Bill Goichberg obit

Bill Goichberg (1942-2026)

 He was not on the list.

FM William “Bill” Goichberg passed away Sunday Aug. 2, 2026, at age 83.

Between the 1960s and the 2000s, Bill held every one of the highest roles in US Chess. He was rating statistician; he was co-editor of Chess Life; he was a member of what we now call the Executive Board three separate times; he was executive director; he was president.

Of course, most of us know Bill’s work through his Continental Chess Association. Founded in the 1960s, it runs some of the biggest tournaments in the country — the World Open in Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Open, and massive tournaments and prize funds everywhere in between.

It’s hard to even explain what the chess world would be like without all Bill Goichberg’s innovations: rated scholastic tournaments, the National Elementary, Junior High and High School Championships, the K-12 — he originated all of them. Back when it was much harder for a tournament to be eligible for FIDE ratings and norms, he was a leader in organizing tournaments just for that purpose, for the benefit of a whole generation of American chessplayers.

According to a statement on the Continental Chess Association website, Continental Chess will continue to operate without interruption, in accordance with Bill’s wishes and as an enduring part of his legacy. The full text of the statement is included below:

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Goichberg, founder of Continental Chess.

Details regarding memorial services will be shared once arrangements have been finalized.

As Bill’s health declined in recent years, he entrusted authority to the trustees of Continental Chess Incorporated.

The trustees have overseen the business for several years and will continue to do so.

Continental Chess will continue to operate without interruption, in accordance with Bill’s wishes and as an enduring part of his legacy."

 

Bill Buklis

David Hater

Charles Hatherill

Steve Immitt

Bob Messenger