June 10, 2025 - June 20, 2025
2025 UMB Bank Open Championship — May 16‑18 • $4,200 in prizes • Register now →
Michael began playing chess in first grade as an after-school hobby. A year later, he began training with a coach, and playing in tournaments. By fourth grade, he was competing in national tournaments, and soon after, Michael began playing internationally. He earned the title of National Master in 2011 and the FIDE master title in May 2014. In spring 2016, Michael broke 2500 USCF, a landmark goal of his. Notable achievements include third place in 2013 World Youth Championship in Dubai (where he placed third), first in the 2015 Utah Open Championship, and first in the 2016 Utah G/60 Championship. Michael is a junior at Brigham Young University. This will be his second appearance at the U.S. Junior Championship Tournament in Saint Louis.