The second annual two-day Rochester Open was held in the Mayo Civic Center on July 8 and 9.

The strong turnout of 154 participants ranks the tournament as the largest ever held in Minnesota outside the Twin Cities as far as I am aware. The field was divided into 4 sections with National Master Andrew Titus finishing first in the Open Section again this year. A total of $5,075 were awarded to the top finishers.

Many local players won prizes. The complete results can be found here: https://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?202307094942-12545205

Partnership with the Minnesota Chess Association and the efficient directing of the tournament by Sarah Emmons and Jackson Wahl contributed to the success of the tournament. The tournament was sponsored by Mayo Civic Center, Experience Rochester Minnesota, and Rochester Chess. We thank Mayor Kim Norton for making the ceremonial first move on board one.

Local TV and Newspaper coverage:

• 🎥 ABC 6: Rochester Chess Club annual tournament underway this weekend
• 🎥 KIMT 3: Rochester Chess Open returns to the Mayo Civic Center
• 🎥 KIMT 3: Chess master offers tips on how to win the board
• 📰 Post Bulletin: Rochester Chess Club hosts two-day tournament this weekend

You can view photographs taken by Ken Klotzbach here: https://imageconsciousphotography.pic-time.com/wFD8yJwNXFlu8.