Chess enthusiasts will find Kansas a great place to be. The city provides many opportunities to play and compete in chess tournaments all year long. You can join a chess club or institution that fits your level and interest, from beginner to master. This guide will reveal some of the best chess institutions in Kansas and the events they run frequently.
The Kansas Chess Association (KCA) is an official State Affiliate of the United States Chess Federation (USCF). The KCA is responsible for sponsoring and holding the official state tournaments, including scholastic championships. The KCA also organizes other events, such as the Kansas Open, the Kansas Blitz Championship, and the Kansas Bughouse Championship. The KCA welcomes players of all levels and ages to join and enjoy chess.
Some of the tournaments hosted by the KCA are:
New Year’s Bash: This is a one-day event with four rounds of G/60;d5. The entry fee is $25 and the prizes are based on entries. The tournament is normally held at the Kansas City Chess Club in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas Class Championship: This is a two-day event with five rounds of G/90+30. The entry fee normally is $50 and the prizes $1,000 guaranteed. The players will be divided into five classes based on their ratings: Master/Expert, A, B, C, and D/E. The 2024 tournament will be held in April at the Ramada Inn in Topeka, KS.
Kansas Open Championship: This is a three-day event with six rounds of G/90+30. The entry fee is $75 and the prizes are $2,000 guaranteed. The tournament will also feature a reserve section for players rated under 1800 and a scholastic section for players in grades K-12. The 2024 tournament will be held in July at the Wichita Marriott in Wichita, KS.
For more information, visit the KCA website or contact the KCA president, Tom Claman, at tomclaman@gmail.com.
The Kansas Scholastic Chess Association (KSCA) is an affiliate of the United States Chess Federation (USCF) and the official organizer of scholastic chess tournaments in Kansas. The KSCA hosts several tournaments throughout the year for students from kindergarten to 12th grade, as well as online tournaments on Chess.com. The KSCA also sponsors the annual Kansas Open, which determines the state champion in various categories.
Some of the regular tournaments offered by the KSCA are:
KS Grade Championship: This tournament is for students in grades K-12, divided into four sections: K-3, K-5, K-8, and K-12. The tournament is usually held in February, and the winners of each section are crowned as the state champions for their grade level.
KSCA State Tournament: This is the main event of the scholastic chess season, where the best players from across the state compete for the title of state champion in their respective categories. The tournament is usually held in March, and has six sections: K-3, K-5, K-8, K-12, High School Class, and Blitz. The tournament also features a coaches meeting, a chess puzzle contest, and a chess store.
KSCA Online Chess Tournament: This is a monthly online tournament hosted on Chess.com, where players can join the KSCA club and play against other members. The tournament is open to all students in grades K-12, and has four sections: K-5, K-8, K-12, and Open1. The tournament is usually held on the first Saturday of each month, and the winners receive trophies and certificates.
Chess tournaments in Topeka
Gamers HQ is a place where you can buy, sell, and trade video games, consoles, and controllers. But it is also a place where you can play chess and join tournaments. Gamers HQ has a gaming lounge where you can rent and play used games in-store. The gaming lounge also hosts chess tournaments every month for all ages and skill levels. Gamers HQ is located at 2027 SW Gage Blvd. The store is open on Mondays and Fridays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Some of the regular tournaments offered by Gamers HQ are:
Gamers HQ Monthly Chess Tournament: Every third Friday of the month at 6:30 PM. A four-round event with a time control of G/25;d5. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $10. Prizes: Gift cards and merchandise. Location: Gamers HQ.
Gamers HQ Blitz Chess Tournament: Every first Friday of the month at 6:30 PM. A five-round double Swiss event with a time control of G/5. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $5. Prizes: Gift cards and merchandise. Location: Gamers HQ.
Gamers HQ Scholastic Chess Tournament: Every second Friday of the month at 6:30 PM. A four-round event with a time control of G/30;d5. Open to all K-12 students. Entry fee: $5. Prizes: Trophies and medals. Location: Gamers HQ.
Gatekeeper Hobbies: Comics And Games is a comic store and a game store that sells comics, MTG, and more. The store also has a gaming area where you can play board games, card games, and chess. The store hosts chess tournaments and events for chess lovers of all ages and levels. Gatekeeper Hobbies: Comics And Games is located at 1917 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS, 666043. The store is open on Mondays and Fridays from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Some of the regular tournaments offered by Gatekeeper Hobbies: Comics And Games are:
Gatekeeper Hobbies Monthly Chess Tournament: Every third Saturday of the month at 12:00 PM. A four-round event with a time control of G/25;d5. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $15. Prizes: Store credit and merchandise. Location: Gatekeeper Hobbies: Comics And Games.
Gatekeeper Hobbies Blitz Chess Tournament: Every first Saturday of the month at 12:00 PM. A five-round double Swiss event with a time control of G/5. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $10. Prizes: Store credit and merchandise. Location: Gatekeeper Hobbies: Comics And Games.
Gatekeeper Hobbies Scholastic Chess Tournament: Every second Saturday of the month at 12:00 PM. A four-round event with a time control of G/30;d5. Open to all K-12 students. Entry fee: $10. Prizes: Trophies and medals. Location: Gatekeeper Hobbies: Comics And Games.
