One of the great traditions of the U.S. Go Congress is the opportunity to learn from—and play
alongside—professional Go players, and this year’s roster is especially strong.
Headlining the field is Michael Redmond 9P, the only Westerner ever to reach 9-dan through the Nihon Ki-in system and a globally respected teacher and commentator. Korean professional Yoonyoung Kim 8P, an Asian Games gold medalist, and popular YouTube educator Yeonwoo Cho 2P bring both top-level competitive experience and a passion for teaching.
North America’s growing professional scene will also be well represented, including Ryan Li 4P, who has defeated world champions in international competition; recent pros Michael Chen 2P, Alex Qi 3P, and Guanyu Song 1P; and renowned instructor In-seong Hwang 8d, whose lectures and teaching have shaped players across the U.S. and Europe.
As noted in our previous article, 2026 U.S. Go Congress Introduces a Streamlined Daily Schedule, organizers have ensured that professional lectures will not overlap, making it easier than ever for attendees to learn from multiple pros throughout the week.
Together, this distinguished group reflects the global reach and growing strength of Go in North America. Their presence ensures that Congress attendees will have unparalleled opportunities for professional instruction, commentary, and inspiration—an essential part of what makes the U.S. Go Congress the premier Go event of the year.
Read more about the pros here; the Go Congress is set for July 25 to August 1 in Boston, click here to register and here for details on the venue. Registration is very strong with over 100 registered attendees already, and there are still some of the $100 discounts available for those staying onsite.