The 2025 Rochester Chess Festival kicks off this evening, July 18, at 7 PM with a simultaneous exhibition by International Masters John Bartholomew and Sean Nagle at the Mayo Civic Center in the ballroom west lobby on the second floor. Entry is free for the first 50 registrants thanks to the generous sponsorship by ChessGoals. You can play in the simul even if you do not play in the Swiss tournaments. Parents are encouraged to sign up and play alongside their children! The simul is guaranteed to be great fun as you match your wits against an IM, especially when they are playing 50 players at the same time! Register at this link to reserve your spot: https://www.minnesotachess.com/rochester-chess-festival. Spectators are welcome!

The 2025 Rochester Open and the Midwest Regional Championship for Women & Girls will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20, at the Mayo Civic Center, Ballrooms 2 and 3 on the second floor. Register online by 7 PM on July 18, to save $10: https://www.minnesotachess.com/rochester-open. Both tournaments are USCF-rated, 5-round swiss events. Spectators are welcome!