Jan Smejkal is a Czech chess player who holds the title of International Grandmaster (IG). Smejkal was born on September 22, 1946 in Brno, Czechoslovakia. He earned the title of International Master in 1966, followed by the title of International Grandmaster in 1969.
Smejkal's list of accomplishments in chess is extensive. He was multiple times a Czechoslovak National Chess Championship medallist, taking home the gold in 1969, 1972, 1973, and 1974, silver in 1966 and 1978, and bronze in 1968 and 1981.
In International Chess Tournaments, Smejkal placed first or tied for first place at Polanica Zdrój in 1968, Málaga in 1969, Málaga in 1971,Pula in 1971, Luhacovice in 1972, Orense in 1973, Hastings in 1973/74, Marienbad in 1974, Wijk aan Zee in 1976, Pula in 1976, Novi Sad in 1977, Metz in 1980, Plovdiv in 1983, Graz in 1984, and Balatonbereny in 1984.
Smejkal gained significant experience in the Chess Olympiads and was a leader of the Czechoslovak national team. His performance helped to secure team bronze medals in 1982, 1983, and 1985. In individual competitions, he achieved 4th place in 1972.
In his later years, Jan Smejkal contributed to the International Grandmaster team in the World Senior Team Chess Championship, winning the gold medal in 2009 and 2014, and a silver medal in 2008.
Smejkal hasn't left his profession completely after ending his active playing career. He served as the Chairman of the Ethics Commission of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).