e-mail at info@chesscastle.com
You can register for ALL Chess Castle and MSCA events online at onlineregistration.cc! You can also always register in-person - please arrive before the start time.
The Chess Castle is open four nights a week, on Monday-Thursday, and most weekends!
New scholastic event: The scholastic Grand Prix !
Click here for details. SEE YOUR GRAND PRIX POINTS CLICK HERE!
Register here!!!!
WEEKDAY TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Monday Action Quads
Action Quads every Monday. For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Sunday.
Format: Quads, Game in 25 with a 10 second increment (G/25+10), 3 rounds, players grouped by rating.
Round Times: 1st round at 6:30 PM, remaining rounds ASAP.
Entry Fee: $15 for Castle members by Sun, $20 by Mon online until 6 PM, $25 at site, $5 more for non-members.
Prizes: 1st $30 in each quad. If there is a Swiss lower section, then 1st $30 and $15 class prize.
Registration: Online by 6 pm Mon, CLICK HERE! Onsite registration and check-in 6:00-6:20 PM.
Other: USCF membership is required. Games may be broadcast, but it is optional to players. Most games are done by 10:00 PM.
Questions: Contact TD Dan Voje at danvoje@gmail.com or 651-280-5473. Please call if Mon after 3 PM.
Wednesday Casual Night & Unrated Blitz
Perfect for new players or returning members to learn about the club, play some friendly games, or join the US Chess Federation.
Entry Fee: Free for first timers, $5 donation requested after that per week.
Casual: 5-7 PM. Unrated chess fun to play friendly games and socialize
Unrated Blitz Format: Around 7-8pm we start a unrated blitz mostly 6 rounds, G/3+2.
Round Times: 1st round at 8:00 PM, remaining rounds ASAP.
Questions: Contact TD Dan Voje at danvoje@gmail.com or 651-280-5473
Thursday Knighter Open/Premier
Rounds every Thursday. For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Tuesday before round 1.
OPEN: Personal chess set & clock optional.
Format: 4-5 Rd SS, (G/90; +30). New event each month, 1st round 1st Thursday, last round last Thursday.
Round Times: 6:30 PM each Thursday, check-in by 6:20 or you may not get paired.
Entry Fee: If 2-days early, $25 for CCM members, $35 for non-members. After that, $5 more online until site open, $10 more at site. It's good for whole month. 1-day rate is $10 for CCM members, $15 for non-members.
Onsite: Club opens at 6:00 PM. Registration and check-in ends at 6:20. Online registration JAN SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Prizes: Winner and Top Cumulative Upsets get FREE entry next month, split on a tie. Winner(s) may optionally use entry for PREMIER.
Byes: One bye if 4 rounds, two byes if 5 rounds. Request by round 3. One-day entry not applicable.
Other: USCF membership is required. Most games are done by 10:00 PM. Spectators welcomed.
Questions: Contact TD Norm Myrin at normalcyforever@gmail.com or 612-964-6673
PREMIER: Chess set & clock provided. $200 in sponsored prizes!
Format / Round Times: Same as OPEN section. Excellent opportunity for higher rated players (must be 1700 or higher) with discount incentives.
Entry Fee: If 2-days early and a CCM member (1700-1899 $35), (1900-1999 $30), (2000-2099 $25), (2100-2199 $20), (2200-2299 $15), (2300+ $10), (NE receives $5 off, NM receives $10 off, FM and above FREE). After that, $5 more until site opens, $10 more at site. Non-members $10 more. Entry fee is good for whole month. One-day rate is same as OPEN.
Onsite: Same as OPEN.
Prizes: Top Cumulative Upsets get FREE entry next month, plus $$ 150-50 for 1st-2nd sponsored prizes!
Byes: Same as OPEN, must be 1800+.
Other: Exceptions to minimum rating and byes at TD's discretion. TD may require submission of game scores. Games may be broadcast with live commentary on YouTube. The sponsored prizes are to entice the Masters, so please do not withdraw.
Questions: Contact TD Nathan Hoover at nathanhoover@msn.com or 763-232-9944
2024 Thursday Knighter Leaderboard, 2024 Upset Leaders
WEEKEND TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
For best rate, please note the early entry options for weekend events.
Get-in-Shape Exerciser Quad #1 (Jan 11) $100 in sponsored prizes for top section!
Get in shape for the Winter Open. For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 3 rounds RR, (G/60; +30). Players are grouped based on ratings. USCF membership is required.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $10 for Castle members, $20 for others. After that, $5 more online until site opens, $10 more at site. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite: Club opens at 9:30 AM. Registration and check-in ends at 9:50, please text TD if running late.
