Bay Area Chess · Santa Clara Club
IM John DonaldsonLecture & 20-Board Simul
Join International Master John Donaldson, captain of the 2026 U.S. Olympiad Open Team, for an inside look at this year’s Chess Olympiad in Samarkand and a preview of the upcoming World Championship match between Gukesh D and Javokhir Sindarov. Learn from his decades of experience leading Team USA, then challenge him across the board in a 20-board simultaneous exhibition.
2016 GoldU.S. team captain
Chess Olympiad
1993 GoldU.S. team captain
World Team Championship
2026 CaptainU.S. Olympiad Open Team
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Includes the meet-and-greet, lecture, Q&A, and a simul board. Only 20 simul boards are available; online registration is required to reserve a board.
Use the Register button at the top left of this page to reserve your spot.
Event Details
DateMonday, November 2, 2026
LocationSanta Clara Monday Night Club
2495 Cabrillo Ave
Santa Clara, CA 95051
5:30–6:30 PMMeet-and-greet, lecture & Q&A
6:30–8:30 PMSimultaneous exhibition
Playing in the Simul
- 20-board simul: IM Donaldson plays all participating players simultaneously.
- Primarily for scholastic players under 18. Adults may play if space permits.
- No rating restrictions.
- Parents are welcome to stay and spectate while their child plays.
Lecture only? Walk-ins welcome.
$25 for the walk-in lecture-only option; no simul board included. Walk-ins are welcome for the lecture and to spectate the simul, space permitting.