Area Event Updates

Check out several events coming up in the next couple of months by clicking on the Area Events link above!

Gary Younker Foundation

The Gary Younker Foundation was formed in January, 2002, in honor of Gary Younker, a long time Spokane chess promoter, who passed away from cancer in 2001. The purpose of the foundation is to promote chess in the greater Inland Northwest with special interest in youth chess events. These areas were Gary’s chess passion and the foundation hopes to carry on his memory by promoting those interests.

The Foundation was incorporated under the laws of Washington and is a non-profit organization.

Donations or questions can be directed to the following address:

Current officers are president Kevin Korsmo, vice-president Jeremy Younker, and secretary-treasurer Steve Merwin. The Foundation has  guaranteed the prize fund for the last eight Dave Collyer Memorial tournaments in Spokane as well as the 2004 Inland Empire Open (played in Richland) and the 2005 revival of the Columbia Cup, also in Richland. The Collyer tourney was started by Gary Younker and has developed into the premiere chess event in eastern Washington.

The foundation also was the proud sponsor of the 2009 Washington State Elementary Championship in Spokane (April 25) and the 2009 Washington State Open in Spokane over Memorial Day weekend.