The Boston University Chess Club (BUCC) was originally founded in 1992 as the College of General Studies Chess Club by then Mathematics Professor Thomas Sagafi, then Assistant Dean Robert J. Oresick, and several students. Due to lack of attendance, the club was temporarily disbanded in 1993. In 1994, it was reborn as the West Campus Chess Club under the leadership of former president Allan Ong (CGS '95; CAS '97, Computer Science). From 1995, it has been known as the Boston University Chess Club.

The club meets every Wednesday from 6:30PM to 9PM in the food court of the George Sherman Union (beside Jamba Juice). The BUCC is an affiliate of the US Chess Federation. Special events such as simultaneous exhibitions and lectures given by chess masters are also given at the club.

Since its inception in 1992, the BUCC has grown to be a potent force in the Boston area chess scene. The BUCC has fielded chess teams to compete in local and national events. Among its accomplishments includes winning the Top Under 1600 rating category at the 1996 Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Championship, held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. This tournament is held yearly at different college campuses in North America. Teams from colleges in the United States, Canada and a few South American countries participate in this event. At the 1997 US Amateur Team Championship (East) tournament, the team from the BUCC returned as champions, once again, this time winning the "Top Team from Massachusetts" award. Most recently, at the 2000 US Amateur Team (East), a team from the BUCC easily bagged the Top U1600 rating prize. The BUCC also competes in the Metropolitan Chess League of Boston, which is a local team tournament consisting of local area chess teams.

Since 1995, the BUCC has held the Boston University Open, usually during late November to early December. This is a one-day tournament consisting of four (4) games, each lasting a maximum of 2 hours. The first BU Open was held on November 18, 1995, and featured many strong players from the Boston area, including BU graduate William Mark Paschall, who has recently achieved the title of International Master.

For more information on the BUCC and its activities, please feel free to contact us.

BUCC logo and animated gif designed by Kurt Tan

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Allan Ong
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Jan-2010 14:35:18 EST