Sevan Muradian, International Organizer, Dies at 40

Sevan Muradian, an innovative and respected organizer from the Chicago area, died unexpectedly at 40 years old on February 17, 2016.  Sevan was an International Organizer and Former US Chess Organizer of the Year. He was also the manager of the Chicago Blaze and owner of Chess IQ. He organized dozens of norm tournaments, where promising young American players made their first steps to prestigious titles. Chris Wainscott, who will be writing a full obituary for US Chess shortly, said of the sad news,"He was a close friend and mentor to many." Find more on fide.com and chessdailynews (where there is a link to a gofundme page for Sevan's daughters' college fund.)