Originally published at: https://killerchesstraining.com/2026/07/07/trisha-scores-her-first-im-norm-craig-his-last-gm-norm/
Dear Friends,
The file from Boris Gelfand’s camp is available on Chesstempo. Everyone who attended the camp, is a yearly member and has sent us their Chesstempo username has received access to it. If you can’t see it is your account, please contact us.
The Summer Homework Club is well under way; well done to everyone who has been solving daily!
Two courses have ended and will be replaced by new ones. The first one is Unique Pawn Structures by Andras Toth. Starting this Wednesday, he will present Unknown Masterpieces, a course that will cover great games that were played by lesser-known players.
Jacob has finalised his Friendly Guide to Strategic Chess and will start Three Question Training. The first session of his course will happen this Sunday, from 4 PM UK time.
A reminder that you can still register for the tournament that Hooman is organising. The Sussex University chess tournament will take place in Brighton, England at the end of July. More information can be found on the tournament’s official page. Since he is also a member of the academy, Hooman has kindly offered a discount code for all KCT members who will play in either the masters or the weekend tournament that are planned from 21-26th July. The Masters event is a great opportunity for title norms and has a 4000£ prize fund. The weekend tournament has 3 sections for different levels of play. Here you can find the current lists of registered players.
If you would like to join the tournament, add the code KCT2026 in the registration forms to get 20£ off the Masters section and 10£ for the weekend tournament. Discounted accommodation is available at the venue. GMs, IMs and WGMs are welcome to enquire about conditions.
Two academy members have scored norms in the past two weeks. Craig Hillby achieved his last GM norm and credited KCT for helping him reach that milestone: “I put in a lot of work over the past year, but KCT was the factory that shaped my consistency, and I deeply credit the Homework Club and High Level Practical Training classes.”
Trisha scored her first IM norm in the II Lince Andujar Chess Festival. She had a fantastic tournament and her brother Tarun felt this on his own skin in the 8th round…You can watch her games here.
Congratulations to both Craig and Trisha for their hard work!
Ian Mason is the 2026 English Correspondence Champion, congratulations!
Szymon Rudowski enjoyed the sun, the beach and played some good chess in Solta Chess Open.
Shahil is playing in La Plagne Open.
Renier, Fernando and Eli are playing in Benasque Open.
Julen is playing in Valencia Cuna del Ajedrez Open.
Have you been playing any tournaments? We want to know! Let us know on the forum or on social media.
Your friends from Killer Chess Training
but even in recordings IM Toth’s love for the game and his energy are infectious!