Championship Chess is BACK in NYC on January 3rd and 4th, 2026 – (Free to RSVP, but Tournament will have Entry Fees)

Championship Chess is BACK in NYC — January 3rd & 4th, 2026

???? Full format, pricing and registration details will be announced soon over email, the US Chess TLA and a separate registration page.

???????? For now, if you’re considering attending, it’s very important to RSVP below  ????????

• This will allow us to send you the full tournament information when available — no commitment to pay yet
• It is free to RSVP, but the tournament entry will not be. Entry fees will be in line with other Championship events held at major hotels

????♛ Attention ALL Chess Queens and Kings of New York City and Surrounding Areas (out of state welcome) ♚????

Mark your calendars and double your training — big things are coming!

Official Chess proudly presents the First Annual New York Metro Area Scholastic Chess Championships, taking place at the largest hotel in NYC — the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

????️ Save the Dates: January 3–4, 2026
For the first time in years, New York City will host its very own Championship event — and you won’t want to miss it.

Join thousands of chess students from across the five boroughs and the surrounding metropolitan areas (out of state also welcome!) for an unforgettable weekend of competition, community, and chess excellence.

Meet us at the Crossroads of the World, where the City shines brightest on January 3rd–4th — and our chess kids will no doubt match that energy and excitement across 64 squares.

???? Tournament Structure

5 Championship Sections (Grade-Based):
These will be 2-day tournaments spanning both Saturday and Sunday, in a 6-round Traditional Swiss format with grade restrictions:

• K–1
• Primary (K–3)
• Elementary (K–5)
• Middle School (K–8)
• High School (K–12)

~9 “Under” Sections (Rating & Grade-Based):
These will be 1-day tournaments (either Saturday or Sunday, depending on the section), in a 5-round Traditional Swiss format with grade and rating restrictions.

Individual and Team Prizes will be awarded

♞♜♝ Get ready for a world-class chess experience at the Metros — right in our own backyard. NYC and the best chess kids in the world deserve this! ????????️????