Chess tournaments in New York: Where to look for the best ones?

Last updated: August 2026

New York is the most popular city our students hail from, but there still isn't one centralized place where all its chess tournaments are listed — so we made one. Here's a guide to the best chess clubs and tournaments across the state, from weekly NYC club nights to the official state championship.

And if you want to get better before you join these tournaments, why not try a trial lesson with a master at MM Chess Academy?

Upcoming Chess Tournaments in New York

• New York State Championship — September 4–7, 2026, Saratoga Springs. The 148th annual edition of "America's Oldest Annual Tournament," run by the New York State Chess Association.

• ChessMax Academy Championship — September 20, 2026, Chess Max Academy UWS (110 West 79th Street, NYC).

  
  

The Best Chess Tournaments in NYC

Marshall Chess Club

One of the most respected chess clubs in the world. Founded in 1915 by Frank Marshall, it offers weekly rated tournaments for all levels:

• Marshall FIDE Monday — FIDE-rated, for players 1800+, every Monday at 7pm.

• Marshall Monday U1800 — same format, for players under 1800.

• Weekly U2200/U1600 — every Wednesday at 7pm.

• Thursday Open — FIDE-rated, open to any rating, every Thursday at 7pm.

• GM School Intermediate Class — taught by GM Irina Krush, seven-time US Women's Champion, Sundays 2–4pm.

  
  

Location: Marshall Chess Club, 23 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10011

When: Mon (FIDE + U1800), Wed (U2200/U1600), Thu (Open) — all at 7pm

Official source: marshallchessclub.org/tournaments/upcoming

FIDE-rated tournaments like these can feel intense if you're new to rated play — our coaches can help you prepare before your first one.

Tri-State Chess

Running chess events for the NYC community for over 30 years, with monthly Championship tournaments (7 sections, beginner to advanced) held at Chess Max Academy, 110 West 79th Street, NYC. Entry fees run $49–$69 depending on how early you register. See their tournament schedule.

Location: Chess Max Academy, 110 West 79th Street, New York, NY 10024

Next date: September 20, 2026 (monthly championships)

Official source: tristatechess.com/tri-state-chess-tournament-schedule

Photo by Q300 Chess Team

Chess Tournaments Across New York

Chess in the Schools

America's original chess education nonprofit — currently active in 48 NYC public schools, running 25+ tournaments a year for over 6,000 students, including a dedicated All-Girls NYC Chess Championship. Most events are free for participating schools.

Where: Across 48 NYC public schools, all 5 boroughs

Frequency: 25+ free tournaments per year

Official source: https://chessintheschools.org/all-tournaments/

Want chess in your child's school too? See our own school chess programs.

The Right Move Chess Federation

Offers free scholastic chess tournaments year-round at:

• Riverbank State Park Theater, Harlem

• Roberto Clemente State Park, Bronx

• Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Brooklyn
  

Locations: Riverbank State Park (Harlem), Roberto Clemente State Park (Bronx), Bishop Loughlin HS (Brooklyn)

Cost: Free

Official source: https://chesstrm.org/NYC/tournaments-2/

New York State Championship — Statewide

Run by the New York State Chess Association, the New York State Championship is the oldest annual chess tournament in America, held every Labor Day weekend in Saratoga Springs. NYSCA also runs the state's official Scholastic and Senior Championships earlier in the year, drawing top players from across New York.

Date: September 4–7, 2026 (Labor Day weekend)

Location: Albany Marriott, 189 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12205

Prize Fund: $18,000, in 5 sections

Official source: chesstour.com/nysc26.htm

Western New York & Long Island

Outside NYC, the Western New York Chess directory covers clubs around Buffalo, East Aurora, and Lockport, while the Long Island Chess Club runs regular USCF-rated tournaments for the Long Island area.

Conclusion

There are many opportunities to test your skills over the board — you just have to look in the right places. If you're looking for the right place to improve your skills before your next tournament, learn from our Masters online, in private or group lessons.

We'd love to hear your ideas on how to make this guide better — share them with us and we'll keep it updated. And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for our free monthly online tournaments.

FAQ

When is the New York State Chess Championship?

The 148th annual New York State Championship runs September 4–7, 2026, in Saratoga Springs — America's oldest annual chess tournament.

Where can kids play chess tournaments in NYC public schools?

Chess in the Schools runs free events across 48 NYC public schools, including a dedicated All-Girls NYC Chess Championship.

Is the Marshall Chess Club open to the public?

Yes — the Marshall Chess Club runs weekly rated tournaments open to players of all ratings, including sections for under-1800 players.

Are there free chess tournaments in New York City?

Yes — The Right Move Chess Federation and Chess in the Schools both run free tournaments at parks and schools across the city.

We'd love to hear your ideas on how to make this better! Share them with us and we'll update this post ASAP! And remember to subscribe to our Newsletter so that you will get all of our awesome online monthly tournaments!