Chess for Every Mind, Every Age

Rochester Chess Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit bringing free and low-cost chess instruction, casual play, and USCF-rated tournaments to our community since 2008.

See This Week's Events Support Our Mission

Every Tuesday

Casual play night, all skill levels welcome

USCF Rated

Monthly tournaments with official ratings

100% Non-Profit

Free to all in the chess community

Club News & Updates

Tournaments

Rochester Chess Festival

The Rochester Chess Festival is coming soon. Register online before July 10 to save up to $20 over onsite registration https://www.minnesotachess.com/rochester-chess-festival.

June 18, 2026

Tournaments

Rochester Chess Festival Registration Now Open

2026 ROCHESTER CHESS FESTIVAL

JULY 10 – 12

3 EVENTS:

TANDEM SIMULTANEOUS EXHIBITION, 7 PM, FRIDAY JULY 10
ROCHESTER OPEN, JULY 11-12
MIDWESTERN WOMEN AND GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP, JULY 11-12

$7,000 IN PROJECTED PRIZES

REGISTER ONLINE BY 6/20 TO SAVE UP TO $30 OVER ONSITE REGISTRATION: https://www.minnesotachess.com/rochester-chess-festival
A limited number of scholarships are available for scholastic players. Contact Dennis Mays dennismays101@gmail.com
All Masters, including those whose current rating is < 2200, can register free by sending an email to Sarah Wahl semmons2848@gmail.com with your USCF ID and noting any bye requests.

June 18, 2026

Community

Rochester Chess Free Event - Saturday, July 4

Rochester Chess will host a free chess exhibit at the Farmers Market on the fairgrounds (Rochester Farmers Markets) on Saturday, July 4, 9 AM – noon. Children and adults are invited to play chess games and receive instruction from our team of experienced chess coaches. Chess sets will be provided. The market is an opportunity to share your love of chess. If you do not know how to play chess, we will teach you! We will be in the large grassy area near the band. No registration is required. Stop by anytime! I hope to see you there.
Questions? Contact Dennis Mays dennismays101@gmail.com

June 21, 2026

Announcements

Welcome to the New Rochester Chess Club Website!

We are excited to launch our redesigned website! Here you will find up-to-date event schedules, tournament archives, and ways to get involved with our non-profit chess community. Browse the Events page for our weekly Tuesday night meetups and upcoming USCF-rated tournaments.

June 18, 2026

Community

Coach Lucas' mini Chess-Camp: Unleash your child's inner Grandmaster!

Is your child ready to learn the ultimate game of strategy, focus, and fun? Join us for an exciting, high-energy Beginner Mini Chess Camp hosted by the incredible Coach Lucan Sanner! Whether your child has never touched a chess piece or just knows the basic moves, this camp is the perfect launching pad. Coach Lucas breaks down the game into simple, engaging lessons that make learning chess feel like solving an awesome puzzle.

🌟 Camp Highlights

Foundations First: Master how pieces move and capture.
Smart Strategies: Learn opening moves and checkmate patterns.
Fun Mini-Games: Play interactive chess puzzles and variants.
Life Skills: Build patience, focus, and sportsmanship.

June 18, 2026