About 

Established in 2008, Gator Chess Club is the official chess club at the University of Florida.

A registered non-profit devoted to the promotion of chess on campus, our goal is to provide continuous support to the chess community of the University of Florida through the hosting of regular club meetings and tournament events in the Spring and Fall academic semesters.

Joining the University of Florida staff in 1993, Dr. John G. Harris became the founding advisor for the Gator Chess Club in 2008.

With his history of involvement in the local Gainesville chess community, Dr. Harris has long been a supporter of our club with many donations from the University of Florida’s department of Electrical & Computer Engineering.

In honor of these contributions, Gator Chess Club hosts its annual John G. Harris Championship every Spring semester as a commemoration.