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

Community

Post Festival Analysis - July 14

Join National Master Matt Jensen and others in analyzing games from the recent Rochester Chess Festival. Bring your favorite game to share with others. 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Mayo Harwick Cafeteria.

Matt Jensen will be moderating a game analysis session on July 14, in which individuals share their favorite games.

June 18, 2026

Community

Coach Lucas' Bootcamp - continued...

Join Coach Lucas for the continuation of his free chess bootcamp from 5:00pm to 6:00pm in the Mayo Harwick Cafeteria after the Rochester Chess Festival on Tuesday, July 14th. Coach Lucas will be reviewing opening principles, middlegame strategy, endgame technique, and tactical calculation for all who attend.

Anyone looking to hone their skills or simply learn more about the game is welcome to attend! No registration required - after the lesson, there will be time to play casual games during the usual (6-9pm) Rochester Chess Club hours. We hope to see you there!

July 14, 2026

Tournaments

Rochester Chess Festival

The Rochester Chess Festival is coming soon. Register online before July 10 to save up to $20 over onsite registration https://www.minnesotachess.com/rochester-chess-festival.

June 18, 2026

Tournaments

Rochester Chess Festival Registration Now Open

2026 ROCHESTER CHESS FESTIVAL

JULY 10 – 12

3 EVENTS:

TANDEM SIMULTANEOUS EXHIBITION, 7 PM, FRIDAY JULY 10
ROCHESTER OPEN, JULY 11-12
MIDWESTERN WOMEN AND GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP, JULY 11-12

$7,000 IN PROJECTED PRIZES

REGISTER ONLINE BY 6/20 TO SAVE UP TO $30 OVER ONSITE REGISTRATION: https://www.minnesotachess.com/rochester-chess-festival
A limited number of scholarships are available for scholastic players. Contact Dennis Mays dennismays101@gmail.com
All Masters, including those whose current rating is < 2200, can register free by sending an email to Sarah Wahl semmons2848@gmail.com with your USCF ID and noting any bye requests.

June 18, 2026

Community

Rochester Chess Free Event - Saturday, July 4

Rochester Chess will host a free chess exhibit at the Farmers Market on the fairgrounds (Rochester Farmers Markets) on Saturday, July 4, 9 AM – noon. Children and adults are invited to play chess games and receive instruction from our team of experienced chess coaches. Chess sets will be provided. The market is an opportunity to share your love of chess. If you do not know how to play chess, we will teach you! We will be in the large grassy area near the band. No registration is required. Stop by anytime! I hope to see you there.
Questions? Contact Dennis Mays dennismays101@gmail.com

June 21, 2026

Announcements

Welcome to the New Rochester Chess Club Website!

We are excited to launch our redesigned website! Here you will find up-to-date event schedules, tournament archives, and ways to get involved with our non-profit chess community. Browse the Events page for our weekly Tuesday night meetups and upcoming USCF-rated tournaments.

June 18, 2026