Important Grandmasters' Statement

Dear Dr. Mikhail Korenman and IM Blas Lugo,

In supporting your candidacy for the current USCF Executive Board election, we would like to share our great concern regarding the current status of the US Chess Federation and the direction it is moving. We hope that when elected you can help USCF leadership to follow the mission of the organization and provide the adequate service to its members. Here are some areas of concern:

1. “USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to extending the role of chess in American society.”

As members of the USCF, we do not support the governance body spending hundreds of thousands of membership dollars for legal fees to cover up political mistakes mismanaging this wonderful organization! Such has taken away potential sponsors for the organization, and negative media coverage is not supporting the positive role of chess. Current leadership has not been able to offer new or sound ideas in a long time. We feel that it is time to involve people who understand these deep problems and can offer real positive solutions.

2. “USCF promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of society. It informs, educates, and fosters the development of players (professional and amateur) and potential players. It encourages the development of a network of institutions devoted to enhancing the growth of chess, from local clubs to state and regional associations, and it promotes chess in American schools.”

It is our understanding that the USCF membership is declining rapidly, especially adult membership. There are no new networks or events being organized by this organization. There is very poor, if any, relationship between the national organization and state affiliates. This situation has to be changed immediately! USCF should support the young players to grow professionally, providing more services, and support though organizing many more educational and training activities.

3. “USCF offers a monthly magazine, as well as targeted publications to its members and others. It supervises the organization of the U.S. chess championship, an open tournament every summer, and other national events.”

We are extremely concerned about cutting the Chess Life and canceling the Chess for Kids publication completely. After 70 years as a successful publication, Chess Life is in a real dangerous situation to be shut down. Of course, a big concern for us is the US championship. The rules are changing nearly every year. The system has to be changed and the rules must be set far in advanced!

4. “USCF serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and as a participant in international chess organizations and projects.”

USCF should re-establish its relationship with FIDE. There has not been any official FIDE event in the US for the last 10 years! USCF should support all organizers who are planning to organize international chess events in the United States! It is worse when the USCF management is working against organizers who want to help our players.

Former U.S. Champion GM Alex Onischuk and GM Yury Shulman

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Support for Executive Board Candidacy

· GM Anatoly Karpov, 7-time World Champion: “I am very impressed with the tremendous progress and development of the chess programs by Mikhail Korenman over the years. He has done so much for chess.”

· IM John Donaldson, Captain - US Olympiad Teams: “I believe Mikhail has the leadership ability, energy, and vision to help the USCF out of its current problems.”

· GM Alexander Onischuk, 2007 U.S. Champion: “Dr. Korenman understands professional, amateur, and scholastic chess. He’ll be a big asset for the USCF EB.”

· GM Yury Shulman, 2008 U.S. Champion: “Scholastic chess program, organized by Mikhail, involve a lot of kids in Kansas and now in Illinois.”

· IM Anna Zatonskih, 2008 U.S. Women’s Champion: “Mikhail Korenman is an excellent organizer and dedicated chess enthusiast. He does a lot for popularity of chess in the U.S.”

· Wes Fisk, Lindsborg, KS, City Council: “Mikhail has worked tirelessly on the behalf of chess and chess players. He is a visionary, who thinks outside the box”

Support for the election was also received by U.S. Champions Onischuk, Shulman, Zatonskih, Goletiani; Grandmasters Akobian, Kaidanov, Ehlvest, Ibragimov, Stripunsky, Khachiyan, Perelsteyn, Goldin, International Masters Donaldson, Shneider, etc.

Dr. Mikhail Korenman

Vice-President, Illinois Chess Association

President, International School of Chess

National media on Dr. Korenman’s chess achievements:

“I am grateful for your hard work to promote peace.” – Letter from former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

“In recent years Lindsborg has witnessed a minor revolution in self-identity, and one man is largely responsible for the shift: Mikhail Korenman has made this town crazy for the game of chess.” – National Geographic magazine

“Mr. Korenman's enthusiasm, imagination and web of contacts have been crucial to the burgeoning appeal of chess here” – The New York Times

“In the United States, Korenman has built an impressive résumé as competitor, teacher and tournament organizer” – The Star

The view from a big chess promoter

August 17, 2008

Dear Susan,

I just returned home with my family from a week of vacation. I could not believe the shocking development with US chess at the 2008 USCF Delegates meeting. Since I am not posting much on either Forums, I will try to use this post to cover some of the problems I feel I cannot leave alone. I truly believe that the situation with the USCF government is completely out of control. I cannot see any future for the positive chess development in the US under the current situation. I do not believe that the USCF EB is thinking about the development of chess in the US for at least last few years and definitely not for the next year.

