1st Annual New York Metro Area Scholastic Chess Championships
Get ready for a monumental event in the heart of New York City! The 1st Annual New York Metro Area Scholastic Chess Championships is set to take over Times Square on Saturday, January 3rd, and Sunday, January 4th, 2026. This landmark tournament, hosted at the iconic New York Marriott Marquis, marks the return of major scholastic chess to NYC, promising an unforgettable experience for thousands of students.
Championship Chess is Back in NYC!
With over 900 players already registered, the energy is building for what will be the largest scholastic chess event in the city in years. The tournament is open to all students in kindergarten through 12th grade, from any state or country (US Chess Federation membership required). From absolute beginners to seasoned masters, every player will find a section tailored to their skill level.
This is your chance to be part of launching NYC's newest annual chess tradition right at the Crossroads of the World!
Tournament Sections: Your Path to the Podium
The tournament features 14 specialized sections designed for every age and skill level. The December 2025 USCF ratings will be used, and unrated players are welcome in all sections.
Two-Day Championship Sections (6 Rounds)
For players seeking the ultimate challenge and title of Champion.
High School Championship (12th grade & under) - G/75, d5
Junior High Championship (8th grade & under) - G/75, d5
Elementary Championship (5th grade & under) - G/75, d5
Primary Championship (3rd grade & under) - G/75, d5
K-1 Championship (1st grade & under) - G/75, d5
Saturday-Only Sections (5 Rounds)
Players can compete in one Saturday section AND one Sunday section.
High School U1900 / U1200 (12th grade & under) - G/35, d5
Elementary U1500 / U1100 / U700 (5th grade & under) - G/35, d5
Sunday-Only Sections (5 Rounds)
Junior High U1300 (8th grade & under) - G/35, d5
Primary U1000 / U600 (3rd grade & under) - G/35, d5
K-1 U400 (1st grade & under) - G/35, d5
An Unprecedented Array of Awards
We believe in celebrating every achievement. The tournament will award hundreds of trophies across multiple categories.
Top 10 Individuals: Trophies to the top 10 players in every section, plus trophies for any ties for 10th place!
Future Discounts: 1st place winners get 50% off next year's early bird entry. 2nd-5th get 30% off, and 6th-10th get 15% off.
Class Prizes: In "Under" sections, trophies for the top 2 players every 200 rating points below the ceiling (e.g., top U1700, U1500, U1300 in a U1900 section).
Championship Class Prizes: Rating category trophies are also awarded in the premier two-day sections (e.g., U1900, U1700, U1500 in the High School Championship).
Team Trophies: Massive 50-inch quadruple-post trophies will be awarded to the top 5 school teams in each section.
A Medal for All: Every participant receives a full-sized commemorative custom medal with a spinning insert.
Led by an All-Star Chess Direction Team
The event is guided by the most experienced and respected professionals in the scholastic chess world.
Sunil Weeramantry – Special Tournament Advisor
David Hater – Chief Tournament Director
Stephen Lorimor – Associate National Tournament Director
Noreen Harkins Davisson – Senior Tournament Director
Charles Hatherill – National Tournament Director
Ian Harris – Senior Tournament Director
Hector Rodriguez – Club Tournament Director
Brandon De La Rosa – Club Tournament Director
Vince Alize – Club Tournament Director
Register Now and Save with Early Bird Pricing!
Don't delay! Early Bird pricing ends on November 30, 2025. After this date, all entry fees will increase.
Current Early Bird Pricing:
Basic Entry: $125 (1-day) / $145 (2-day Championships)
Entry PLUS: $165 (1-day) / $205 (2-day Championships)
Why Choose Entry PLUS?
The Entry PLUS option grants exclusive access to the "Coach’s Corner," where dedicated master-level players and professional coaches will be on-site to offer real-time game reviews, personalized advice, and strategic tips between rounds.
Click Here to Register and See Full Details on the US Chess Site
Direct Link for Latest Info, Advance Entries, and Calendar Download
Plan Your Tournament Weekend
Discounted Hotel Stay: Take advantage of a special $299 per night rate (no resort fee) at the New York Marriott Marquis. Use the booking code “Official Chess.” Reserve your room here.
Reserve a Team Room: Schools and chess academies can reserve a private team room without the typical Manhattan price tag. Email info@officialchess.org for assistance.
A Community Celebration of Chess
A huge thank you to our key sponsor, Duolingo, and to the vital VIP organizations that nurture young chess talent across the metro area, including:
Chess in the Schools, National Scholastic Chess Foundation, The Right Move Chess Federation, Marshall Chess Foundation, ChessNYC, Tri-State Chess, Chess Father, Brooklyn Chess, Long Island ChessMates, Empire Chess Academy, New York Chess Academy, Kids Infinity Chess, Make Your Move Chess Academy, Chess Advance, and Mastermind Chess.
Will Your Name Be the First on the Trophy?
This is more than a tournament—it's the beginning of a legacy. Be there as new champions are crowned and powerhouse schools battle for supremacy.
Secure your spot in chess history. Register today!
For all updates and information, visit the official event hub:
https://officialchess.org/event/2026metros/
