I'm Going to Disney World (for the US Open)
By Jennifer Shahade   
July 25, 2011
twitternew.jpgThe US Open begins later this week in Orlando, Florida , along with a panoply of exciting National events such as the Denker tournament of High School Champions, the brand new Barber K-8 Championship and the 2nd annual Trophies Plus US Junior Girls Open. I'm excited to announce that I'll be at the event. I'll be giving out awards at the US Junior Girls Open, where I'll also be available between rounds 5 and 6 to give chess advice and sign copies of Play Like a Girl. Check out IM Irina Krush's heartfelt review of Play Like a Girl in the current issue of Chess Life Magazine and check it out on USCF Sales.

During the Open itself, I will be writing some reports as well as attending many of the committee meetings (download a nifty pdf color-coded schedule here.)  I also plan to play in a few side events, such as the G/15 and possibly the Fischer Random on Tuesday. I'm particularly excited to learn more about Fischer-random right now. When the World Chess Hall of Fame (see the fantastic new website here ) opens on September 9th in Saint Louis, there will also be a special five on five team event at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. The event, Kings vs. Queens: The Battle of the Sexes will feature GM Judit Polgar headlining the women's team and GM Hikaru Nakamura leading the kings. Look for the full press release later today (PR moved to 7/26/2011). Half the Kings vs. Queens competition will be contested in Fischer-Random, aka chess 960!

If you'll also be attending the US Open, feel free to come and say "hi" and give suggestions for things you'd like to see more of on Chess Life Online. I look forward to meeting some of you in sunny Orlando. We're going to Disney World!