From year to year USCF cannot get 100 people who were elected as Delegates to come once a year (!) for the meeting. It is happening every single year for the last many years (I do not have a deep history of the Delegates meetings). Then, some people from a hallway on the site (by the way, mostly the same people for many years!!!) becoming Delegates, and as it is clear now – Directors of the organization! Just show up in a hotel and you are the Director!

Nonsense! How can we trust such governance body?!

Something does not work and should be changed! I had (!) respect to almost all current USCF EB members. Jim directed my very first tournament back in Kansas and was a great supporter after that. I sent him an e-mail immediately after he was elected to the EB but unfortunately still waiting for his response. I could not believe that Jim can change some of his chess belief very quickly… If I recall it correct, he and Frank supported the SPF for years…. If I recall it correct, he and Frank organized a great tournament (among many) in OK where you actually played in. I remember that Jim…. I also remember Randy who was the only one EB member in previous Board who came to Lindsborg to check out the site for the USCF office relocation. We had a full day of discussion and I was very happy about the very professional report he put together in one day! I remember that Randy…

I remember my first meeting with Bill at the EB meeting in FL a few years ago. I listened him as one of the great tournament organizers in the US at a luncheon where we happened to sit next to each other. I tried to learn from him. But, my God, what is going on with Bill now does not make any sense…. I am not sure that Bill realizing that he can not run the 80,000 – 90,000 people organization as his private business.

I did not sign up for that. I am sure, majority of the members signed for USCF membership and not for CCA… Bill, you did great thing for chess in the US. You have to realize that you should not rule it all at once…. At this time, it is ALL in YOUR hands … Those of us who has some understanding of the USCF structure and activities know that it is BG time NOW. Let the young generation come and give this organization a life …..

Susan and Paul, everybody who will read this message knows that we always had a good relationship. And I greatly appreciate and value it. I am absolutely shocked that … Sam Sloan’s name is one that is trying to ruin your reputation. I want you to know – there are people in chess world who know who Susan Polgar is and do not know (or does not want to know!) who Sam Sloan is! I can only hope that you and Paul have enough energy left to stay for the good of chess in the US - now and in a future. You have 100% of my support.

And if I may, as a member of the US Chess Federation, I want to apologize to both of you for those terrible mistakes made by the governance body of the organization … I am sorry … With that, I want to join Fred, and probably some other people around, and make my little voice. I decided NOT to continue my USCF membership (expiring this month) until the organization will be clear from the chaos it is now. I can re-join the organization under the new leadership, when it will be in place.

Thank you,
Mikhail Korenman
Willowbrook, IL

Dr. Korenman's big chess success

That is Dr. Korenman , founder of Chess for Peace project. In the picture is former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. Chess for Peace was one of the most spectacular events in chess history and Dr. Mikhail Korenman made it happen. This was just one of the countless incredible projects he has done for the American chess scene which got national and international media attention. He will make an incredible board member for the USCF.

Gorbachev Presides Over Chess for Peace
By Irwin W. Fisk

October 29, 2005 will long be remembered as the day one of the world’s greatest leaders of the 21st Century came to Lindsborg to participate in the Chess for Peace initiative, chaired by former Senator Nancy Kassebaum.

It was not only the day that Gorbachev came, it was the day that former World Chess Champions Susan Polgar and Anatoly Karpov came. Lt. Governor John Moore, former governor John Carlin and former lieutenant governor Sheila Frahm and other elected officials came.

Two vice presidents of the U.S. Chess Federation (USCF), Don Schultz and Joel Channing, came along with a host of other USCF executives. And, Grandmaster Yury Shulman, a teacher at the Karpov School of Chess and someone who considers Lindsborg as his second home.

