Category: Club Meetings
ROCHESTER CHESS JUNE 1-7 + ROCHESTER CHESS FESTIVAL JULY 10-12, 2026.
Tuesday, June 2: Free Chess Class, 5 – 6 PM led by Coach Lucas in the Mayo Clinic Harwick Building. Casual chess and kids chess, 6 – 8 PM.
Wednesday, June 3: Free casual chess at Novios Cafe, 1 – 3 PM. All are welcome. Come for great coffee, drinks, and food. https://www.novioscafe.com/
Saturday, June 6: Rochester Chess will host a free chess exhibit at the Rochester Farmers Market on the fairgrounds on Saturday, June 6, 9 AM – noon. Children and adults are invited to play chess and receive instruction from our team of experienced chess coaches led by coach Kevin. Chess sets will be provided. The market is an opportunity to share your love of chess and to pick up some fresh vegetables! If you do not know how to play chess, no problem, we will teach you! We will be in the large grassy area west of the main market. No registration is required. Stop by anytime! Volunteer coaches and experienced players are welcome to help members of our community to improve their chess
The deadline for the first early registration discount for the 2026 Rochester Chess Festival is Saturday, June 6. Register early to save up to $40 compared to onsite registration. https://www.minnesotachess.com/rochester-chess-festival
RESULTS OF THE MAY SLOW SWISS + UPCOMING EVENTS.
Rochester Chess hosted the Rochester May Slow Swiss (G/60+30) on 5/12, 5/19, and 5/26. Fifteen players competed in 2 sections. Cole Lappi won the upper section with a perfect 3-0 score. Andrew Merkel won the lower section also with a perfect 3-0 score. The winners were awarded a full-year membership to Rochester Chess. Thanks to everyone who competed. The event has been rated by USCF: https://ratings.uschess.org/event/202605260373?section=0.
June will be packed with local chess events directed by TD Matt Markland. The chess starts with Thinker Quads on Saturday, June 13 in the Mayo Clinic Harwick Building. G/60, d5. Rounds at 10 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM, no byes. Matt plays and directs. Register online: https://forms.gle/ofFFRwqJuUoNmdLw5
The June Slow Swiss (Rochester Open Warm Up!) G/60,+30s increment will be held on June 16, 23, 30 in the Mayo Clinic Harwick Building. Matt plays and directs. Register online: https://forms.gle/BqTrcUkDQnDFTeiy8
ROCHESTER CHESS: MAY 18-24 +CHESS NEWS.
Tuesday, May 19: Casual chess and kids’ chess at the club. Doors open at 6 PM. Round 2 of the May Slow Swiss, G/60;+30, clocks start at 6:30 PM.
Wednesday, May 20: Free casual chess at Novios Cafe, 1 – 3 pm. All are welcome. Come for great coffee, drinks, and delicious food. https://www.novioscafe.com/