Downstate Coach and Organizer Murrel Rhodes Earns US Chess Lifetime Achievement Award and ICA's Gratitude

 

US Chess awarded a select handful of deserving individuals lifetime achievement awards at the annual meetings in Virginia just concluded.

Patrick Cohen, Carl Dolson, Mike Leali and Wayne Zimmerle combined efforts to submit the following:

It is simply hard to imagine what chess in Peoria would look like without Murrel.

From organizing the first Bradley Summer Open as a student at Bradley University, to representing downstate IL on the ICA board in the late 60’s and early 70’s, to hosting the Nationals in 1989 and 1998, to founding the Greater Peoria Chess Federation, Murrel has been actively promoting chess in the Peoria Area for over 50 years.

Currently, Murrel serves as President of the Greater Peoria Chess Foundation where he strives to promote chess within local schools. Murrel still actively teaches chess each weekday at several schools in the Peoria area and conducts a scholastic chess club each Friday night. He's all about teaching youth the game of chess and believes in the lifetime benefits from lessons learned in chess.

Murrel is a catalyst and strong advocate for chess in Peoria. Many thanks for all he has done and the plans he still brings. 

Editor's Note: Murrel continues to serve as the Chair of the ICA's Bid Committee, bringing a wealth of knowledge to that group. He is currently organizing the 2017 All-Grade Championships scheduled for November 11 at the Peoria Civic Center. Thanks for everything, Murrel!