Chess lovers rejoice! A morning of chess mania is on the docket May 7 when Hamilton High School hosts “Blitz to the Max 2005” in the Hamilton Fine Arts Center. The Hamilton Chess Club is sponsoring the event which will bring international chess master Dejan “Max” Maksimovic to Sussex.
The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a fast-action tournament among students chess players from area schools. The tournament features 10-minute, one-on-one games. Following the blitz tournament, Maksimovic will take on all students and interested community members in a simultaneous exhibition in which he plays all challengers at the same time.
Maksimovic will present the blitz tournament champions with their trophies and then take on the top player in a one-on-one game.
Born in Yugoslavia, Maksimovic now makes his home in Chicago. He is among the world’s highest-ranked blitz speed chess players.
Hamilton Chess Club Advisor Tim Moeller said the event will be “a blast” for students and community members who are interested in the game of chess. Moeller said enthusiasm for chess is heating up in Hamilton where this year’s varsity and junior varsity teams earned conference championships. He said Maksimovic’s appearance will help fuel the interest in chess among students.
The tournament and exhibition will be in the lobby of the Hamilton Fine Arts Center, W220 N6151 Town Line Rd., Sussex. People are invited to bring chess clocks, sets and boards for use at the event.
The blitz tournament is open to students in elementary school through high school. Community members are welcome to participate in the simultaneous exhibition. The entry fee to participate is $3, with proceeds going to the Hamilton Chess Club. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Contact Chess Club advisor Tim Moeller at (262) 246-6471 ext. 1368 or e-mail him at moelti@hamilton.k12.wi.us to preregister or for more information.