National-Level Chess Tournaments in United States 2025
2025 American Cup (St. Louis, MO) – Mar 15–24, 2025. Elite invitational (double-elimination) event organized by the Saint Louis Chess Club in collaboration with US Chess. Top U.S. players compete for a $400,000 total prize fund.
2025 Spring Chess Classic (St. Louis, MO) – Apr 21–29, 2025. Ten-player round-robin featuring top international masters; sponsored by the Saint Louis Chess Club. $40,000 prize fund.
2025 Cairns Cup (St. Louis, MO) – Jun 10–20, 2025. Women’s super-tournament (10-player, 9-round round-robin) held at the World Chess Hall of Fame. Top female players compete for a $250,000 prize fund (record-high for this event).
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2025 US Amateur East Individual Championship (Iselin, NJ) – May 24–26, 2025 at the Delta Woodbridge Hotel. US Chess-sanctioned state-level open championship (East division).
2025 National Open (Las Vegas, NV) – June 4–9, 2025 at the Flamingo Hotel (Las Vegas International Chess Festival). Long-running U.S. Open event with a $125,000 guaranteed prize fund. Six-round Swiss (with Norms possible in the Open section).
2025 US Senior Open Championship (Northbrook, IL) – July 25–27, 2025 at the Hilton Chicago Northbrook. 6-round Swiss (G/90+30) open to USCF members aged 50+. Two sections (FIDE-rated Open and U1800 Reserve). Top Open prizes $2000, $1500, etc.; winner qualifies for 2025 US Senior Championship.
2025 US Junior Open Championship (Northbrook, IL) – July 25–27, 2025 at the Hilton Chicago Northbrook. Four sections by age: U21 and U15 (6-round Swiss, G/90+30, FIDE-rated) and U11 and U8 (6-round Swiss, G/60+5). Top U21 prizes include $2,000 for first place.
2025 US Blind Open Championship (Northbrook, IL) – July 25–27, 2025 at the Hilton Chicago Northbrook. 6-round Swiss (G/90+30). $5,000 total prize fund; top prizes $1,000, $800, $700, $500, etc.
125th Annual U.S. Open Championship (Middleton, WI) – July 28–Aug 3, 2025 at the Madison Marriott West. Heritage event (US Chess National Championship). 9-round Swiss with three schedule options (7-, 5-, or 4-day). $60,000 prize fund (80% guaranteed); top US finisher (not otherwise qualified) earns an invitation to the 2025 US Championship.
2025 US G/30 (Blitz) Championship (Council Bluffs, IA) – Sep 27, 2025, at the Holiday Inn & Suites at Ameristar. One-day national blitz championship (30 min/game).
2025 US G/60 (Rapid) Championship (Council Bluffs, IA) – Sep 28, 2025 at the Holiday Inn & Suites at Ameristar. One-day national rapid championship (60 min/game).
2025 National K–12 (Grades) Championship (Spokane, WA) – Dec 12–14, 2025 at the Spokane Convention Center. National scholastic team/individual championship for grades K–12 (open to all states).
list of Major chess tournaments in United states
State and Major Regional Chess Tournaments in United states 2025
2025 Phillip O’Neal Taylor Georgia State Championship (Atlanta, GA) – Apr 25–27, 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter. Georgia Chess Association state championship. 5-round Swiss (G/90, d30); $10,000 guaranteed prize fund.
2025 Illinois Senior State Championship (Evanston, IL) – Apr 25–27, 2025 at Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore. Illinois Chess Federation event for players born before 7/28/1975 (age 50+). 5-round Swiss (G/90+30); $1,000 prize fund (b/30 entries). Top Illinois finisher qualifies to the US National Senior.
2025 Texas State & Amateur Championships (Lewisville, TX) – May 23–26, 2025 at The Vista. Organized by the Texas Chess Association. Separate 7-round Swiss sections: Championship (must be rated 2000+ by USCF/FIDE) and Amateur (U2000). $10,000 fully guaranteed prize fund. Top Texas player in each section earns “Texas State (or Amateur) Champion” title.
2025 US Amateur North Individual Championship (Boston area, MA) – TBD (typically June); organized by the Massachusetts Chess Association (MA State Open). (Note: entry details to be confirmed with host state site.)
