If you love chess and live in Missouri, you are in luck. Missouri is a great place to play chess, with many clubs, tournaments, and events for players of all levels. Whether you want to improve your skills, compete for prizes, or have fun, you can find a chess tournament that suits your needs and preferences. In this guide, I will show you how to find, join, and enjoy chess tournaments in Missouri. We will also give you some tips and advice on how to prepare for and participate in chess tournaments, and how to make the most of your chess experience.
The Missouri Chess Association (MCA) is a nonprofit organization that is affiliated with the US Chess Federation and serves as the official state chapter. It is dedicated to promoting and supporting chess in Missouri, especially among the youth. It organizes and sanctions regional and state tournaments, awards titles and scholarships, and publishes a quarterly newsletter. The MCA runs several tournaments throughout the year for players of all ages and ratings.
Some of the upcoming tournaments are:
Missouri State Scholastic Championship: A one-day event open to all students in grades K-12 who are residents of Missouri or attend a Missouri school. There are six sections based on grade level and rating. The top finishers in each section qualify for the national tournaments.
High School Tournament of Champions: A one-day invitational tournament for the top high school players in Missouri. There are two sections: Championship and Reserve. The winner of the Championship section earns the title of Missouri High School Champion and a $500 scholarship.
Missouri State University Open: A two-day event open to all players with a USCF membership. There are four sections: Open, U1800, U1400, and U1000. The winner of the Open section earns the title of Missouri State Champion and a $1,000 prize.
Chess tournaments in Kansas City
The Kansas City Chess Club (KCCC) is a place where you can learn, play, and enjoy chess. All levels are welcome - children and adults. The KCCC offers chess lessons, USCF tournaments, and casual play. The KCCC is located at 4420 N Chouteau Trfy Ste G2. The club is open on Mondays and Fridays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Some of the regular tournaments offered by the KCCC are:
Friday Night Action: Every Friday at 7:00 PM. A four-round event with a time control of G/25;d5. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $20 for adults, $15 for juniors. Prizes: 70% of entry fees. Location: KCCC.
Kansas City Open: Every third Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM. A four-round event with a time control of G/60;d5. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $30 for adults, $25 for juniors. Prizes: $500 guaranteed. Location: KCCC.
Kansas City Scholastic: Every second 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: $20. Prizes: Trophies and medals. Location: KCCC.
Courtesy of KCCC - Kansas City Chess Club Website
The Westport Chess Club (WCC) is a chess club based in Kansas City, Missouri. The WCC hosts tournaments, casual play, or rated games. The WCC is open to players of all ages and skill levels. The WCC is located at 817 Westport Rd, Kansas City. The club is open on Tuesdays from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
Some of the regular tournaments offered by the WCC are:
Westport Open: Every first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. A three-round event with a time control of G/45;d5. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $10. Prizes: 50% of entry fees. Location: WCC.
Westport Blitz: Every third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. A five-round double Swiss event with a time control of G/5. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $5. Prizes: 50% of entry fees. Location: WCC.
Westport Quads: Every fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. A three-round event with a time control of G/45;d5. Players are grouped into four-player sections based on rating. Open to all USCF members. Entry fee: $10. Prizes: $20 to the winner of each section. Location: WCC.
Chess tournaments in St Louis
The Saint Louis Chess Club (STLCC) is a world-renowned chess center that hosts some of the most prestigious chess events in the country, such as the Sinquefield Cup and the US Chess Championships. It also offers chess classes, lectures, camps, and tournaments for players of all levels and ages. Some of the tournaments that STLCC hosts regularly are:
Tuesday Night Swiss: A four-round Swiss tournament with a time control of G/75 + d/5. It is held every Tuesday at 7 pm and costs $10 for members and $20 for non-members. The prizes are based on entries and ratings.
Wednesday Night Blitz: A double-round robin tournament with a time control of G/3 + d/2. It is held every Wednesday at 7 pm and costs $5 for members and $10 for non-members. The prizes are based on entries and ratings.
Thursday Night Quads: A three-round round robin tournament with a time control of G/75 + d/5. It is held every Thursday at 7 pm and costs $10 for members and $20 for non-members. The prizes are based on entries and ratings.
The World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF) is a nonprofit, collecting institution situated in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, United States. It is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of chess, honoring the achievements of chess players, and showcasing the art and beauty of the game.
The WCHOF does not host regular tournaments, but it does offer occasional events and exhibitions that are related to chess, such as the Purling London Art Chess Exhibition, the Masterminds: Chess Prodigies Exhibition, and the Chess and Music Festival. The WCHOF also collaborates with the STLCC to present some of the major tournaments, such as the U.S. & U.S. Women’s Championships and the Champions Showdown: Chess 9LX.
