Free Youth Chess Tournaments Across Chicago

Free Youth Chess Tournaments Across Chicago

The Chicago Chess Foundation hosts free scholastic chess tournaments throughout the school year, giving students from across Chicagoland the opportunity to put their skills to the test, meet other young chess players, and experience the excitement of tournament chess.

All CCF tournaments are free and open to students in grades K–8, regardless of experience level. Whether it’s a student’s first tournament or they’re an experienced competitor, our goal is to create a welcoming environment where every young player can compete, learn, and enjoy the game.

What to Expect

CCF tournaments typically feature five rounds of Swiss-system chess, a format that pairs students with opponents based on their results throughout the day. Players compete within sections designed to create fair and engaging games for students of different ages and experience levels.

Trophies and medals are awarded to top finishers, but the experience goes beyond the final standings. Each tournament is an opportunity for students to challenge themselves, practice good sportsmanship, make new connections, and be part of Chicago’s growing youth chess community.

Tournament dates, locations, sections, and registration links will be posted here as they become available.

There is never a cost for students to participate in a Chicago Chess Foundation youth tournament.

Photography & Video

The Chicago Chess Foundation may photograph or record video at tournament events for use in online and printed promotional materials. By participating in a CCF tournament, participants and their families acknowledge that images or video captured during the event may be used by CCF.

READ Our code of conduct

Attending a tournament and interested in getting round notifications to your phone or email?
Click here for instructions to join.

Interested in volunteering at our tournaments?