9/18/2017 – The next stop in GM Alex Yermolinsky summer chess journey took him to the mighty State of Iowa where the 63rd edition of the Iowa Open was held. The number alone commands respect for longevity and tradition, and as he explains, there are good reasons. Instead of focusing on seeing it as an example of growing suburbia, we are shown the scenic views, and reasons why players return year after year | Photos: Alex Yermolinsky

9/5/2017 – For many chess players, whether pros or amateurs, the summer offers that irresistible combination of relaxation, sun, and chess. The US is littered with opens and events around the country, and a player need only pick an area they want to visit, and see which event will be held there and when. Near Lake Superior, at Barker's Island, the Twin Ports Open was held with several grandmasters visiting. Here is Alex Yermolinsky's report. | Photos: Alex Yermolinsky and Camilla Baginskaite

7/1/2017 – Russian Grandmasters Andrey Stukopin and Vladimir Belous won the 1st Wisconsin International Chess Festival, topping a 64-player field with a convincing 7.5/9. Both University of Texas at Brownsville students took the event by storm, going undefeated in nine games and living up to their expectation as the top two seeds. Report and analysis by GM Joshua Friedel.