2025 Texas State Open (Irving, TX) – July 4–6, 2025 at Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel. A 7-round Swiss open event (USCF and FIDE rated). Guaranteed cash prizes over $4,000; 30 US Chess Grand Prix points. Two schedule options (3-day G/90+30 or 2-day G/30+G/90). Championship (1800+) section FIDE-rated; class sections by rating.
2025 Harvey Lerman Florida State Championship (Kissimmee, FL) – Aug 29–Sep 1, 2025 at Holiday Inn Resort Orlando–Maingate. Florida Chess Association event. 6-round Swiss (G/90+30, first two rounds of 3-day schedule are G/60). Two top sections are FIDE-rated; USCF for pairing/prizes. $11,500 prize fund (70% guaranteed; based on 200 entries). USCF and FCA membership required; out-of-state players welcome.
2025 Southern California Open (Glendale, CA) – Aug 29–Sep 1, 2025 at Embassy Suites Glendale. Major open tournament hosted by the American Chess Academy (in partnership with California Chess Federation). 7-round Swiss in 7 rating sections (Open, U2300, U2100, … U1300). $50,000 total prize fund (including $2,000 guaranteed side blitz). USCF membership required; not FIDE-rated.
2025 California State Open Chess Championship (Glendale, CA) – Aug 29–Sep 1, 2025 at Embassy Suites Glendale. California Chess Federation state championship (first time in Glendale). Open to all USCF members (FIDE IDs required for top sections). Multi-section Swiss with prize fund and special youth/amateur categories. (Previous 30+ years held in San Diego/LA.)
147th NY State Championship (Albany, NY) – Aug 29–Sep 1, 2025 at Albany Marriott. New York State Chess Association event (America’s oldest annual tournament). 6-round Swiss (40/80, SD/30) in 5 sections. $18,000 guaranteed prizes. Championship section (1900+ rating) and class sections; top NY resident wins state title plus bonus.
2025 South Dakota Governor’s Cup (Sioux Falls, SD) – Sep 19–21, 2025 at Ramkota Sioux Falls. South Dakota Chess Association state championship. 5-round Swiss (choice of 2- or 3-day schedule). Three sections: Premier (FIDE-rated open), Reserve (U1800) and Booster (U1200). $12,000 guaranteed prize fund.
2025 Illinois Class State Championship (Schaumburg, IL) – Nov 23, 2025 at Hyatt Regency Schaumburg. Illinois Chess Federation event for class players. 4-round Swiss (Game/60 +5). $6,000 guaranteed prizes. Sections for Master/Expert and Class A–E, plus U1000 and U800. Detailed prize breakdown by section.
60th American Open (Garden Grove, CA) – Nov 24–30, 2025 at Hyatt Regency Orange County. International open event (9-round Swiss in Open section) with FIDE-rated play and potential norms. (Heritage event, part of Thanksgiving week chess festival.)
How to Register for Chess Tournaments in the USA
Registering for chess tournaments in the USA typically involves the following steps:
- Find the Tournament
Check the US Chess Federation (uschess.org) tournament calendar or local chess club websites. - Register Online
Most tournaments have early-bird discounts and allow players to register online. Create a USCF ID if you don’t already have one. - Pay Entry Fees
Fees range from $40 to $400 depending on the prize pool, location, and rating section. Early registration helps secure lower rates. - Check Format and Time Controls
Understand the number of rounds, days of play, and time control format (e.g., G/90, 30s increment). - Prepare and Arrive on Time
Preparation includes both practice games and logistics like booking hotels, arranging travel, and packing necessary items like clocks, notation pads, and snacks.
Tips for Chess Players Attending a Tournament in 2025
- Study Previous Games: Use databases like ChessBase to research common openings played by likely opponents.
- Stay Healthy: Sleep well, eat balanced meals, and stay hydrated. Tournaments are mentally exhausting.
- Warm Up with Blitz: Play quick games a few hours before the main rounds to get into rhythm.
- Keep Calm: Avoid obsessing over ratings or standings during the tournament. Focus on quality play.
- Network: Engage with other players, arbiters, and coaches. Chess tournaments are excellent networking opportunities.
Final Thoughts
With a packed calendar and growing enthusiasm for chess in the USA, 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for chess players of all levels. Whether you’re aiming for the top prize, boosting your rating, or gaining experience, there’s a tournament for you.
Preparation, research, and early registration will go a long way in ensuring a smooth and successful tournament experience. So start marking your calendars, sharpening your tactics, and booking your tickets. The next big move is yours to make.
