Great Wolf Lodge is cabin-themed and features a waterpark. In October, Great Wolf Lodge was the site of the 62nd Annual US Armed Forces Open Chess Championship. From November 24–28, Great Wolf Lodge will host the Forester Open by Blakeman Chess. Blakeman emailed, “A waterpark adventure hotel with many attractions is where families will want to spend their Thanksgiving Break. Great Wolf Lodge provides a fun experience for everyone and sets the Forester Open in a family-friendly environment.”
Blakeman’s full name is Cole Forester Blakeman. He chose his middle name for the November 24–28 chess tournament since cabins and forests go together. Blakeman added, “The Forester Open sounds cool and gives uniqueness to the event. I plan on organizing the Forester Open annually from now on.”
Cole Blakeman
The 2021 Forester Open early entry discount ends November 18th at midnight. The tournament is open to all players regardless of residency, rating, or age. Blakeman adds, “Titled players should message me ASAP for free entries.”
The 2022 Forester Open will likely be followed by a chess boxing competition between famous grandmasters and chess streamers.
Cole Blakeman played his first rated tournament in March of 2009. In October of 2010, Blakeman took first place in the Scott Watson Memorial Elementary Open, winning all five games. His coach was then-FIDE Master Keaton Kiewra, who said that Blakeman was “very sharp tactically.” Chess Life for Kids (December 2010 issue) included Blakeman’s first-round win over Shriya Senapathi.
Cole Blakeman, Shriya Senapathi, Keaton Kiewra.
As of 2021, Kiewra is an International Master and Blakeman is close to a national master title. Both Kiewra and Blakeman will play in the 2021 Forester Open. Blakeman shared a game he played earlier in 2021.
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