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Chess tournaments in Oklahoma: Where to find the best ones

Updated: May 18

The Oklahoma Chess Association (OCA) is the official state affiliate of the United States Chess Federation (USCF). The OCA organizes and supports chess activities in Oklahoma, such as tournaments, clubs, scholastic programs, and publications. The OCA also maintains the official state rating list and publishes Oklahoma Chess Magazine, a bi-monthly online publication that features news, articles, games, and puzzles from Oklahoma chess players and events.


Some of the tournaments that the OCA hosts or sponsors are:

  • The Jerry Spann Memorial & Oklahoma Open State Championship: This is the official state championship tournament. The tournament is a five-round Swiss system event with two sections: Open and Reserve (U1800). The next Jerry Spann Memorial & Oklahoma Open State Championship will be held on June 1 & 2, 2024 at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. More information is here.

  • The Rozsa Trophy: This is an invitational round robin tournament for Oklahoma’s top six players. The tournament features a classical time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move, and is broadcast live online with commentary. The last Rozsa Trophy was held on January 26-28, 2024 in Tulsa, and was won by FM Ryan Amburgy.

  • The Oklahoma Blitz Championships are held annually at the Chandler Baseball Camp, located halfway between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. This event is usually 7 double rounds of G/3;+2.

For more information, visit their website.



  • Oklahoma Scholastic State Championships: This is the largest and most prestigious scholastic chess tournament in Oklahoma, where the winners of each grade level earn the title of Oklahoma Scholastic State Champion. The tournament is a five-round Swiss system event with 13 sections: K-1, K-3, K-5, K-6, K-8, K-9, K-12, and six rating sections. The next Oklahoma Scholastic State Championships will be held on April 13, 2024 at Edmond North High School in Edmond.

  • The Oklahoma Scholastic Chess Grade Championships are held annually in the fall. This tournament pairs players with opponents in their same school grade. A champion player and team are named for each grade.


For more information, visit their website.



Other clubs


  • The Challengers Chess Club meets on Wednesday & Friday evenings in downtown Oklahoma City and on Saturday afternoons at Full Circle bookstore. They host a monthly G/10 blitz quads event on second Friday nights. 

  • OKC Chessmates hosts a monthly G/5 blitz (first Tuesdays) and a G/30 quads tournament (last Fridays) and weekly meetups at a location in Bricktown. 

  • Tulsa Midtown Chess Club Quick & Blitz: Monthly over-the-board tournaments at the Midtown Chess Club in Tulsa. On days when there is no tournament, this club hosts lectures, simuls, and other events of interest to chess players. 


More Oklahoma chess clubs can be found at www.ochess.org/clubs



Conclusion

As you can see, Oklahoma is a great place for chess lovers, with many chess clubs and institutions that offer regular chess tournaments for players of all levels. Whether you want to play for fun, improve your skills, or compete for prizes and titles, you will find something that matches your interest and level. We hope this guide has helped you find some chess tournaments in Oklahoma that you can join or watch. Happy chess playing!


Other chess clubs in Oklahoma:

Oklahoma's chess scene caters to all levels, from seasoned grandmasters to curious beginners. Whether you crave the competitive thrill of a tournament or a casual evening of friendly competition, there's a chess club waiting to welcome you.


Western Oklahoma:

  • Lawton: Put your strategic thinking to the test on Thursdays at the White Buffalo Coffee Shop. Enjoy a caffeinated boost while contemplating your next move.

  • Duncan: Viridian Coffee isn't just a place for a caffeine fix - it's also home to Duncan Chess Club, meeting every Thursday evening. It's a great opportunity to socialize with fellow chess enthusiasts over a cup of joe.

  • Enid: Calling all beer and chess lovers! Join the Chess Club of Enid for game nights every Tuesday at the Enid Brewery. It's the perfect place to unwind after work and engage in some friendly competition.


Central Oklahoma:

  • Moore: Moore offers chess options for your busy schedule. The Station at Central Park buzzes with chess activity on Thursdays, while the Moore Community Center caters to weekend warriors with Sunday sessions.

  • Norman: Aspiring chess masters can hone their skills with the Sooner Chess Club, meeting Tuesdays at Premier Sportsplex. If you're affiliated with the University of Oklahoma, the OU Chess Club offers Wednesday night games on campus.

  • Edmond:  Edmond Chess Club gathers Thursdays at the Multi-Activity Center at Mitch Park. Don't miss their special event during the lively Heard on Hurd street festival - catch them for chess matches on the third Saturday at Ellis Island Coffee & Wine Lounge.

  • Shawnee:  Looking for a casual Thursday night game? Head to the Shawnee Mall near the movie theater for a match with the Shawnee Chess Club.


Eastern Oklahoma:

  • Durant: Chess isn't just for adults! The Donald W. Reynolds/Durant Public Library offers chess activities for both adults and children on Saturdays. It's a fantastic opportunity for families to bond over the game.

  • Bartlesville: Paper Games in the Eastland Center isn't just for board game enthusiasts - they also hold chess nights every Thursday. It's a great place to find fellow players and challenge yourself with new strategies.


Oklahoma City Metro:

Oklahoma City truly caters to the chess aficionado.  You can play on Tuesdays in Bricktown, Wednesdays or Fridays downtown, or Fridays further north in the city. Hone your skills during weekday evenings or catch a Friday afternoon session at the Village Library. Weekends aren't left out - join the club for casual or competitive games at Full Circle Bookstore on Saturdays.


This is just a glimpse into the vibrant chess community thriving across Oklahoma. So grab your board, dust off your strategies, and head out to connect with fellow chess players. You might be surprised by the hidden gems and welcoming communities waiting to be discovered!



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