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Columbia Chess Club Newsletter 12/29/25

Columbia Chess Club Newsletter 12/29/25

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Columbia Chess Club Newsletter

In This Issue:
  • IM Danny Rensch to visit Tunnelvision XL
  • This Week's Club Events
  • Weekly Results Corner
  • Student Members Crush It in Charlotte
  • Become a Member / Get an Icon / Sponsor a Table / Support Us Free
  • From the Discord
  • Some Chess Content
  • On the Horizon Schedule
View the Club Calendar >
IM Danny Rensch to visit Tunnelvision XL
IM Danny Rensch Q&A / Simul
When registering for Tunnelvision XL on January 17, 2026, you can purchase your copy of Dark Squares: How Chess Saved my Life. Dark Squares is a memoir by International Master and Chess.com co-founder Danny Rensch, chronicling his traumatic upbringing in an abusive cult, his rise as a chess prodigy whose talent was exploited by the cult leader, and how the game ultimately became his lifeline, leading to resilience, recovery from a severe medical crisis, and co-founding the world's largest online chess platform. Often described as Educated meets The Queen's Gambit, it emphasizes survival, trust, and chess as a path to redemption.
 
Auther IM Danny Rensch will be on hand at the end of the tournament for a Q&A, book signing, and simultaneous exhibition.
This Week's Club Events
No classes on Christmas break!
4:45 p.m. Kid's Night
Suited for K-12 players who are new or rated under 1000, we offer a rated tournament with a medal to the winner, an unrated tournament for new players with a USCF membership to the winner, and free casual play.
Kid's Night Registration
6:30 p.m.: Quad Night! G/25+10. Quads place you in a group of four players as closely rated to you as possible, with three rounds to determine the winner. $20 Entry fee can win $40 ($45 for a perfect score). You must be registered by 6:20 p.m. to participate, so don't wait until it's too late!
Quad Night Registration
No classes on Christmas break!
5:30 p.m. **NEW TIME** Blitz I: 4 rounds of 3+2 blitz.

6:30 p.m. **NEW TIME** Classical Month Week 1: Upper Section G/60+15, Lower Section G/45+5, join any week!
Main Meeting Registration
Weekly Results Corner
Kid's Night: 
Congratulations to Ezra Grice for earning the medal this week in the Kid's Night Tournament. Thank you to Coaches Sean, Brandon, Paul, and James for hosting. We

Kid's Night Rating Report
Quad Night: 
Congratulations to Arnav Singh for winning his match 2-0! Aaryav Saha also navigated a formidable field to win his quad on 2.5/3.0. Krithik Kummari and Thomas Kemp Sr. split their quad and amicably shared some cash after drawing in their head-to-head matchup. Well played everyone!

Quad Night Rating Report
Student Members Crush It in Charlotte
Our student members showed out at the Charlotte Chess Center! Aaryav Saha won first place in the U1900 section at Reverse Angle with Tamaghna Roy earning 3rd place. In the U1000 section of their scholastic tournament Vivaan Biswal won first place with our Rio Saha placed right behind in 2nd place!
Become a Member / Get an Icon / Sponsor a Table / Support Us Free!
Become a Member: Help support the Club and take advantage of special pricing and exclusive perks!
Get an Icon: Get your portrait added to the Columbia Chess Club stream - be sure to upload before your next event!
Sponsor a Table: Have a brass plaque with custom engraving permanently installed on the edge of one of our tournament tables. (6 remain)
Donate to the Club: The Club remains volunteer operated and is bolstered by generous donations from the community. Consider donating and check out our Donor List recognizing those who have given to support the club's mission to grow chess in the midlands and throughout South Carolina.
Support the Club for Free: Consider one of the many ways to support the Club for free by patronizing our affiliate sponsors when you buy chess equipment, premium Chess.com accounts, and support us on social media.
From the Discord
Join our Discord to be part of our community chat.
Some Chess Content
On the Horizon
Saturday, January 10, 2026:
Saturday, January 10, 2026:
Saturday, January 17, 2026:
See Club Calendar for Full List of Upcoming Events

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