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!
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.
2024 Action Quad Leaderboard
Tuesday Fire & Ice
Every Tuesday. First a Slow Burn; then, an Unrated Blitz Cool Off (Play One or Both).
Fire Format: Open Swiss, G/60 + 5 second increment, each Tuesday for a month.
Fire Round Time: 6:30 PM Tuesdays, check-in by 6:20 PM or you may not get paired.
Fire 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.
Fire Prizes: Winner and Top Cumulative Upsets get FREE entry next month, split on a tie.
Fire Registration: Onsite registration 6:00-6:20 PM first or second Tuesday of the month. Online registration before 6:00 PM, SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Fire Other: Players must be present or email Jack by 6:20 PM to Check-In. USCF membership is required. Games are done at about 8:30 PM. Up to 2 half point byes may be given before round 3.
Ice Format: Five Round Swiss, G/3 + 2 second increment.
Ice Start Time: Starts at 8:50 PM every week, a new event every Tuesday.
Ice Entry Fee: Only $5 each week if you play the Fire, others $10 onsite only.
Ice Prizes: 80% of entry fees returned in prizes, Place & Under prizes.
Ice Registration: Register online before 6:00 PM, SIGN UP CLICK HERE! Onsite registration is between 8:35-8:45 PM Tuesdays.
Ice Other: USCF membership NOT required. USCF regular ratings used for pairing/prizes.
Fire & Ice Questions: Contact TD Jack Bellinger at tuesday@chesscastle.com
Wednesday Casual Night, Game Review & Unrated Blitz
Perfect for new players or returning members to learn about the club, play some friendly games, or join the US Chess Federation.
Casual: 5-7 PM. Unrated chess fun to play friendly games and socialize
Game review/lecture: 7-8 PM. Have your notated game reviewed by a US Chess Expert, Candidate Master, or National Master. $10 per game up to 5 games per night.
Unrated Blitz Format: 6 rounds, G/3+2.
Round Times: 1st round at 8:00 PM, remaining rounds ASAP.
Entry Fee: Entry $10 only $5 for those who paid for Game Review
Prizes 1st $20, 2nd $10, & Free Weekday Tournament Cards to all new Unrated or Provisionally rated players scoring 2 points or more
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: (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.
Prizes: Winner and Top Cumulative Upsets get FREE entry next month, split on a tie.
Registration: Onsite registration 5:45-6:15 PM first Thursday of the month. Online registration JUN SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Byes: One bye if 4 rounds, two byes if 5 rounds, exceptions at TD's discretion.
Other: USCF membership is required. Most games are done by 10:00 PM. House player and spectators welcomed.
Questions: Contact TD Norm Myrin at normalcyforever@gmail.com or 612-964-6673
PREMIER: Chess set & clock provided. New Premier Prize Masters Entry!
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.
Prizes: Same as OPEN, plus Winner gets free entry to play a weekend Quad with 3 Masters!
Registration: Same as OPEN.
Byes: Same as OPEN.
Other: Exceptions to minimum rating at TD's discretion. TD may require submission of game scores. Games may be broadcast with live commentary on YouTube. House player welcomed.
Questions: Contact TD Nathan Hoover at nathanhoover@msn.com or 763-232-9944
Wallchart 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.
Foolish Tornado Sunday (Jun 16)
For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Friday.
Format: 4 rounds swiss, G/45 with 5 second delay.
Online Entry: If 2-days early, $25 for Castle members, $35 for non-members. After that, $5 more online until site opens, $10 more at site. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Onsite entry: $10 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.
Contact: E-mail TD Jackson Wahl at rapid@chesscastle.com
USCF Minor & Major G/75+25 (Jun 22-23)
For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Sunday, 6 days prior.
Format: 5 games, Swiss pairings. G/75 plus 25 second increment. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Entry fee: $35 for Castle members if 1-week early online, $5 more if online by Thursday, $10 more if online until club opens, $15 more at site. Non-Members add $10.
Rounds: Saturday 10:00AM-2:15PM-6:30PM; Sunday 10AM-2:15PM.
