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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

Final Results from the Rochester Chess Festival 2026
News

Final Results from the Rochester Chess Festival 2026

Final Results from the Rochester Chess Festival.... 😀

Friday night, the event kicked off with a tandem simultaneous exhibition by two MN international chess masters, John Bartholomew and Sean Nagle. They played 32 opponents, winning 31 games and drawing against Nathan Dohman. Nathan appears to be a thorn in their side as he won in the 2025 exhibition. Here is a YouTube video from the Simul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_hv1ror9mI&authuser=0

A total of 201 chess players participated in the Rochester Open (180) and the Midwest Women and Girls Chess Championship (21). $8,250 in prizes were awarded to the winners. Thanks to the Minnesota State Chess Association for co-sponsoring the event. The final standings for the Rochester Open and the Women and Girls Championships are here:
https://docs.google.com/.../1_dQ1SALi5qxkgbQLBdGO.../edit...

Here is some publicity from the event:
https://www.newsbreak.com/.../4765273191131-chess-festival
July 19, 2026
Post Festival Analysis - July 14
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
Coach Lucas' Bootcamp - continued...
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
Rochester Chess Festival Registration Now Open
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
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