Grandmasters Move to Sioux Falls

Helen and Bob Wallace on their wedding day, 50 years ago.

South Dakota chess archivist and historian, Bob Wallace, celebrates 50 years of marriage to his wife Helen.

Grandmasters Relocate Their Family to Sioux Falls

Bob and Helen were married in Gettysburg, SD in 1957. They have one Son, Robert James Wallace, who lives in Spearfish SD. They have three grand children and two great grand children. Bob worked for the SD National Guard and Helen for the telephone company, both retired.

By Mark Derby

A new chapter in South Dakota chess history has begun! GM Alex Yermolinsky and WGM Camilla Baginskaite have recently moved to Sioux Falls from San Francisco with their two young children, Eddie, and Greta. Just by entering the state the two have boosted the average rating of South Dakota players quicker than any other event in SD history, but they have plans that can continue to boost ratings. Both have ambitious plans to start new after-school chess programs in the Sioux Falls area and help strengthen the existing scholastic programs on the east side of the state. Camilla is also pursuing her teaching certification at Augustana College, as Alex, an award winning author of chess books, works on a manuscript for end game play. Both have brought excitement to the Sioux Falls Chess Club. Camilla gave a recent simul and agreed to a draw with Jeff Barth while easily winning the rest of the games. Alex plans to give monthly lectures that will be available for replay on the web.