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

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 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

Thanks to Jenny Bourne for sharing all the photos in this post! Eastview High School and the MSCA proudly hosted the returning 2025 Apple Valley Scholastic, a standout event in Minnesota’s scholastic chess calendar. Led by coach Bob Dettmer and the Eastview Chess Team, with Sarah Wahl and Jenny Bourne directing, the tournament unfolded smoothly from start to finish. 141 players participated in the 5-round, 4-section Swiss tournament. Twenty-six players competed in the open se

Vivian Yang prevailed in Saturday's K-8 Barber Tiebreaker Playoff by accumulating 1 win and 1 draw against both Ahmed Ilyasov & Ajay Singamsetty. The tiebreaker playoff was necessary after all three players were deadlocked at 3.5/5.0 points after the standard 6-person Barber playoff held on April 12-13. Vivian's rating has now risen to 1973 and she has gained more than 300 points in the last year! This Barber tiebreaker playoff was the last step for completion of Minnesota'

The annual Girls K-12 State Chess Championship was held at the Plymouth Community Center on April 19th. 25 scholastic players competed in the 4-round event which was directed by Senior TD Sarah Wahl. Attendance was outstanding and more than doubled from last year's 11 participants. US Chess Results 🔥 Vivian Yang & Bami Olofinboba both carried perfect 3-0 records into their final round match-up. They battled to a well-played draw that ended with King & Rook Pawn vs King.