Please note the first game in the Amateur Section will start at 9:30 AM; onsite registration for this section is from 9:00 – 9;20 AM. The first games in the Novice and Reserve Sections will begin at 10 AM. Onsite registration for these sections is from 9:00 – 9:30 AM.

Volunteers are needed to set up the site and to help coach our improving chess players.

Saturday, February 2, 9 AM – 5 PM in the RCTC Cafeteria

The 2019 Rochester Amateur Chess Championship will be held at RCTC on Saturday, February 2, 2019. RCTC and Student Life, respectively, have generously provided the space and chess equipment for this event. The co-sponsor Rochester Chess will provide trophies, directorship, and instruction. Additional funding is provided by youth enrichment grants to Rochester Chess from the Mayo Clinic Office of Community Relations, the Rochester Area Foundation, and US Bank. The tournament is open to all. Competition will be in three sections based on playing experience: Amateur (U1600), Reserve (U1000), and Novice (U400 or unrated). The winners of each section will be awarded the titles of Rochester Amateur Champion, Rochester Reserve Champion, and Rochester Novice Champion, respectively. The Amateur and Reserve sections will be USCF-rated. Participants in these sections must record their moves.

Amateur USCF (U1600, G/45; d5), 4 rounds

Reserve (U1000), G/30), 5 rounds

Novice (U400 or unrated), G/30), 5 rounds

Time Control:  Each player gets 30 minutes or 45 minutes plus a 5-sec delay to make all their moves.

Registration: Registration: online registration (preferred) at https://goo.gl/forms/9fyxpwcSeMYw0al22 or onsite from 9:00-9:30 AM.  You are encouraged to register early as participation is limited to 60. Players registering after 9:30 may receive a 1/2-point bye for round 1. Play starts at 10:00 AM.

Volunteers are needed to help set up and monitor the playing site. Please let us know if you can assist. Experienced players are encouraged to attend to help coach our developing players. 

Instruction: FIDE Woman Chess Master Jovana Milosevic; National Chess Master Matt Jensen, and Experienced Chess Coach Rob Newshutz will provide game analysis for players who record the moves of the game.

Registration Fee:  Free entry for all and there will be prizes!

Directions: Park in the main lot on the East side of the main campus. Enter in the Hill Theater entrance, it’s closest to the lot. Follow signs to restrooms and an elevator. Ride up to the third floor and it opens into the cafeteria.

Celebrate the fun day of community chess thanks to our sponsors: Rochester Chess Club and Rochester Community and Technical College.

Novice (U400, unrated) and Reserve (U1000) Schedules, 5 RD SS, G/30; d5:

9:00 – 9:30 AM onsite registration

9:30 – 10:00 warm-up games and notation instruction

10:00 – 11:00 Round 1

11:10 – 12:10 Round 2

12:10 – 12:30 Pizza break #1

12:30 – 1:30 Round 3

1:40 – 2:40 Round 4

2:50 – 3:50 Round 5

4:10 – 4:25 PM Awards Ceremony

Amateur Schedule (U1600, rated), 4 RD SS, G/45; d5:

9:00 – 9:20 AM onsite registration

9:30 – 11:00 Round 1

11:10 – 12:40 Round 2

12:40 – 1:00 Pizza break #2

1:00 – 2:30 Round 3

2:40 – 4:10 Round 4

4:20 – 4:35 PM Awards Ceremony

Questions: Contact Dennis Mays, dennismays101@gmail.com or Paul Kinion, Paul.Kinion@rctc.edu.