Chess tournaments Wichita
Hero Complex Games & Entertainment is a video game store and a game store that sells comics, MTG, and more. They also have a gaming area where you can play board games, card games, and chess. They host chess tournaments and events for chess lovers of all ages and levels. Hero Complex Games & Entertainment is located at 2120 N Woodlawn St Ste 314, The store is open on Mondays and Fridays from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, on Wednesdays from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Some of the regular tournaments offered by Hero Complex Games & Entertainment are:
Hero Complex Games & Entertainment Monthly Chess Tournament: Every third Saturday of the month at 12:00 PM. A four-round event with a time control of G/25;d5. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $15. Prizes: Store credit and merchandise. Location: Hero Complex Games & Entertainment.
Hero Complex Games & Entertainment Blitz Chess Tournament: Every first Saturday of the month at 12:00 PM. A five-round double Swiss event with a time control of G/5. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $10. Prizes: Store credit and merchandise. Location: Hero Complex Games & Entertainment.
Hero Complex Games & Entertainment Scholastic Chess Tournament: Every second Saturday of the month at 12:00 PM. A four-round event with a time control of G/30;d5. Open to all K-12 students. Entry fee: $10. Prizes: Trophies and medals. Location: Hero Complex Games & Entertainment.
The University of Kansas Chess Club aims to foster chess play and learning within the KU community and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious novice, all KU students and staff are welcome to join. Here are the key details about the club:
Meeting Time: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM.
Location: Learned Hall, room 3151.
Duration: Meetings run until 10:00 PM.
Membership: To join, simply sign up for the club's email list. You'll receive weekly updates and can participate in any portion of the meeting.
Chess tournaments in Roeland Park
The Midwest Chess Academy (MCA) is a chess club and a chess service provider based in Overland Park, Kansas, about 15 minutes away from Roeland Park. The club offers chess lessons, chess equipment, and chess repairs. The club also organizes chess tournaments and events for chess enthusiasts in the area. The club is located at 7520 Shawnee Mission Pkwy Ste 10, Roeland Park. The club is open on Mondays and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Some of the regular tournaments offered by the MCA are:
MCA Monthly Chess Tournament: Every second Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM. A four-round event with a time control of G/25;d5. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $15. Prizes: Cash and certificates. Location: MCA.
MCA Blitz Chess Tournament: Every fourth Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM. A five-round double Swiss event with a time control of G/5. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $10. Prizes: Cash and certificates. Location: MCA.
MCA Scholastic Chess Tournament: Every first Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM. A four-round event with a time control of G/30;d5. Open to all K-12 students. Entry fee: $10. Prizes: Trophies and medals. Location: MCA.
Chess tournaments in Hutchinson
The Hutchinson Chess Society is a chess club based in Hutchinson, Kansas, that promotes chess education and enjoyment for all ages and skill levels. The club meets every Thursday from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Hutchinson Public Library. The club also hosts two scholastic tournaments during the school year, in collaboration with the KSCA.
Chess tournaments in Emporia
The Emporia Chess Society (ECS) is an informal association of chess players and supporters in the Emporia vicinity of east-central Kansas. The society was organized by Emile Darga and Chris Seeman in 2003. The club meets weekly at coffee shops for recreational chess games, informal analysis, instruction, and friendly practice.
People of all ages and levels of chess experience are welcome: Preschool to seniors, beginner to expert players. There is no charge or membership fee. Come every week or just when you are able to play a game of chess. Bring your own chess set, if you have one.
Chess tournaments in Lindsborg
Other options:
Fireshark Gaming is a gaming center that offers virtual reality, video games, and board games. The center is located at 11310 E 21st St N Ste E, Wichita. You can call them at (316) 260-2711 or visit their website to learn more about their services and events. Fireshark Gaming hosts chess tournaments in collaboration with the Wichita Chess Club, a local chess club that meets every Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the center. Some of the chess tournaments they host are:
Fireshark Monthly Chess Tournament: A monthly tournament that usually takes place on the third Saturday of each month. The tournament has two sections: Open and Scholastic. The time control is G/60 with a 5-second delay. The entry fee is $15 for the Open section and $10 for the Scholastic section. The prize fund is based on the number of entries and includes 50% of the entry fees for the first place in each section and 25% of the entry fees for the second place in each section.
Fireshark Rapid Chess Tournament: A quarterly tournament that usually takes place on the first Saturday of March, June, September, and December. The tournament is open to all players and has a time control of G/15 with a 5-second delay. The entry fee is $10 and the prize fund is 100% of the entry fees. The winner gets 50% of the prize fund, the second place gets 30% of the prize fund, and the third place gets 20% of the prize fund.
Conclusion
If you are into chess, you will find Kansas a lot of fun. You can find a chess club or institution that caters to your playing level and interest, whether you are a casual or a competitive player. Playing chess can also benefit your cognitive skills, introduce you to other players, and give you pleasure. We hope this guide has aided you in finding the best chess tournaments in Kansas for you. Enjoy your chess adventures!