Our Snooker Community

Respect the Game

Care for the tables, follow etiquette, and treat opponents with sportsmanship.

Improve Together

Practice with purpose, share knowledge, and help each other raise the standard.

Support the Club

Show up, contribute positively, and help maintain a sustainable home for snooker.

Mike Monegato

Mike has been a steady and positive presence at the club, consistently showing up to play, practice, and support the community. His commitment extends beyond the table through meaningful contributions that help keep the club moving in the right direction.

Contribution:
Financial support toward table cloth replacement and prize funding, helping maintain quality playing conditions and competitive opportunities

Playing style: Thoughtful, disciplined, and match-aware
Focus: Tempo control, shot selection, and consistency under pressure

Mike understands that a strong club requires both participation and support. His willingness to contribute reflects a long-term mindset that benefits everyone who values good conditions and respectful competition.

Watch: Mike's 97 break in practice→

Marcin Namojlik

Marcin plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in maintaining the quality of our tables. His hands-on involvement in table maintenance, cloth work, and setup reflects a deep respect for the equipment and the game itself.

Contribution:
Ongoing table maintenance, cloth replacement support, and technical care at the club and beyond

Playing style: Technically sound, composed, and reliable
Focus: Fundamentals, consistency, and table conditions

Marcin understands that great snooker starts with great tables. His willingness to apply his skills to maintain proper playing conditions benefits everyone in the club and reinforces the standards we expect.

Watch: Marcin's 51 Break at club→

Renat Denkha

Renat is one of the strongest competitive players in the club and a benchmark for what disciplined snooker looks like. As a multiple-time U.S. Snooker Association Champion and U.S. Masters Champion, he brings elite-level experience to the table.

Achievements: Two-time U.S. Snooker Association Champion, U.S. Masters Champion
Playing style: Calm, precise, and tactically mature

Practicing or competing with Renat elevates everyone’s game. His presence represents not just individual success, but the aspirations of the entire Chicago snooker community.

Watch: Renat's 136 Total Clearance at club→

Watch: Renat's 97 Break at 2024 US Snooker Championship finals→

Pushkar Malhotra

Pushkar is a dedicated and thoughtful member of the club who approaches snooker with patience, curiosity, and a strong desire to improve. He values structured practice and embraces the long-term nature of the game.

Playing style: Calm, methodical, and disciplined
Focus: Fundamentals, safety play, and match awareness

Pushkar understands that progress in snooker comes from consistency and reflection. His approach aligns well with the club’s culture of steady improvement and respect for both the game and fellow players.

Watch: Pushkar's 52 break at club →

Tom Tan

Tom founded Chicago Snooker Club to create a dedicated home for serious snooker in the Chicago area. What began as a personal passion has grown into a community built around respect, friendship, and continuous improvement.

Role: Club founder and operator
Focus: Building a sustainable club culture, fair competition, and a welcoming environment for committed players

Beyond operating the club, Tom is an active player who enjoys practicing, competing, and learning alongside other members. For him, the greatest reward has never been financial — it’s the relationships built, the shared moments at the table, and watching the community grow through the game he loves.

Recognition: Chicago Snooker Academy was featured by SnookerUSA.com as a growing home for top local players, highlighting the club’s role in supporting serious snooker in the Chicago area.

Watch: Tom's 147 Clearance Line-up→

Watch: Tom's 110 Clearance→

Watch: Tom's 85 Break at club→

Practice Routines

30 / 60 / 90-minute structured sessions.

Break Building

Pattern play, decision making, and cue ball control.

Match Mindset

Handling pressure, patience, and shot selection.

Fundamentals

Stance, cue action, alignment, and striking basics.

• Barry Stark Snooker — cue action & basics
• BartonSnooker — setup & routine
• WPBSA Coaching (search) — official coaching clips

Break Building

Pattern play, cue-ball control, and decision-making.

• Break building (Barry Stark) — practical patterns
• Positional play (BartonSnooker) — simple cue-ball routes
• Break from Life — elite match examples

Safety & Tactical Play

Shot selection, containment, and patience.

• Safety play (Barry Stark) — tactics you can copy
• WPBSA tactics (search) — official guidance
• Pro safety analysis (search) — how pros think

Contribution to the Club

Recognizing members who go above and beyond.

Sportsmanship

Respectful play and positive attitude.

Most Improved

Celebrating steady progress and dedication.