Chess tournaments in South Carolina: Where to look for the best ones?
Updated: Sep 7
South Carolina's chess scene runs through Columbia, but it doesn't stop there — real clubs are active from Charleston to Myrtle Beach to the Upstate. Here's a complete, verified guide. And if you'd like to sharpen your game first, why not try a trial lesson with a master at MM Chess Academy?
Chess Tournaments in South Carolina — 2026 Calendar
Event | Date | Location | Source |
March 21, 2026 | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | SCCA | |
April 4, 2026 | Columbia Chess Club | SCCA | |
Aug 8, 2026 (monthly series) | Columbia Chess Club | SCCA | |
Typically early October (2025: Oct 3–5, 86th annual) | Columbia Chess Club | US Chess | |
Typically early November (2025: Nov 7–9) | Columbia Chess Club | Columbia Chess Club |
Looking for tournaments in another state? Check our full tournament finder.
The official governing body of chess in South Carolina, organizing and sponsoring state-level tournaments, including the SC State Championship, SC Scholastic Championship, and SC Senior Championship.
📍 Official source: scchess.org | Full club directory
The largest chess community in the Midlands, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels. Runs the Tunnelvision tournament series ($1,000 guaranteed monthly prizes, streamed live to Chess.com, Lichess, and Twitch) and organizes the Palmetto Scholastic Chess League (PSCL) during the school year.
📍 Quick Facts
Location: 6169 St. Andrews Road, Suite A, Columbia, SC 29212
Hours: Mon 5:15–7:05pm (Developmental), Tue 4:30–9:30pm (Kids/Quad Night), Wed 5:15–6:05pm, Thu 5:00–10:30pm (Main Meeting)
Official source: columbiachess.org
Chess Clubs Across South Carolina
Charleston Chess Club — the oldest and largest chess club in Charleston, founded 1973. Meets Mondays, 7:00 PM, Bethel United Methodist Church, 57 Pitt Street, downtown Charleston. Runs the annual Snowstorm Chess Tournament.
Gamecock Chess Club — student-run at the University of South Carolina, casual and unrated games twice weekly, free, all skill levels.
Myrtle Beach Chess Club — Mondays, 6:00–9:00 PM, Tidal Creek Brewhouse, Market Common.
Greenville Chess Club — Thursdays, 6:30–9:00 PM, Boardwalk, Purveyors of Fine Games.
Elloree Chess Club — Sundays, 3:00 PM, Trinity Lutheran Church, 390 Hampton St, Elloree.
Knights of the Upstate — Saturdays, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Anderson Main Library.
Beaufort Chess Club — 1st and 3rd Saturdays, noon, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, downtown Beaufort.
Central Savannah River Area Chess Club — meetups in Augusta, GA and surrounding SC areas including Edgefield and Aiken.
Chess for Everyone — organizes the Lowcountry Scholastic GP in Summerville.
📍 Official source: SCCA Club Directory
Conclusion — Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level?
From Columbia's Tunnelvision series to Charleston's 50-year-old Snowstorm Tournament, South Carolina's chess community is spread wider than most people realize. At MM Chess Academy, every coach is a certified, master-titled player — National Masters, International Masters, Woman International Masters, and Olympiad team members among them — ranking in the top 0.1% worldwide. Founded by National Master Misha Vilenchuk, we've taught over 700 students, many of whom have gone on to win national competitions and earn their own Master titles.
FAQ
When is the South Carolina Scholastic Championship?
The 2026 edition was held March 21 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center — the largest rated chess tournament of the year in South Carolina.
What is the Snowstorm Chess Tournament?
An annual Charleston tradition dating back to 1973, when a snowstorm hit and the club decided to hold the tournament anyway. It's now capped at 80 players and draws competitors from across the Southeast.
Where can I find a monthly chess tournament with real prize money in South Carolina?
The Columbia Chess Club's Tunnelvision series awards $1,000 in guaranteed prizes every month.
Is there a chess club in Myrtle Beach?
Yes — the Myrtle Beach Chess Club meets every Monday evening at Tidal Creek Brewhouse, casual and unrated, all ages welcome.
When is the South Carolina Senior Championship?
Usually early November, hosted at the Columbia Chess Club — the 2025 champion was Edsel Peña with a 4.5/5 score.
Courtesy of: Chess Klub Fort Mill
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