Minnesota Scholastic Chess
🌱 The MSCA holds the Minnesota Scholastic Championship and supports other scholastic events and pursuits. 🍎
🔄 See our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for guidance and advice to players, parents, and educators, particularly if you’re just getting started. The FAQ won’t cover everything, of course, so please feel free to send us an email with your questions. 📧
Volunteer with MSCA – Scholastic Chess
Help shape the future of youth chess in Minnesota! We're seeking passionate volunteers for two complementary roles: one focused on event operations and compliance, the other on program growth and equity. 👇
📋 Scholastic Coordinator
Coordinate operations for Minnesota's key youth chess events—including Online High School and Middle School Leagues, Apple Valley Scholastic Tournament, and major MPS tournaments—while ensuring rules compliance, liaising with US Chess for nominations/awards, guiding organizers, resolving issues, and promoting participation to support fair K-12 competition.
🚀 Scholastic Development
Grow chess access for Minnesota kids by building school/community programs, recruiting/ supporting coaches, launching equity initiatives (e.g., girls' events and underrepresented outreach), organizing intro workshops/camps, securing resources, and partnering with the Scholastic Coordinator to create inclusive, sustainable youth opportunities.
🤝 How These Roles Work Together
The Coordinator keeps existing events and programs running smoothly and compliantly, while Development expands reach and inclusion by creating new pathways into chess—working hand-in-hand to strengthen and grow Minnesota's scholastic chess ecosystem together.
💪 Interested volunteers contact msca.board@gmail.com
💃🏻 Calling All Women Chess Coaches & Strong Female Players!
Help us expand Girls Club Rooms at Minnesota chess events! The Midwest Chess Girls Group is looking for volunteers to mentor in a welcoming space designed just for girls. These supportive rooms let girls relax between rounds, play casual games, get coaching and game analysis, and connect with other female players. Interested? Email msca.board@gmail.com
Scholastic National Qualifiers
April 18 🗓️
April 11-12 🗓️
Sundays, 12pm: Dec 7 🏁 Jan 11 🏁 Feb 8 🏁 Mar 1 🏁 April 26 🏁 May 17 Finale
4 Rounds, US Chess Rated, G/25 d5, K-12, Cash/prizes/trophies valued up to $3,000! 💸🏆️
MN High School Chess League ⚔️
Play team chess online at lichess.org!
➡️ Details at league website: https://mhscl.net 🔗
Please contact league director Sarah Wahl with questions:
2025
October 24th: Preseason
October 31st: Round 1
November 7th: Round 2
November 21st: Round 3
December 12th: Round 4
December 19th: Round 5
2026
January 9th: Round 6
January 23rd: Round 7
February 6th: Round 8
February 13th: Round 9
📌 Fee: $50 for first team and $25 for each additional team.
(Not an MSCA event)
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Results for scholastic tournaments can be found on our events page. From 2023, we have news articles, team standings, and other goodies. US Chess has crosstables on their site for all MSCA events going back to 1990. The School Chess Association (SCA) also holds many scholastic events.
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