The U.S. Amateur North will be held in Wisconsin for the first time ever. Luckily, there is an indoor pool. Today it is 9 degrees in Milwaukee; currently Samford Scholars Josh Friedel and David Pruess in Moscow enjoy much warmer temperatures. Last week, Milwaukee had two feet of snow, but luckily the forecast for President's weekend is sunnier, though there will still be traces of snow. Organizer Alex Betaneli says, "I'm thrilled to bring this event to Wisconsin for the first time. Participants can count on the best Wisconsin chess tradition being upheld: boards and sets will be provided by the organizers, the players only need to bring clocks."
Thanks to http://www.gettingto2000.blogspot.com for providing preview photos.
The hotel rate is only 67$ a night that includes hot breakfast for all guests. It's not too late to register on wichessacademy.com or uschess.org/tournaments. President's day is not an official holiday for most Midwesterners, so the event spans from Feb.16-17.
Will chess sharks (GM Gurevich and IM Young) make their usual appearance or will the weather up north be too much of a challenge? Alex Betaneli will fill us in later this week with the answer to that question plus more details.
Don't miss Abby Marshall's blogging from the U.S. Amateur Team East, including a preview blog later this week.