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

Announcements

2026 RCC December Chill Slow Swiss

Three rounds of G/60;+30 in a Swiss Style format will be played. USCF membership (https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess) required. Chess sets and clocks will be provided. Half-point byes are available for schedule conflicts. Sections will be determined based on number and ratings of entrants, but will probably consist of an Upper Section of higher rated players and a Lower Section of the remaining players. On the first night if you wish to switch sections, please discuss with the TD. Games will be played once a week on Tuesday nights. Games start at 6:30pm unless you contact the TD 24 hours before to setup a different start time. You may take one 0.5 point bye; if you need more byes, please do not enter the tournament. The planned dates are: Dec 1; Dec 8; Dec 15; The TD will be participating in the event. TD: Matt Markland, mwmarkland@gmail.com Site: Mayo Clinic Harwick Cafeteria, 201 Third Ave. SW, Rochester, MN. Registration Link: https://forms.gle/dTCSh6gYGq3pWz7L6

November 12, 2026

Announcements

Free Chess Class (11/10)

Join Coach Lucas for a free chess lesson from 5:30pm to 6:30pm in the Mayo Harwick Cafeteria this Tuesday, November 10th. Coach Lucas will be covering opening principles, middlegame strategy, tactics, endgames, and more!

All are welcome - anyone looking to improve at chess or simply learn more about the game is invited to attend! No registration required - after the lesson, there will be time to play casual games during the usual (6:30-9pm) Rochester Chess Club hours. We hope to see you there!

November 10, 2026

Announcements

Free Chess Class (10/27)

Join Coach Lucas for a free chess lesson from 5:30pm to 6:30pm in the Mayo Harwick Cafeteria this Tuesday, October 27th. Coach Lucas will be covering opening principles, middlegame strategy, tactics, endgames, and more!

All are welcome - anyone looking to improve at chess or simply learn more about the game is invited to attend! No registration required - after the lesson, there will be time to play casual games during the usual (6:30-9pm) Rochester Chess Club hours. We hope to see you there!

October 26, 2026

Community

Free Chess Class (10/20)

Join Coach Lucas for a free chess lesson from 5:30pm to 6:30pm in the Mayo Harwick Cafeteria this Tuesday, October 20th. Coach Lucas will be covering opening principles, middlegame strategy, tactics, endgames, and more!

All are welcome - anyone looking to improve at chess or simply learn more about the game is invited to attend! No registration required - after the lesson, there will be time to play casual games during the usual (6:30-9pm) Rochester Chess Club hours. We hope to see you there!

October 16, 2026

Announcements

FREE SCHOLASTIC (K-12) USCF-RATED SWISS CHESS TOURNAMENT ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 WITH A SEPARATE K-3 UNRATED SECTION.

Four rounds of Game/30, d5s in a Swiss Style format will be played. All participants will play 4 games. No elimination. Participating in the K-12 rated sections requires a USCF membership. Scholarships are available if needed. For more information about the tournament and registration: click here.

October 14, 2026

Community

Chess Sorting Event (10/6/26)

Join Coach Lucas for casual chess & chess set sorting this Tuesday, October 6th, from 5:30 - 6:30pm in the Mayo Clinic Harwick Cafeteria!

After many excellent months of enthusiastic chess, our chess sets are all mixed up - help us sort them back to where they should be. Both casual chess and chess sorting will take place concurrently with free snacks & lemonade for all!

October 6, 2026

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