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: 5-6:30 PM. Unrated chess fun to play friendly games and socialize
Unrated Blitz Format: Around 6:30 PM we start an unrated blitz. G/5; d3.
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 MAR 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.
Questions: Contact TD Nathan Hoover at nathanhoover@msn.com or 763-232-9944
2025 Thursday Knighter Leaderboard, 2025 Upset Leaders
WEEKEND TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
The Adults' Tornado (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. USCF membership is required.
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 (after 8 AM on event day).
Minnesota State Scholastic (Mar 8-9)
https://www.minnesotachess.com/events
RETURN Rapid Tournament (Mar 15)
For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 5 rounds, G/30 with 5 second delay. USCF membership is required.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $30 for Castle members, $40 for non-members online. Then, $10 more online until site opens, $20 more on site.
Rounds at 10:00, 11:20, 1:20, 2:40, 4:00. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite: Club will be open at 9:30 AM. Registration closes at 9:50 AM.
Prizes: $200 total (based on 14). Often 2 Places and 2 Class prizes.
Other: One half point byes by request.
Questions: E-mail Dane Zagar at danezagar@gmail.com with questions.
NEW Faster FIDE Premiere & USCF U1800 (Mar 22-23)
For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
FIDE Premiere: Players in this section must be above 1700 USCF or 1600 FIDE. FIDE & USCF rated.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $65 for Castle members & $75 for Non-Members; then, $10 more online until site opens, $20 more on site.
Prizes: 1st $200, 2nd $120; and two class prizes $120 (based on 16 players).
USCF U1800: USCF rated only. Open to all player under 1800 USCF.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $50 for Castle members online & $60 for Non-Members; then, $10 more online until site opens, $20 more on site.
Prize fund is 1st $160, 2nd $100; and two class prizes $100 (based on 16 players).
All of the above: Five games, Swiss pairings.
Time Control game in 60 minutes plus 30 second increment.
Onsite Registration Sat 9:15- 9:45 AM. Rounds: Sat 10:00-2:00-6:00; Sun 10:00-2:00. USCF membership is required.
Other: One half point byes by request!
Advanced entries can be made online at www.onlineregistration.cc or mailed: Dane Zagar 4454 Maki Rd, Brookston MN, 55711.
Checks payable to: Chess Castle of Minnesota.
Questions: danezagar@gmail.com or text 612-805-3958.
Exerciser Quad (Mar 29)
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).
Rapid Tournament (Apr 5)
For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 5 rounds, G/30 with 5 second delay. USCF membership is required.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $30 for Castle members, $40 for non-members online. Then, $10 more online until site opens, $20 more on site.
Rounds at 10:00, 11:20, 1:20, 2:40, 4:00. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite: Club will be open at 9:30 AM. Registration closes at 9:50 AM.
Prizes: $200 total (based on 14). Often 2 Places and 2 Class prizes.
Other: One half point byes by request.
Questions: Contact TD Joshua Rajadurai at Joshua.chesscastle@gmail.com
Final Scholastic Grand Prix #6 (Apr 6)
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
Exerciser Quad (Apr 12)
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 round 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).
Slower Tornado (Apr 19)
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, $30 for Castle members, $40 for non-members. After that, $10 more online until site opens, $20 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).
MINNEAPOLIS OPEN (Apr 26-27)
Format: 6-round SS, (G/60; +30). USCF membership is required.
Entry fee: Advanced entry $50 by March 15th, $60 by April 1st, $70 by April 20th, and $80 after that or onsite registration 9:00-9:30 AM. Players rated 2200 or above receive $30 off & players 2000 or above receive $20 off. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite: Club opens at 9:30 AM. Registration ends at 9:50.
Rounds: 10:00, 2:00, 6:00. Both Saturday and Sunday.
Prizes (B/O 60): 1st $400, 2nd $200; U2300 $120; U2000 $120; U1700 $120; U1400 $120, U1100 $120 and Trophies to the top three kids and adults Under 800/Unrated!
Other: Up to 2 half-point byes allowed must request by round 3. Games may be broadcast.
Questions: Contact TD danezagar@gmail.com or text 612-805-3958.
Mini-Think (May 3)
For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: Rounds, G/60 with 15 second delay. USCF membership is required.
Online Entry: If 2-days early, $30 for Castle members, $40 for non-members. After that, $10 more online until site opens, $20 more at site.
SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite: Club will open at 10:30 AM. Registration closes at 10:50, $10 more for all.
Rounds: 10:00, 1:00, and 3:30.
Prizes: $200 total (based on 14). Often 2 Places and 2 Class prizes.
Other: One half-point bye available for any round (request by round 2). Club opens at 10:30 on Saturday and Sunday. USCF Rated.
Contact: Contact TD danezagar@gmail.com or text 612-805-3958.
Action Swiss (May 10)
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, $30 for Castle members, $40 for non-members. After that, $10 more online until site opens, $20 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 14). $100 for 1st, $40 for 2nd, $60 for Class Prize TBD.
Other: Up to 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
Exerciser Quad (May 17)
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).
Rapid Tournament (May 24)
For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 5 rounds, G/30 with 5 second delay. USCF membership is required.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $30 for Castle members, $40 for non-members online. Then, $10 more online until site opens, $20 more on site.
Rounds at 10:00, 11:20, 1:20, 2:40, 4:00. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite: Club will be open at 9:30 AM. Registration closes at 9:50 AM.
Prizes: $200 total (based on 14). Often 2 Places and 2 Class prizes.
Other: One half point byes by request.
Questions: E-mail TD Dan Voje danvoje@gmail.com or 651-280-5473 (after 8 AM on event day).
RETURN Think (May 30-June 1)
For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 7 rounds, G/60 with 15 second delay. USCF membership is required.
Online Entry: If 2-days early, $40 for Castle members, $50 for non-members. After that, $10 more online until site opens, $20 more at site.
Saturday ONLY: $20 (No Prize) SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite entry: Starts 9:30 to 9:50AM.
Rounds: 10:00, 1:00, 3:45, 7:00 on Saturday, 11:00, 2:00, 4:45 on Sunday.
Prizes (based on 14): 1st $160, 2nd $80, and two Class prizes $60 each.
Other: Up to two half-point byes available for any rounds. Club open at 9:30 on Saturday and 10:30 on Sunday.
Contact: Contact TD danezagar@gmail.com or text 612-805-3958.