🗓️ January 17-18, 2026
2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville, MN 55113 (map)
Start out the year with one of the biggest MSCA events! Prize projection based on 180 players and we're limiting registration to 180. The Skating Center banquet room is a spacious chess playing hall but we’ve tested its limits to settle on this cap.
Note the earlier starting times on Saturday. There has been sentiment that the previous third round start time was a bit late for some scholastic players, those of us with gray hairs, and anyone that sensibly powers down at night. 🪫💤
5 Round Swiss
US Chess rated
Sections
🟠 Premier 🔵 U1800 🟣 U1400 🟢 U900
Limited to 180 players
⌛️ Time Control
G/90 +30s
Byes
max two ½ pt byes, any rounds, declared before round 3
🎬️ Tournament Director:
Jack Bellinger
Rounds
Saturday 9am • 2pm • 7pm 🕘️
Sunday 10am • 3pm 🕙️
⏱️ Forfeit time is 30 minutes after round start time
🕰️ Players should bring chess clocks. Boards and pieces will be provided.
💼 Organizer:
Shanti Krishna
Entry Fees 🏂️
by ➡️
🟠 Premier
🔵 U1800
🟣 U1400
🟢 U900
☀️
12/15
$75
$65
$60
$50
⛅️
12/31
$85
$75
$70
$60
🌨️
1/16
$95
$85
$80
$70
⏰
Onsite
$105
$95
$90
$80
🖊️ Register online by Fri 1/16 7pm 🕖️
🖊️ Register onsite Sat 1/17 by 8:30am 🕣️
⛄️ Register Online ⛄️
💵 Cash/check only onsite! 💵
📬️ Mail-in entries, received by Tues 1/13:
include: (1) event (2) player (3) section (4) byes (5) check!
Minnesota State Chess Association
PO Box 124
Wayzata MN 55391
Projected Prizes 🎁
based on 40 players
🟠 Premier
1st $600 2nd $350 3rd $250
Top U2100 $225 U1900 $225
based on 45 players
🔵 U1800
1st $550 2nd $300 3rd $225
Top U1700 $175 U1500 $125
based on 45 players
🟣 U1400
1st $475 2nd $275 3rd $200
Top U1200 $150 U1000 $125
based on 50 players
🟢 U900
1st $300 2nd $250 3rd $175
Top U700 $125 U500 $100 UNR $100
($5,300 based on 40 + 45 + 45 + 50 = 180 players)
Unrated players can only win the unrated prize in 🟢 U900 section or 1st/2nd/3rd place overall in the 🟠 Premier section.
📧 Send email to msca.board@gmail.com with any questions.
Additional Details
🏞️ The MSCA strives to have all of our facilities and events available to as many community members as possible. We will attempt to accommodate access requests to the best of our abilities. Please let us know how we can help improve your chess experience!
⚖️ The MSCA Electronic Device and Fair Play Policy will be enforced for players and spectators at this tournament.
🧮 Please see the MSCA Unrated Policy to learn how rating may be determined from US Chess live/online or FIDE ratings.
🚨 Published unrated players who possess FIDE ratings MUST disclose their FIDE rating. See the MSCA Unrated Policy.
🛡️ The MSCA recognizes the importance of a safe and hospitable environment at our chess events. To promote this type of environment, the MSCA has developed a Policy on Safe Play & Conduct. The MSCA also follows US Chess guidelines for training TDs with materials developed by the US Center for SafeSport. To support a safe and hospitable environment, the MSCA reminds all chess participants and attendees that they are responsible for their actions, and that parents/guardians of minors are responsible at all times for the welfare and safety of their children/dependents.
🎟️ You can pay for a new US Chess membership or renewal during registration, but note that this payment won't be applied until event time. It may be best to sign up directly with US Chess today. There are options for new members (get a new USCF ID and pay) and for existing members (already have an ID) to create a website login. If you already have a login/ID, you can use it to pay for a renewal.
🔎 Don't forget your Minnesota Chess membership! Check MSCA status and join. 🙌
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