Barney and his mother, Carol Spengel, allowed us to increase the frequency of tournaments. Barney has become a two-time state champion and a strong national competitor. Each year I take a week off and participate in a chess camp with Matt and Barney. Chess camps are instructive and help children develop at a much quicker rate. After one such camp, Matt won his first U.S. Open for Juniors, in Indiana.
Chess seems to draw very nice families.
We look forward to each trip because of the special people we have come to expect will attend. Many chess families have become friends that we hope to dine with and spend time with. Many families in Peoria have become involved in chess through their children. We have formed the Greater Peoria Chess Foundation. Through this foundation we lend chess sets, and materials to beginning clubs.