IM Carissa Yip conducts Simultaneous Exhibition at Detroit Institute of Arts

On April 18, 2026 IM Carissa Yip played ~40 local Detroit Students (mostly girls). Coach Kevin Fite, legendary Detroit Math Teacher, also Coach of Detroit's All City Girl Team, wanting to do something special to encourage girls to fearlessly pursue their dreams, in chess and life, was able to bring the 4x US Woman's Chess Champion to Detroit to conduct a simultaneous, and also some private social events just for girls.

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The Detroit Institute of Arts has hosted many Simultaneous Exhibitions over decades including Hikaru Nakamura, Irina Krush, Justus Williams, Jessica Hyatt, Gregory Kaidanov and more. Detroit City Chess Club's Coaches have taught thousands of children to play chess and produced some top competitive players, most notably NM James Canty III. More importantly we have a partnership program with Detroit Public Schools and the STEM Enrichment Program, extending opportunity, encouraging children to learn to use their minds through the game of chess, provide a safe place to make friends, play chess and pursue success on and off the board. On Fridays, the students get to test their skills against each other, anyone else who come out to play chess, and random museum goers excited to see chess. Children regularly play, and beat local celebrities, business leaders, politicians, veterans and others, encouraging their pursuit of excellence!

From all the simuls we have conducted, I was impressed by Mrs' Yips concentration, the speed of her calculations and walking was truly amazing, not taking a break for over 2.5 hours, easily winning all the games. Also my honor to make flower garlands.

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Girls receive instructions from Coach Fite before the simultaneous.

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Some students traveled from across the state for the opportunity to play IM Yip.

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Video of IM Carissa Yip's arrival, introduction and handshakes!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTmh1RPckog&t=3s

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IM Yip graciously signed score sheets and name tags, after mercilessly defeating everyone, later she encouraged the same students at a private event.

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Eric Nelson, a top player at Cass Tech High School makes IM Yip stop and think for almost one minute (longest of simul), before being finished off.

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The Lin sisters from Avondale Gate Troy honored to meet their hero, Cynthia Xinyi Lin was the last game, she is one of the top players in the State for her age.

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The Detroit Institute of Arts and Detroit City Chess Club wishes IM Yip success in all her paths, hopefully soon to become GM Yip. We hope she returns frequently to Detroit, and continues to encourage our students, especially aspiring young female players in need of role models!