The 2nd annual Samuel Calthrop Chess Championship, an open tournament for all chess players, will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2008, at May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society, 3800 East Genesee St., Syracuse, NY.

Trophies for the Onondaga County Chess Championship will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in adult, junior (<19 years), and youth (<13 years) divisions. Open to the public. No residency or USCF requirement. Game/60 time limit. Door prizes from Books & Memories on James St. and Read the Story, Play the Game at Carousel Mall. Entry fee $12 if preregistered by Nov. 30th. Walk-ins pay $15.

The Rev. Dr. Samuel R. Calthrop was the minister at the MMUUS for 43 years from 1868-1911. Along with many other contributions to the Syracuse community, he organized tournaments and gave lessons. Two of his closest friends were a priest and a rabbi with whom he played chess. Calthrop was recognized as a formidable player in his day, and was known to the best players in the country. He was one of 16 players invited to the First American Chess Congress held in New York in 1857 and won by Paul Morphy. Calthrop played three games there against Louis Paulsen. He also won the New York State Championship in 1880 and 1883.

For information call MMUUS at (315) 446-8920 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Email your preregistration by 11/30/08 to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , Tournament Director. Include your full name, tournament division, age, date of birth, street address, city, state, zipcode, phone number, and email address.