MSCA receives a US Chess Women’s Program Grant to grow girls’ and women’s chess
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 & Girls Tournament: a girls- and women-only rated tournament during the Rochester Chess Festival at the Mayo Civic Center in summer 2027. Rochester Chess organizes it and MSCA funds it. It has sections for every level, cash prizes and trophies, and entry fees we’re keeping low.
💛 Support for girls at our events: we’re working with the Midwestern Girls Chess Group (MGCG) on coaching, mentoring and welcoming spaces for girls at upcoming tournaments. Details are coming soon!
MGCG’s coaches include NM/WFM Nastassja Matus, WFM Jovana Milosevic (2019 Minnesota Women’s Champion) and Sophia Doroshenko. Their pilot program brought 25 girls into competitive chess, and nearly half went on to play in the regional tournament.
As US Chess Director of Programs DeVaughn Croxton put it, “US Chess is so proud of the efforts of our awardees to promote the growth and retention of female players.” We can’t wait to see more girls and women at the board across Minnesota.
Thank you to US Chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club, Rochester Chess and MGCG for making this possible!
✉️ Interested in volunteering, coaching or starting a girls’ club? Email msca.board@gmail.com.