For those who have participated in any of the Chicago events, the reason for wanting to write about it is self evident. However, for those who haven't had the chance to engage in any of the Chicago events, I encourage you to read on. I want to shed some light on the events from each year and more importantly, share my firsthand experience from this year's Chicago Rapid tournament. Returning to the world of Go in 2022 after almost a decade-long hiatus was a remarkable journey for me. It led me to participate in my first live Go events, and among them, the Chicago Rapid in late 2022 stands out prominently. Nervousness gripped me, knowing the competition would be intense, but being new to tournaments, I felt a certain level of freedom from high expectations. My experience at the 2022 Chicago Rapid set the tone for my future expectations in Chicago tournaments, and I can confidently say that these expectations are consistently surpassed each time I attend. The ambiance of the Chicago area itself adds a magical touch to the whole experience. The skyline, adorned with brightly lit buildings resembling stars, creates a captivating backdrop. In Evanston, where the tournament is hosted, the daytime atmosphere is equally charming. The quaint surroundings, filled with tiny shops, bakeries, and other delightful spots around the Church where the tournament is often held, contribute to the overall appeal. This not only makes for an excellent environment for tournament participation but also provides an opportunity for exploration. The area's beauty, coupled with the accessibility of charming shops, enhances the overall experience, turning a Go tournament into a delightful adventure. Tealicious Bubble's partnership with the Chicago tournament team, particularly their contribution of delicious lunches, adds another layer of enjoyment to the experience. Personally, I'm a fan of their Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, a dish I treated myself to both before the tournament and during the provided lunch break. The organizers' consideration for participants, especially in terms of meal arrangements and housing options, has been a standout feature for me. This Chicago Rapid event where, initially facing financial constraints, the organizers facilitated affordable housing, enabling me to attend this remarkable event. While the absence of a name tag this year was a bit disappointing—given my fondness for collecting them—there was a delightful surprise in the form of a charming tote bag. Offered at a reasonable price, these bags are not only adorable but surprisingly spacious. I can attest to its size, as it comfortably accommodated a Go board, stone bowls, and my personal items throughout the event. Rumor also has it that these tote bags will be available from Albert Yen at the MidWest event in February 2024, I'd highly recommend grabbing one—they're both practical and cute! Another one of my favorite parts about the Chicago event is at the start they have Sungsoo Kim playing the piano. His skillful rendition of songs, especially those memorable for Go enthusiasts like us—ranging from the Zanarkand theme from Final Fantasy X to a Hikaru No Go OST—creates a delightful atmosphere, setting the stage for the event. This year, as I attended the Chicago Rapid, I felt a bit of pressure, both from others' expectations and my own. The goal was to perform well enough to secure a spot in the top three. While I fell short of these expectations, and admittedly felt a slight disappointment, the joy persisted. A good friend of mine, Sungsoo Kim, performed exceptionally well, securing the 3rd place. Many other deserving players also came and made it into the top 8. Despite my personal outcome, I think despite my personal outcome, being in the 8th place at this competitive event does show that there is a really high competitive level. It serves as a motivator for me to strive for improvement in the future. Despite my own results through witnessing the success of others, especially those I know, brings me happiness. One particular game that stands out is the final round where my friend Ellie played. The intensity of the match and her clever use of a Ko tesuji, which I would consider quite advanced for her level, resulted in a 3-2 record for the tournament. Moments like these reinforce why I play Go—finding opportunities to outsmart opponents, experiencing the beautifully intricate nature of the game. It's a reminder of the joy that comes from the strategic depth and complexity that we all appreciate in Go. The moment you take all of your experience and knowledge to level up on a bigger stage and it means so much more when you know the amount of effort put in by the player to achieve the result. Getting to meet one of my students, Gavin, at the Chicago event added an extra layer of fulfillment to the experience. Despite his record not dazzling onlookers, the significance of his achievement this was Gavin's inaugural tournament, and he secured a victory in his very first tournament. Reflecting on my own journey and the elation of winning my first tournament match, I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment and joy that Gavin must have felt. It's these moments that make the tournament experience special—celebrating milestones, no matter how small, and fostering a love for the game in others. The Chicago events indeed create a unique opportunity to connect with a large and diverse community, with over 120 like-minded individuals converging this year. I had the pleasure of meeting some friends for the first time at this gathering, adding a personal touch to the experience. As the competition concludes, the grand finale comes in the form of a dinner party that I consider one of the best I've ever attended. Over the years, I've noticed improvements in the food, providing more variety, especially for those who, like me, who are a little more picky. There's an intangible quality to the Chicago events that makes them special, something that is challenging to put into words. However, what I can say is the genuine care and dedication of the organizers. While not diminishing the efforts of organizers at other tournaments, it's noteworthy that the Chicago Events go beyond hosting the largest tournaments—they genuinely care about the participants' experience. Each time I attend, I see their commitment to not just the size or smooth running of the event but to ensuring that every participant enjoys and benefits from the experience, surpassing their previous expectations. A personal thank you is due to Cheuk To Tsui, who consistently sits out of each Chicago event to ensure its smooth operation. His personal outreach before the event to ensure my comfort is a testament to his selfless dedication. I extend this gratitude to the entire Chicago team, including Albert Yen, Mark Rubenstein, Jamie Tang, Sungsoo Kim, and others who contribute to the event's preparation and success. Another year attending my favorite Go event, the Chicago Rapid, has been nothing short of fantastic. I eagerly look forward to seeing even more participants join future events, standing together to express the appreciation that the Chicago team rightfully deserves.