Chess tournaments in Springfield
The Springfield Chess Club (SCC) is a chess club that meets every Thursday at 6:30 pm at the Southside Senior Center in Springfield. It welcomes players of all levels and ages to play chess, learn, and have fun. There is no membership fee or entry fee, but donations are appreciated. Some of the tournaments that SCC hosts regularly are:
Springfield Open: A four-round Swiss tournament with a time control of G/90 + d/5. It is usually held in March and costs $25 for adults and $15 for kids. The prizes are based on entries and ratings.
Springfield Classic: A four-round Swiss tournament with a time control of G/90 + d/5. It is usually held in September and costs $25 for adults and $15 for kids. The prizes are based on entries and ratings.
Springfield Blitz: A double-round robin tournament with a time control of G/5. It is usually held in June and costs $10 for adults and $5 for kids. The prizes are based on entries and ratings.
Missouri State University Chess Club is a student-run chess club that promotes chess on campus and in the community. The club is open to all students, faculty, staff, and alumni of MSU, as well as anyone who loves chess. The club meets every Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Plaster Student Union, a modern and lively facility with plenty of space and amenities. The club offers chess lessons, puzzles, games, and tournaments for all skill levels.
Some of the tournaments that the club offers are:
MSU Open: This is a biannual USCF-rated tournament that is open to all players. The tournament has three sections: Open, U1600, and U1000. The tournament is held on a weekend in October and April, and the entry fee is $30 for MSU affiliates and $40 for others. The prizes are cash and merchandise for the top finishers in each section.
MSU Scholastic: This is a USCF-rated tournament for K-12 students. The tournament has four sections: K-3, K-6, K-9, and K-12. The tournament is held on a Saturday in February, and the entry fee is $15. The prizes are trophies and medals for the top finishers in each section.
MSU Blitz: This is a USCF-rated tournament that is open to all players. The tournament has six rounds of G/3; d2, which means each player has 3 minutes with a 2-second delay per move. The tournament is held on the first Wednesday of every month, and the entry fee is $5 for MSU affiliates and $10 for others. The prizes are cash and merchandise for the top finishers.
Joplin Chess Club is a chess club that serves the chess community in the southwest Missouri area. The club is open to anyone who enjoys chess, regardless of age or skill level. The club meets every Sunday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Hardee’s on 7th Street and Duquesne Road, a convenient and cozy location with food and drinks. The club offers casual play, chess puzzles, lessons, and tournaments for all players.
Some of the tournaments that the club offers are:
Joplin Open: This is an annual USCF-rated tournament that is open to all players. The tournament has three sections: Open, U1600, and U1000. The tournament is held on a weekend in September, and the entry fee is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. The prizes are based on the number of entries and the section ratings.
Joplin Quick: This is a quarterly USCF-rated tournament that is open to all players. The tournament has four rounds of G/15; d3, which means each player has 15 minutes with a 3-second delay per move. The tournament is held on the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December, and the entry fee is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. The prizes are 80% of the entry fees.
Joplin Scholastic: This is a USCF-rated tournament for K-12 students. The tournament has three sections: K-3, K-6, and K-12. The tournament is held on a Saturday in November, and the entry fee is $10. The prizes are trophies and medals for the top finishers in each section.
You can find more information and register for the tournaments on the club’s website.
Chess tournaments in Independence
Game Cafe is a board game store and event hall that offers a wide range of games, accessories, and services. The store has a large and diverse inventory of board games, card games, tabletop games, role-playing games, miniatures games, and more. The store also has multiple event halls that can accommodate various gaming events, parties, and gatherings. The store is open every day from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, except on Fridays and Saturdays when it closes at midnight.
Some of the tournaments that the store offers are:
Game Cafe Chess Open: This is a monthly USCF-rated tournament that is open to all players. The tournament has four rounds of G/45; d5, which means each player has 45 minutes with a 5-second delay per move. The tournament is held on the second Saturday of every month, and the entry fee is $20. The prizes are gift cards for the store.
Game Cafe Chess Blitz: This is a biweekly USCF-rated tournament that is open to all players. The tournament has six rounds of G/3; d2, which means each player has 3 minutes with a 2-second delay per move. The tournament is held on the first and third Wednesday of every month, and the entry fee is $10. The prizes are gift cards for the store.
Game Cafe Chess Scholastic: This is a monthly USCF-rated tournament for K-12 students. The tournament has three sections: K-3, K-6, and K-12. The tournament is held on the fourth Saturday of every month, and the entry fee is $15. The prizes are trophies and medals for the top finishers in each section.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has helped you discover the wonderful world of chess tournaments in Missouri. Chess tournaments are not only a way to test your chess abilities, but also a way to meet new people, make friends, and have fun. Chess tournaments can also improve your mental, emotional, and social skills, and enrich your life in many ways. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, a casual or a serious player, you can find a chess tournament that matches your goals and interests. So what are you waiting for? Grab your chess set, check out this tournament's guide, and join a chess tournament today!
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