Mothers Day 2013

Options abound this weekend for those wishing to show mom how much her support has helped your chess skills blossom.

For the scholastic player, the Youth Chess Foundation of Chicago is hosting a five-round event at the westside Burbank Elementary School Saturday (May 11). This is an unrated event from the USCF perspective, but offers youngsters an excellent exposure to tournament chess. A generous array of individual and team prizes will be awarded across three sections, all for K-8 players. Consult the listing.

The North Shore Chess Center in Skokie is offering a Game/60 plus 5 second increment competition beginning at 10am on Saturday (May 11). The four-round tournament offers "plus score" prizes in two sections, Open and Under 1500. Details can be found on the center's website.

For those wishing to play closer to the I-88 corridor in the western suburbs, the Aurora Naperville Chess Club is hosting the Northern Illinois Spring Classic, a Game/55 plus 5-second delay event. The four-rounder is being held in Lisle beginning shortly after 9am Saturday (May 11). The tournament announcement offers "generous cash prizes" in three sections, Open, Under 1600 and Under 1200. Sections are subject to change based upon registrations received, according to the announcement and will offer additional "Under" prizes where three or more registrants are competing. More information can be found on the ICA calendar. They're even offering a discount from the door registration if accompanied by Mom!

Chicago Chess Club Founders' Court members as well as masters and junior experts are facing off in a two-day, four round event both Saturday and Sunday (May 11 & 12).  The CCC UNAM Invitational features $600 in guaranteed prizes. Consult for further details about the event and for information on how to contribute to the initiative to create a permanent club within the Chicago city limits. It's never too late to give generously!

Further south in the city, the University of Chicago Chess Club is hosting their own four rounder on campus. No prizes but the entry fee is only $5. Game/60 with 5 second delay. Calendar Listing.

On Sunday (May 12), the Renaissance Knights are offering their own four-round affair, with sections for Under 600, Under 1000, Under 1400 and Open players. The lower two sections are restricted to K-8 competition. External Website.

So honor Mom this weekend -- bake her a cake, compile a bouquet of spring flowers, write her an early version of your memoirs capturing how her gentle guidance has shaped you for the better. But, most importantly, show her you care by protecting your queen throughout one of the chess competitions occurring this weekend in northeastern Illinois. And let's all never forget how important chess moms (and dads) are to scholastic chess.