Rounds: 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and ASAP. Lunch after rd 1.
Prizes (Top Section): $$ 75-25 for 1st-2nd sponsored prizes.
Byes: No byes, please do not withdraw. Withdrawal from Top Section incurs a $50 fee.
Other: Any sections may be a Swiss at TD's discretion. Games may be broadcast. House player welcomed. Winner of section 2 receives invite to section 1 for next Exerciser Quad, registration and entry fee still apply.
Questions: E-mail TD Dan Voje danvoje@gmail.com or 651-280-5473 (after 8 AM on event day).
Scholastic Grand Prix #3 (Jan 12)
For the best rate, sign up 3-days in advance! SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Eligibility: Players must be 18 or under. USCF Membership is required. (CCM Scholastic Novice Memberships are available through the Chess Castle offering a FREE USCF Membership.) Join Now!
Format: Players are grouped by grade levels in sections K-12. Four rounds. All games are G/25, d/5. ½ hour lunch break after round 1. Round times: 12:15, 1:45, and Rounds 3 and 4 ASAP. Questions? Email danezagar@gmail.com or call or text Dane at 612-805-3958.
Entry Fees: $35 for CCM Members, $45 for others (if registered 3-days early). 1-Day before, $5 more. And $10 more in person at the Castle. Doors will open at 11:00.
Prizes: Trophies and Medals for the top 5 winners of each section at all 6 tournaments. Grand Prix Points will be awarded to every player (10 just for registering, 5 for taking notation). Grand Prix Cash Prizes (based on cumulative points) will be awarded at the April Scholastic Grand Prix Tournament #6 Finale. Tournament Dates (all Sundays, 12:15): 11/03, 12/08, 1/12/25, 2/9, 3/2, 4/6. Play in as many as you can!
Grand Prix Points & Cash Awards:
All chess players will earn points—10 for each registration, 5 for each game notated. Per game, per section, per tournament: Win=20 points, Draw=10 points, Loss=5 points. Points are cumulative. We will use your top 4 games to determine your total points value. So, if you miss a tournament or have an off day, you won’t be penalized.
Cash Awards (presented at the 4/6 finale tournament) will be awarded to the top five winners* (highest point scores) in each section as follows:
First Place: $250
Second Place: $200
Third Place: $150
Fourth Place: $100
Fifth Place: $ 50
Contact: danezagar@gmail.com or text 612-805-3958
Winter Open (Jan 18-19)
https://www.minnesotachess.com/winter-open
1-day Mini-Swiss #1 (Jan 25)
Get over the 2-day Open. This is a 1-day classic. For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 3 round SS, (G/60; +30), in 2 sections Premier (1700+) & Amateur (U1800).
EF Premier: If 2-days early, $25 for Castle members, $35 for non-members.
EF Amateur: If 2-days early, $20 for Castle members, $30 for non-members.
EF Both: After that, $5 more online until site opens, $10 more at site. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite: Club opens at 9:30 AM. Registration and check-in ends at 9:50, please text TD if running late.
Rounds: 10:00, 1:30, 5:00. Lunch after rd 1.
Prizes Premier: $150 total (based on 10). $100 for 1st, $50 for 2nd.
Prizes Amateur: $90 total (based on 10). $60 for 1st, $30 for 2nd.
Byes: 1 bye, request by rd 2.
Other: USCF membership is required. USCF Regular rated. Games may be broadcast.
Questions: E-mail TD Dane Zagar danezagar@gmail.com or 612-805-3958 (after 8 AM on event day).
First Saturday Exerciser Quad #2 (Feb 1)
Keep in shape with the First Saturday. For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 3 rounds RR, (G/60; +30). Players are grouped based on ratings. USCF membership is required.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $10 for Castle members, $20 for others. After that, $5 more online until site opens, $10 more at site. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite: Club opens at 9:30 AM. Registration and check-in ends at 9:50, please text TD if running late.
Rounds: 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and ASAP. Lunch after rd 1.
Other: No byes, please do not withdraw. One section may be a Swiss at TD's discretion.
Questions: E-mail TD Dan Voje danvoje@gmail.com or 651-280-5473 (after 8 AM on event day).
Warm-up Tornado (Feb 8)
Warm up for the MN Open. For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 4 rounds SS, (G/30; +30). USCF membership is required.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $20 for Castle members, $30 for non-members. After that, $5 more online until site opens, $10 more at site. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite: Club opens at 9:30 AM. Registration and check-in ends at 9:50, please text TD if running late.
Rounds: 10:00, 1:00, 3:30, 6:00. Lunch after round 1.
