Allen Hammond Memorial a smashing success!!

Hello from Chicago. My name is Kent Williams and I organized the Allen Hammond Memorial chess tournament that took place on 10/5/02 at Java Oasis in Chicago in memory of a fallen friend, Allen Hammond. Allen tragically departed us in April of  2001 in a car accident that took his life as well as his wife. Al was a High school teacher at  Hales Franciscan and a chess teacher also. He had a knowledgeable understanding of chess principles and was on his way to "Expertland." We truly miss our friend and his competitiveness in Harper Court.  Thirty-two players participated for six rounds at game in 25 minutes.

One-and-a-half foot trophies were awarded to 1st place in each section and a plaque was hung on the  walls of Java Oasis honoring Allen Hammond. The two winners will  have their names engraved on the plaque as well. By the way, a collection reaped $100.00 and as sent to the Hammond family with a card signed by all the participants. This truly was a successful event.

Editor's Note: Mr. Williams tells me that the tournament drew many visitors including NM Marvin Dandridge and chess coach legend Tom Fineberg.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 21 October 2002