We’re thrilled to share that the Minnesota State Chess Association is one of 23 US Chess affiliates nationwide to receive a 2026–27 US Chess Women’s Program Grant, funded by the Saint Louis Chess Club. Why it matters: In 2024 and 2025, girls and women made up fewer than 1 in 10 players at MSCA tournaments. This grant helps us change that by giving girls and women a championship of their own and more support at our events. What the grant funds: 🏆 Midwest Regional Women & Girl

Thirty-one players aged 50 and up gathered at the Chess Castle of Minnesota in Edina, October 23–25, for the 2026 Minnesota State Senior Championship, five rounds of G/60 +30 in a single Open section. When the last game ended, two players stood at the top with 4½/5: FM Leonard Jeffrey Johnson (2231) and Okechukwu “Okey” Anele Nnej Iwu (2205). Under MSCA policy, both are named 2026 State Senior Co-Champions. 🏆 The two will meet in a playoff in April, under the MSCA tiebreak

Jordan Timm (2241) took clear first with 4/5 and is the 2026 Junior Champion. 🥇 Congratulations, Jordan! Prize winners 🥇 1st ($200): Jordan Timm, 4 🥈 2nd & Top U2000 (shared, $75 each): Will Knight Velin and Kelton Holm, 3½ 🚀 Top U1700 ($50): Abhimanyu Saamaanya, 3 ⭐ Top U1400 ($50): Elliot Grayson Lynch, 2½ 🌱 Top U1000 ($50): Alexander Henry Kasper, 2 A K-8 Championship ran alongside the main event; final standings are posted on US Chess. The juniors shared the castle w

The MSCA is now officially recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization!! This prestigious status enables donors to make tax deductible contributions to the MSCA. You can read more about the project particulars and survey the supporting documentation at our new “Donate” page. Congratulations to the MSCA Board on their teamwork to achieve this status. The project was launched in 2025 under the leadership of past MSCA President Mike Benson and concluded in 2026

The 61st Annual Minnesota State Scholastic Chess Championship, a cornerstone of Minnesota's youth chess scene, wrapped up this past weekend (March 7-8, 2026) at the Anderson Student Center, University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Drawing a record-breaking 383 players—the largest field in 26 years—the event showcased incredible talent across four sections: K-12 (High School), K-8 (Middle School), K-5 (Elementary), and K-3 (Primary). This Swiss-system tournament served as the key

The 133rd Minnesota Open, Minnesota's premier and oldest chess tradition, wrapped up this past weekend (February 20-22, 2026) at the Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park, drawing a strong field of players from across the state and beyond. This historic event, featured a 6-round Swiss system with time control of G/90 +30 seconds increment. It served as a key qualifier, awarding 15 spots to the 2026 Closed State Championship. With $9,000 in prizes paid out, the tournament delive