Prizes: $200 total (based on 20). $100 for 1st, $40 for 2nd, $60 for Class Prize TBD.
Byes: 1 bye, request by rd 2.
Other: USCF Regular and Quick rated. Games may be broadcast.
Questions: E-mail TD Dane Zagar danezagar@gmail.com or 612-805-3958 (after 8 AM on event day).
Scholastic Grand Prix #3 (Feb 9)
For the best rate, sign up 3-days in advance! SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Eligibility: Players must be 18 or under. USCF Membership is required. (CCM Scholastic Novice Memberships are available through the Chess Castle offering a FREE USCF Membership.) Join Now!
Format: Players are grouped by grade levels in sections K-12. Four rounds. All games are G/25, d/5. ½ hour lunch break after round 1. Round times: 12:15, 1:45, and Rounds 3 and 4 ASAP. Questions? Email danezagar@gmail.com or call or text Dane at 612-805-3958.
Entry Fees: $35 for CCM Members, $45 for others (if registered 3-days early). 1-Day before, $5 more. And $10 more in person at the Castle. Doors will open at 11:00.
Prizes: Trophies and Medals for the top 5 winners of each section at all 6 tournaments. Grand Prix Points will be awarded to every player (10 just for registering, 5 for taking notation). Grand Prix Cash Prizes (based on cumulative points) will be awarded at the April Scholastic Grand Prix Tournament #6 Finale. Tournament Dates (all Sundays, 12:15): 11/03, 12/08, 1/12/25, 2/9, 3/2, 4/6. Play in as many as you can!
Grand Prix Points & Cash Awards:
All chess players will earn points—10 for each registration, 5 for each game notated. Per game, per section, per tournament: Win=20 points, Draw=10 points, Loss=5 points. Points are cumulative. We will use your top 4 games to determine your total points value. So, if you miss a tournament or have an off day, you won’t be penalized.
Cash Awards (presented at the 4/6 finale tournament) will be awarded to the top five winners* (highest point scores) in each section as follows:
First Place: $250
Second Place: $200
Third Place: $150
Fourth Place: $100
Fifth Place: $ 50
Contact: danezagar@gmail.com or text 612-805-3958
Minnesota Open (Feb 14-16)
https://www.minnesotachess.com/mn-open
Post-Open Action Swiss #1 aka Whiz Blitz (Feb 22) tentative
Put those Open results behind you and play some Action. For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 6 round SS, (G/25; +10). USCF membership is required.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $20 for Castle members, $30 for non-members. After that, $5 more online until site opens, $10 more at site. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite: Club opens at 9:30 AM. Registration and check-in ends at 9:50, please text TD if running late.
Rounds: 10:00, 11:20, 1:30, 2:50, 4:10, 5:30. Lunch after rd 2.
Prizes: $200 total (based on 20). $100 for 1st, $50 for 2nd, $50 for Class Prize TBD.
Other: 2 half-point byes allowed, request by round 3. USCF Regular and Quick rated. Games may be broadcast.
Questions: Contact TD Joshua Rajadurai at Joshua.chesscastle@gmail.com (after 8 AM on event day).
First Saturday Exerciser Quad #3 (Mar 1) tentative
Stay in shape with the First Saturday. For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 3 rounds RR, (G/60; +30). Players are grouped based on ratings. USCF membership is required.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $10 for Castle members, $20 for others. After that, $5 more online until site opens, $10 more at site. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite: Club opens at 9:30 AM. Registration and check-in ends at 9:50, please text TD if running late.
Rounds: 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and ASAP. Lunch after rd 1.
Other: No byes, please do not withdraw. One section may be a Swiss at TD's discretion.
Questions: E-mail TD Nathan Hoover nathanhoover@msn.com or text 763-232-9944 after 8 AM on event day.
The Adults' Tornado March (Mar 8) tentative
Please note this is NOT a senior event! Open to all ages and sexes. It's just that with the big scholastic event at St Thomas this weekend, most chesspunks will be there, creating a safer space for us older folks. But all are welcomed.
Format: 4 rounds swiss, G/45 with 5 second delay.
Online Entry: $25 for Castle members, $35 for non-members. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite entry: $5 more ends at 9:50AM.
Rounds: 10:00, 12:15, 2:00, and 4:00.
Prizes (based on 16): 1st $60, 2nd $30, bottom half and quarter prizes each $30.
Other: Up to two half point byes if requested before round 3. Younger folks, see Scholastic event below.
Contact: E-mail Dan Voje danvoje@gmail.com or 651-280-5473.
Minnesota State Scholastic (Mar 8-9)
https://www.minnesotachess.com/events