The Chess for Peace weekend occurred not only in Lindsborg; it occurred around the world as millions of chess players turned their attention to the match between five-time Women’s World Champion Susan Polgar and seven-time World Champion Anatoly Karpov.

Players watched it live as a computer technician from the U.S. Chess Federation fed Karpov and Polgar’s moves onto three major worldwide chess Internet sites.

Chess players and those interested in world events crowded into Bethany College’s Presser Hall Saturday afternoon to see former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev make the opening move in the match between World Chess Champions Polgar and Karpov. Karpov and Polgar opened the match by taking questions from the audience.

Most were serious questions about chess, but one young girl asked Susan, “How old are you?” The audience laughed when Susan replied, “Older than you.” Susan later told the girl, “No, I’m 35.”

Gorbachev, a chess player himself, apparently decided to play with Karpov’s mind by deliberately making the astonishingly bad opening move of g4. With a big smile, he reminded Karpov that one doesn’t take back moves in chess. Although Gorbachev was scheduled to make the opening move and leave, he stood over them and watched Polgar exploit the poor opening move, but Susan Polgar’s advantage wasn’t to last long.

Gorbachev, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, world figure and former President of the Soviet Union, acted the gracious host by opening a bottle of water and serving it to Polgar and Karpov. Afterward, Polgar laughed. “When the president got the water and poured it for us, I completely lost my concentration,” said Polgar.

Gorbachev stood and watched the entire first game between the two champions. The six-game match ended in a 3-3 tie.

Earlier in the day, 75 reporters and photographers crowded into Burnett Center to attend the news conference for Gorbachev, Karpov, Polgar, and Mikhail Korenman. Korenman is director of the Karpov School of Chess and the Chess for Peace initiative.

The first question of the conference was: “Mr. President, is it realistic to think that chess can make a difference in the pursuit of world peace?”"It's quite realistic to speak of this possibility," Gorbachev said, "but this does not involve just chess." Gorbachev then said that the pursuit of peace may involve "100 or 1,000 other initiatives ... when you want to change policy dramatically, you may see elections, demonstrations, and many different kinds of people's initiatives."

The demonstrations at the World Trade Organization Conference in Seattle, he said, were one example. "Other people began to join this movement," he said, "and this was a result of people protesting.”"And now we have an example of bringing in the Internet, and this idea of Anatoly Karpov, that through chess we can seek peace, and that a great deal more can be achieved. This is a peaceful pursuit of peace in the world, in my view, and it's why I am here (in Lindsborg)."

The Karpov-Polgar match was preceded that morning with the Chess for Peace parade down the main street to City Hall where Gorbachev, Karpov, Polgar, and organizer Mikhail Korenman addressed other dignitaries and the assembled crowd, including 165 student players who came to participate in the scholastic tournament, march in the parade, and see the Karpov-Polgar match. Each student in the scholastic tournament received a special Chess for Peace medal. The winners received free scholarships, valued at $695, to the Chess for Peace Festival which will be held in Lindsborg in June 2006.

Afterward, Karpov escorted Gorbachev to the Karpov School of Chess, where they toured the facility with Mikhail Korenman and Susan Polgar. The school was established two years earlier with the help of a grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Later in the evening, a packed audience watched as Gorbachev and Alan Murray, assistant managing editor of the Wall Street Journal, played chess and discussed world affairs on the stage of Presser Hall at Bethany College. Both Murray and Gorbachev drew analogies to chess and politics throughout their hour-long exchange.

Among other things, Gorbachev told of the plot by hardliners to overthrow the government in August of 1991. The plot failed when Boris Yeltsin led a revolt against the leaders of the coup, which led to the release of Gorbachev and his family.

The Chess for Peace events of October 29 were preceded two weeks earlier when Alexander Bah, executive director of the Russian Chess Federation, and nine students from Karpov’s chess school in Poikovsky, Siberia visited Lindsborg. Bill Hall, executive director of the USCF spent a couple of days with Bah discussing matters of mutual interest to the two federations.

The Siberian students, who stayed with host families in Lindsborg, sampled the American lifestyle, played chess and interacted with students throughout Kansas.

