Chess Fest welcomes all casual and avid chess players and chess enthusiasts! Numerous activities, talks, chess tables and plus grand master challenges make up this fun annual event.

USCF Master Ben Johnson, author and host of the popular Perpetual Chess Podcast, is the 2024 University of Texas at Dallas Chess Educator of the Year and will be recognized at an award ceremony during the Chess Educator Banquet at the Jindal School of Management Executive Dining Room on February 20. He will speak on the topic  - "Common Traits of Adult Amateurs who Show Significant Chess Improvement" .

Johnson started his podcast in 2016, and it has since amassed more than 5 million listens from across the world. He recently published New in Chess, Perpetual Chess Improvement, his first book. A reception with refreshments open the event at 6:15 p.m. The ceremony and talk with Johnson will be held from 7-8 p.m. To sign up for this event click here

A Philadelphia native and Pomona College graduate, Johnson played chess for the Julia R. Masterman School, and has coached for Chess in the Schools and Kids Chess Network in New York City, and later for the Pittsburgh Chess Club, as well as running his own scholastic programs in Pittsburgh and in New Jersey.

On his podcast, Johnson has interviewed players and content creators alike, including Fabiano Caruana, Judit Polgar and Vishwanathan Anand. His Adult Improver Series spotlights amateurs devoted to pursuing chess as a hobby.New in Chess, Perpetual Chess Improvement synthesizes chess improvement advice from trainers, players and accomplished amateurs. He plans to release a Chessable course in early 2024.