monday & Wednesday) & Weekend (Saturday) Tournaments at the Chess Center in Rochester. Rated Game Time Controls: Mondays: One game G/90d5 at 7pm (you register when the league starts and all games are scheduled thereafter), Wednesdays: One game G/80d5 with registration 6:30pm-7:15pm and games start at 7:30pm, Saturday Mornings for Kids 10am-1pm: G/30d5. Saturday Afternoons: 3 Rounds G/60d5 with registration 1pm-1:45pm and games start at 2:00pm.
• Don Stubblebine Memorial League at the Chess Center in Rochester - Call ahead or sign up in person at Chess Center for Schedule & Entry fee details. The Fall League start date will be posted when confirmed. Teams play each other on Monday nights. Rated Game Time Controls: G/90d5.
• Library Chess Club Mondays, Unrated and Free with pre-registration required. Twice Monthly: Held at the Gates Library in Rochester 
• Lecture with Candidate Chess Master Clif Kharroubi on Wednesday September 17th at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• CCCR Championship (4 rounds, 1 round/week) Wednesdays October 1, 8, 15, 22 at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• CCCR Awards Night Celebration Wednesday November 13th at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• Lecture with Candidate Chess Master Clif Kharroubi on Wednesday in November (date to be announced later) at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• CCCR Annual Meeting December 3rd 5:30-6:30pm at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• CCCR Holiday Party & Rated Games on Tuesday December 23rd (no chess on Wednesday Dec. 24th) at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• CCCR Happy New Year Party & Rated Games on Tuesday December 30th (no chess on Wednesday Dec. 31st) at the Chess Center in Rochester 

Results of Chess Simultaneous Event with Rochester NY Chess Champion James Hiltunen

 

Congratulations to

James Hiltunen !

Simultaneous Results Summary:

23 Opponents

17 wins, 5 draws and 1 loss

Congratulations to John Strazzabosco for his win and to Sophie Argetsinger, David Carr Jr, Karlo Lizarraga, Wilson Liu and Matt Slomski for their draws!

Rochester, NY — This past weekend, chess enthusiasts gathered at the Chess Center in Rochester for a thrilling simultaneous exhibition led by renowned chess expert James Hiltunen. Facing off against over 20 opponents at once, Hiltunen moved with speed and precision from board to board.

The event, hosted by the Community Chess Club of Rochester (CCCR), was more than just a test of skill—it was a celebration of community, learning, and the timeless allure of chess. Participants ranged from curious beginners to seasoned club players, each eager to challenge the chess and gain insight from the experience. Despite the demanding format, Hiltunen maintained an engaging presence, offering encouragement and post-game analysis that left many inspired.

Simultaneous exhibitions like this one offer unique advantages for both the exhibitor and the challengers. For James Hiltunen, the event was an opportunity to refine his multitasking abilities, build rapport with the local chess community, and share his passion for the game in a hands-on, interactive setting. The format demands not only technical skill but also stamina and adaptability—qualities Hiltunen demonstrated in abundance.

For the participants, the chance to play against a chess expert in real time is both exhilarating and educational. Each move becomes a lesson, each exchange a glimpse into high-level thinking. Whether they walked away with a win, a draw, or a hard-fought loss, players gained valuable experience and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of chess. The event fostered a spirit of sportsmanship and curiosity, reminding everyone that growth in chess comes not just from studying books, but from engaging with others who share the same passion.

With the success of this exhibition, our chess club is already exploring future events to continue building momentum in the local chess scene. James Hiltunen expressed enthusiasm about returning, noting the energy and talent on display throughout the day. For the chess club, it's always a joy to see so many people excited about chess. These events aren’t just about competition—they’re about connection with chess players in the community.

Thank you to all participants and spectators who joined us at the Chess Center of Rochester (Powered by Chess Gorilla) for this special event.

Chess club members and chess enthusiasts are welcome to join us at the Chess Center of Rochester on Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025, at 7:30pm for cake and light refreshments celebrating the results from the chess simultaneous.

Chess Simultaneous with CCCR Champion James Hiltunen

A Chess Simultaneous Exhibition is an event where a high-ranking Chess player competes against multiple players all at once.  

                    

We hope to see you at the Chess Center of Rochester as a participant
or as a spectator.  

Registration can be done at the Chess Center.

Payment in cash only is required with registration.

Spectators & Visitors are welcome! 

The pizza & beverages will arrive at ~5:30pm

and the simultaneous will begin at ~6:45pm.

Registration has now started, so plan to sign up soon!

Join us for pizza & beverages before the Simul. 

                                                        Upcoming Chess Events Summary:

• Summer Chess Camp at the Chess Center in Rochester (221 Norris Drive, Rochester NY 14610 585-442-2430) - Powered by Chess Gorilla! 
• All Year Long: Weekly (Monday & Wednesday) & Weekend (Saturday) Tournaments at the Chess Center in Rochester. Rated Game Time Controls: Mondays: One game G/90d5 at 7pm (you register when the league starts and all games are scheduled thereafter), Wednesdays: One game G/80d5 with registration 6:30pm-7:15pm and games start at 7:30pm, Saturday Mornings for Kids 10am-1pm: G/30d5. Saturday Afternoons: 3 Rounds G/60d5 with registration 1pm-1:45pm and games start at 2:00pm.
• Don Stubblebine Memorial League at the Chess Center in Rochester - In-Progress. Teams play each other on Monday nights. Rated Game Time Controls: G/90d5. New players can join next league this Fall.
• Library Chess Club Mondays, Unrated and Free with pre-registration required. Twice Monthly: Held at the Gates Library in Rochester 
• Chess Simultaneous with CCCR Champion James Hiltunen on Thursday August 14th at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• Lecture with Candidate Chess Master Clif Kharroubi on Wednesday September 17th at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• CCCR Championship (4 rounds, 1 round/week) Wednesdays October 1, 8, 15, 22 at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• CCCR Awards Night Celebration Wednesday November 13th at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• Lecture with Candidate Chess Master Clif Kharroubi on Wednesday in November (date to be announced later) at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• CCCR Annual Meeting December 3rd 5:30-6:30pm at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• CCCR Holiday Party & Rated Games on Tuesday December 23rd (no chess on Wednesday Dec. 24th) at the Chess Center in Rochester 
• CCCR Happy New Year Party & Rated Games on Tuesday December 30th (no chess on Wednesday Dec. 31st) at the Chess Center in Rochester