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.
Tuesday Knighter
Rounds every Tuesday. For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Sunday before round 1.
Format: 4-5 Rd SS, (G/60; +30). New event each month, 1st round 1st Tuesday, last round last Tuesday.
Round Time: 6:30 PM Tuesdays, check-in by 6:20 PM or you may not get paired.
Entry Fee: If 2-days early, $20 CCM members, $30 for non-members. After that, $5 more online up until club opens, $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.
Byes: One bye if 4 rounds, two byes if 5 rounds.
Other: Players must be present or email Josh by 6:20 PM to Check-In. USCF membership is required. Most games done by 9:00 PM.
Questions: Contact TD Joshua Rajadurai at Joshua.chesscastle@gmail.com.
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.
Comments: The sponsored prizes are to entice the Masters, 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
Please note the 2-day early entry option for weekend events beginning Jun 1. For more info, click here.
Castle Championship (Jan 4-5)
Head-to-head with the Castle's best. For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Sunday 12/29.
Format: 5 round SS, (G/60; +30), in 2 sections Premier (1700+) & Amateur (U1800). To be eligible to play, you must have played in at least 2 rated Castle events throughout the year of 2024.
Entry fee: If 6-days early, $20 for Castle members, $35 for non-members. After that, $5 more until Thursday, $10 more after that until site opens, $15 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: Sat 10:00, 1:30, 5:00PM. Lunch after rd 1. Sun 11:00, 2:30. Lunch after rd 4.
Prizes: Free 1-year Castle membership (or 2-month free play card) to 1st in each section. 50% discounted membership (or 1-month free play card) to 2nd, U2000, U1900, U1600, U1500. Winners also get name engraved on Championship Plague.
Byes: 2 byes, request by rd 3.
Other: USCF membership is required. Games may be broadcast.
Questions: E-mail TD Dane Zagar danezagar@gmail.com or 612-805-3958 (after 8 AM on event day).
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 section 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, 4:30. 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) tentative
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) tentative
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, 12:30, 2:45, 5:00. 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 Rapid (Feb 22) tentative
Put those Open results behind you and play some Rapid. For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 7 rounds SS, (G/15; +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, 11:00, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30. 3:30: 4:30. Lunch after round 2.
Prizes: $200 total (based on 20). $100 for 1st, $40 for 2nd, $60 for Class Prize TBD.
Byes: 2 byes, request by rd 3.
Other: USCF 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).
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 Dan Voje danvoje@gmail.com or 651-280-5473 (after 8 AM on event day).
The Adults' Tornado March (Mar 8)
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.