Michael Brown

Michael Brown, age 18, has already traveled the world, all because of chess. With the support of his parents, Michael got his first chess coach in second grade which sparked chess as a lifelong opportunity. What started as an after school hobby once a week in first grade has led him from Slovenia to Dubai. Michael has translated his passion of chess to his community through his Eagle scout project: building chess tables at a local park.

Michael began studying at Brigham Young University in the fall of 2015 where he plans to study applied mathematics with an emphasis in modeling and theoretical work. While in college, he hopes to continue studying chess in his free time. Michael currently has three international master norms and is in the process of submitting his application to gain his IM title.

Michael earned the title of national master in 2011 and the FIDE master title in May 2014. This past spring, he broke 2500 USCF, a landmark goal of his. Michael is making his first appearance at the U.S. Junior Closed this year and is looking to continue his upward climb.