“This is what Chess for Peace is all about,” said Mikhail Korenman, director of the initiative. “It’s all about students from different cultures developing friendships through chess.”

Dr. Korenman and UMBC

Dr. Mikhail Korenman visited Baltimore on Friday (May 25, 2007) to receive a $10,000 grant from the MD Department of Education. He also received a grant of around $250,000 a few years back for chess in Kansas.

International Educational and Cultural Services, Inc. formed a partnership with the University of Maryland - Baltimore County (UMBC) Chess Program and the Amburus Middle School to pilot-test a year-long program for middle school students in Baltimore County.

Dr. Alan Sherman, Director of the UMBC Chess Program, GM Marcin Kaminsky, Assistant Director and UMBC graduate student, GM Alexander Onischuk a graduate from the UMBC last week, and Dr. Korenman meet with the MD Department of Education staff and a Principal of the Amburus Middle school to discuss the program.

They are going to offer weekly lessons to the middle school student that would be delivered by the UMBC Chess Program participants. They are also going to do a number of educational research tests to measure students progress in general education and find out the role of chess instructions in this process.

The UMBC President sent his congratulatory message to Dr. Sherman and Dr. Korenman on receiving the grant.

This is why I ask you to vote for Dr. Korenman. He is a force behind scholastic, college, adult and professional chess. This is a critical component for the USCF and no other candidate can offer this expertise.

Congratulations to Dr. Korenman and UMBC!

Interview with Mikhail Korenman

Some people think that most people drop out of chess between the ages of 18 – 35. Wrong! The large drop starts at the age 11!

Why?

More sport activities are available. More regular school assignments take up more time. Finally, there are just more other interests are available for kids at this age.

This is a big concern to me as a member of the USCF Scholastic Council. We can’t control the outside influences that draws people away from chess but there is something we can and should help with - the quality of the chess programs at elementary/secondary school levels.

There is a great army of chess volunteers, parents, community members who are helping kids to get first knowledge of chess. They introduce scholastic chess tournaments for thousands of kids.

There are a couple problems I can see.

First, among this army of volunteers, parents, community members, etc. there are very few who can take kids from step one (beginning level) to step two (intermediate level).

Second, something should be done to minimize number of kids with USCF rating below 500. In a state of IL out of 3500 scholastic members last fall only 82 (!!!) have a rating more than 1200. At the same time, more than a 1,000 kids had USCF rating below 500, 400, 300, even 200. Will we see these kids back as USCF members next year? Not likely. This is a difficult topic for discussion. To run tournaments cost a lot of financial resources. Trophies and medals are not cheap. To add more sections to the local scholastic events will cost more money to purchase more trophies, medals, etc.

Help is on the way. With support from the American Foundation for Chess (AF4C), The Susan Polgar Foundation (SPF), and The Kasparov Foundation (KF), a curriculum has just recently become available. The USCF should promote all of those professionally (!) developed materials and help AF4C, SPF, KF and all other potential organizations and groups that provide chess curriculum. We should send a message to ALL schools that the materials are available and the USCF as a national lead organization supports them. Hopefully, recently signed agreements between USCF and AF4C, SPF, and KF will help to send the right message to the right people and as quickly as possible.

In addition, the USCF Chess Coach Certification Program is ready to be implemented nationwide. Again, the message about the program should be sent to as many schools as possible throughout the country to encourage coaches to go at least through the first step of the certification. Right now you have to have a certificate to coach football or basketball or any other sports at schools. But anybody (!) can be a chess coach. The USCF role is to help (!) those who are having a problem to go through the first step and provide help and support with necessary materials so coaches will be more prepared to teach kids.

More needs to be done. We need to work with local organizers more. I would encourage local organizers to try (even knowing that it is really hard) to raise outside funds for the trophies. Some businesses will more likely sponsor a set of trophies than just give cash to buy them. Add additional sections (such as K-5 U800) would help to keep more kids happy with some winning points. Again, this is a difficult topic but something can be done to change the situation. I am sure that there are some programs that run tournaments with such formats. Keeping more kids for a longer period of time active with chess is a need and a goal.

Summary: Progress is being made but more needs to be done.

This was published on http://jacklemoine.blogspot.com