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William 'Bill' Goichberg, Architect of U.S. Competitive Chess, Dies

A board of trustees will keep Continental Chess running without interruption under a continuity plan Goichberg put in place.

Overview

  • FM William 'Bill' Goichberg has died at age 83, the Continental Chess Association announced.
  • The trustees who have run Continental Chess during his recent illness — Bill Buklis, David Hater, Charles Hatherill, Steve Immitt and Bob Messenger — will continue day-to-day operations.
  • Goichberg founded the Continental Chess Association in the 1960s and built it into a promoter of major U.S. events such as the World Open in Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Open.
  • He originated rated scholastic tournaments and created the National Elementary, Junior High and High School Championships, expanding formal pathways for children to earn national and international ratings.
  • Memorial arrangements are pending and Continental Chess says its continuity plan will preserve scheduled events and the organization’s role in helping players pursue FIDE ratings and norms.