The SBBRG Foundation Sponsors the 14th Annual Greater Chicago K-12 Chess Championship Tournament

The Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation received a donation from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.

On February 4th, the 14th Annual Greater Chicago K-12 Chess Championship Tournament took place with approximately 700 registered players, including about 550 students from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Title I schools. The SBBRG Foundation, in conjunction with The Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation, Kasparov Chess Foundation, and the CPS Academic Chess program were proud to sponsor the onsite event at McCormick Place after two years of hosting the event virtually due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The SBBRG Foundation's partnership with Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation provided free entry and United States Chess Foundation Membership to all participating CPS students and students from Title I under-resourced schools. One of the Directors for the SBBRG Foundation, Sandeep Navalgund, has served as lead champion for the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation since 2013.

"It is wonderful to see hundreds of young students playing chess and learning analytical thinking, planning, and patience skills. I understand the importance of such skills and am excited for our organization to sponsor an event that showcases the next generation," says Navalgund.

The tournament format consisted of a four-round and a five-round Swiss System throughout the day. Players competed individually and in groups based on age and experience levels. Trophies were awarded to the top school teams, as well as the top five finishers from each group: Primary, Elementary, Junior High, and High School.

For more details, please visit greaterchicago.rknights.org.

About the SBB Research Group Foundation

The SBB Research Group Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that furthers the philanthropic mission of SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), a Chicago-based investment management firm led by Sam Barnett, Ph.D., and Matt Aven. The Foundation provides grants to support ambitious organizations solving unmet needs with thoughtful, long-term strategies. In addition, the Foundation sponsors the SBBRG STEM Scholarship, which supports students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degrees.