Here is a list of chess tournaments that take place in Washington State weekly/monthly/yearly. We highly recommend our students participate in these tournaments (not just our free monthly tournament) to practice what they learned. As they say, practice makes perfect.
The first half of this post covers tournaments in Seattle, and the second half covers them Statewide. I you’d like to improve your skills before attending any of the tournaments, remember that you can learn from any of our Masters.
Chess Tournaments in Seattle
The Washington Chess Federation is an organization that supports and promotes chess-related activities throughout Washington State since 1946. They have a calendar of events that includes chess tournaments for all levels of players. Some of the tournaments they offer regularly are:
Washington State Championship: This is one of the biggest chess tournaments in Washington State. It is held every year in May or June at various locations throughout the state. The tournament attracts players from all over the country and offers cash prizes for winners.
Washington Open: This tournament is held every year in October at various locations throughout the state. It is open to all players and offers cash prizes for winners.
Washington Class Championships: These championships are held every year in November at various locations throughout the state. They are open to players of all levels and offer cash prizes for winners.
Other tournaments from the WCF include:
Seattle Chess Classic: Happens in August at the OCA Greenlake in Seattle. This is a USCF-rated tournament.
Seattle Summer Bughouse Championship: Happens in July at the OCA Greenlake in Seattle. This is a USCF-rated tournament.
You can find more information about their events on their website.
The Seattle Chess Club is one of the oldest and most respected chess clubs in the country. It has been around since 1879 and has hosted many national and international tournaments over the years. The club offers regular tournaments for players of all levels, including beginners.
Seattle Chess Classic: This is one of the biggest chess tournaments in Seattle. It is held every year in August at the OCA Greenlake. The tournament attracts players from all over the country and offers cash prizes for winners.
Friday Night Blitz: This is a weekly blitz tournament held every Friday at the Seattle Chess Club. It is open to all players and offers cash prizes for winners.
Seattle Chess960 Championship: This tournament is held every year in July at the Lakeside Upper School, and plays a variant of chess called Chess 960 (or Fischer Random), where the major pieces are scrambled on the back rank. It is open to all players and offers cash prizes for winners.
This institution offers many tournaments and events for all skill levels and ages, so I invite you to take a look at the SCC’s event calendar.
Roshen's Chess Academy is an organization that provides chess coaching and organizes chess tournaments in the Seattle area. Many of them are fundraising events that you can attend and help the organization!
Roshen’s Chess Academy Scholastic Tournament: Held monthly at the Portland Chess Club. This is a very popular tournament and one that you should put in your list, as well as many of the non-profit tournaments this institution organizes every month!
Roshen's Spring Open: Usually held in May in the Bellevue area.
Roshen's Summer Open: Usually held in May in the Bellevue area.
Since the dates and locations are constantly changing, I’d recommend visiting their website for more information about upcoming events.
The Northwest Chess Club is another great place for chess enthusiasts in Seattle. The club helps organize regular tournaments for players of all levels, including kids and beginners.
What we found really interesting is their updated event calendar and recommendations that you can access and find Scholastic tournaments, Grand Prix, and opens. Find more information about this by clicking here
The Medina Elementary School hosts two big chess tournaments every year, Medina All-City Tournament and Queen’s Quest All-Girls Tournament. Students can register and participate for free.
They partner with other chess clubs and organizations to organize monthly tournaments everybody can join. Take a look at their event calendar
Tournaments in other parts of Washington State
Yes, we know Portland isn’t in Washington, but many players end up commuting for the amazing tournaments at the Portland Chess Club. Established in 1911, for the last century the Portland Chess Club has provided a place for chess players to congregate while hosting world champions and national tournaments. Although they’re not exactly in Washington, Portland can be accessible for many enthusiasts to travel. Some of the events they offer include:
Tuesday Quads Begin: a weekly tournament of 3-round quads, usually with one round on each of the first three Tuesdays in the month. At least some of the sections may run as a Swiss or round robin with more than three rounds and/or four players depending on circumstances.
Wednesday Daytime Quads: 3-round quads in a single day: typically organized on the third Wednesday of every month, at the Portland Chess Center, 2025 Lloyd Center
Sunday Quads: Typically held the last Sunday of each month, at the same location, same rules, and the same format. This tournament is a qualifier for the Oregon Scholastic Chess Federation State Championship (unless the tournament falls on or up to ten days prior to the final day of the state championship)
You can find more information about their events on their website.
Where to Play Chess - Washington State Clubs is a resource for finding chess clubs and tournaments in Washington State. They have a list of clubs and organizations that offer other minor chess tournaments that we didn’t include in this list.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many opportunities to test your skills over the board! You just have to look in the right places.
Talking about the right places. Are you looking for the right place to improve your skills? Learn from our Masters online either in private lessons or group lessons.
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!