2006-2007 Annual Guest Speaker - Larry Christiansen
Our 2006-2007 Annual Guest Speaker was Grandmaster Larry Christiansen. Larry was three time US Championship, winning the title in 1980, 1983, and 2002. On 6/16/07, he helped us commemorate the 14th Annual Western PA Scholastic Championship at CMU. Highlights of his visit included a blindfold game against local star Hibiki Sakai, speed chess with 14yr master Alex Heimann, and a 10 game blindfold simul in the evening after the tournament. For pictures and more, click here:
Larry Christiansen at CMU on 6/16/07
2002-2003 Annual Guest Speaker - Gregory Kaidanov
Our 2002-2003 Annual Guest Speaker was Grandmaster Gregory Kaidanov. Gregory was the highest rated player in the US at the time of his visit to Pittsburgh. On 6/7/03, he helped us commemorate the 10th Annual Western PA Scholastic Championship at CMU. Two of the highlights of his visit were the blindfold game he played against local star Gab Petesch and the simul he gave after the tournament. To see some pictures, click here:
Gregory Kaidanov at CMU on 6/7/03
2001-2002 Annual Guest Speaker - Tal Shaked
Our 2001-2002 Annual Guest Speaker was Grandmaster Tal Shaked. Tal is America's youngest Grandmaster, and former World Junior Chess Champion. On 11/3/01, he shared his knowledge and advice with kids and parents at the Future Champions Chess Challenge, held at Taylor Allderdice High School. To see some pictures, click here:
Tal Shaked at Taylor Allderdice on 11/3/01
2000-2001 Annual Guest Speaker - Jack Peters
Our 2000-2001 Annual Guest Speaker was International Master, coach, and LA Times Chess Colmunist Jack Peters. Jack has been a longtime commentator on the National chess scene, and has a large following of young students in Los Angeles. On 10/21/00, he shared some some of favorite lessons with kids and parents at the Jack Peters Scholastic Chess Challenge, held 10/21/00 at Taylor Allderdice High School. To see some pictures, click here:
Jack Peters at Taylor Allderdice on 10/21/00
1999-2000 Annual Guest Speaker - Bruce Pandolfini
Our 1999-2000 Annual Guest Speaker was Chessmaster, Author, and Coach Bruce Pandolfini. Bruce was also a character in the movie "Searching for Bobby Fischer". In the film, Bruce is portrayed by Ben Kingsley, coach of the rising young star Josh Waitzkin. Bruce spoke in Pittsburgh at the Pandolfini Scholastic Chess Challenge held on 10/30/99 at Taylor Allderdice High School. To see some pictures, click here:
Bruce Pandolfini at Taylor Allderdice on 10/30/99
1998-1999 Annual Guest Speaker - Zsuzsa Polgar
Our 1998-1999 Annual Guest Speaker was Women's World Champion, Zsuzsa Polgar who spoke and interacted with the kids and parents at the Polgar Scholastic Chess Challenge tournament, held 9/26/98 at Taylor Allderdice High School. To see some pictures, click here:
Susan Polgar at Taylor Allderdice on 9/26/98