the biggest problem you'll face downtown is that grand is one-way, going south, and 5th is one-way, going west.

icetrojan's directions are good. if the 110 N is still jammed up, you can stay in the carpool lane until it ends at adams street. turn left at the first light, and then take a soft right at the next light (flower), which will put you on figueroa north. turn R on 6th, L on olive, L on 5th, and L on grand.

checkers will be on the right, at the bottom of the hill, just past the pedestrian crossing.