Onsite Registration: Sat 9:15- 9:45 AM. Club opens at 9:15am.
Other: Up to two half point byes by request before round 3 is paired!
Major (1600+): Players in this section must be at least 1600 USCF Live or Monthly.
Prizes: 1st $140, 2nd $100; 2 Class Prizes $70; (based on 15 players).
Minor (U1800): Players in this section must be below 1800 USCF.
Prizes: 1st $120, 2nd $80; 2 Class Prizes $60 each (based on 15 players).
Advanced entries: Made online at www.onlineregistration.cc or mailed: Dane Zagar 7517 W110th Street, Bloomington MN, 55438. Checks payable to: Chess Castle of Minnesota. USCF membership is required.
Questions: email danezagar@gmail.com or text 612-805-3958
Exerciser Quad #6 (Jun 29)
For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: Three Rounds Game in 60 with a 30 second increment, USCF membership is required. Players are grouped based on ratings.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $5 for Castle members, $15 for others. After that, $5 more online until site opens, $10 more at site. SIGN UP CLICK HERE! Please register before 9:30 AM online.
Onsite registration: $10 more, ends at 9:50 AM. Castle opens at 9:30 AM and games start at 10:00.
Round Times: 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and ASAP.
Questions: E-mail Dan Voje danvoje@gmail.com or 651-280-5473 (after 8 AM on event day).
Closed for Rochester Open (Jul 6-7)
https://www.minnesotachess.com/rochester-open
Summer Chess Chill for Kids (Tue/Thu Jul 9 - Aug 15)
Exerciser Quad #7 (Jul 13)
For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: Three Rounds Game in 60 with a 30 second increment, USCF membership is required. Players are grouped based on ratings.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $5 for Castle members, $15 for others. After that, $5 more online until site opens, $10 more at site. SIGN UP CLICK HERE! Please register before 9:30 AM online.
Onsite registration: $10 more, ends at 9:50 AM. Castle opens at 9:30 AM and games start at 10:00.
Round Times: 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and ASAP.
Questions: E-mail Dan Voje danvoje@gmail.com or 651-280-5473 (after 8 AM on event day).
Think (Jul 20-21)
For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 6 rounds, G/60 with 15 second increment.
Online Entry: If 2-days early, $35 for Castle members, $45 for non-members, & $20 Saturday ONLY (No Prize). After that, $5 more online until site opens, $10 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: 11:00, 2:15, and 5:00 on both Saturday and Sunday.
Prizes (based on 16): 1st $120, 2nd $80, and two Class prizes $60 each.
Other: Up to two half-point byes available for any rounds (requested by round 4). Club opens at 10:30 on Saturday and Sunday. USCF Rated.
Contact: Contact TD Jack Bellinger at think@chesscastle.com.
Rapid (Jul 27)
For best rate, sign up by end-of-day Thursday.
Format: 5 rounds, G/30 with 5 second delay.
Entry fee: If 2-days early, $25 for Castle members, $35 for non-members. After that, $5 more online until site opens, $10 more at site. SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Rounds: 10:00, 11:30, 1:30, 2:45, 4:00.
Onsite: Club will open at 9:30 AM. Registration closes at 9:50 AM, $10 more for all.
Prizes: $200 total (based on 16). Often 2 Places and 2 Class prizes.
Other: Up to 2 half point byes by request. USCF Regular and Quick rated.
Questions: Contact TD Jackson Wahl at rapid@chesscastle.com.
Roger Hale Chess Celebration (Aug 9-11)
Over $3,800 in prizes projected + U800 with trophy & cash prizes! Friday Master Simul + MSCA Grand Prix points available! Discounts for 2000, 2100, & 2200+ Players! Extra playing rooms rented at the Chess Castle for this event!
Friday Night (August 9th) Chess Castle Tandem Master Simul + Free Game Analysis: Test your skills against USCF’s finest! All challengers will face Masters who will alternate turns on your board. Winners will receive a special prize! After your game, analyze it for FREE with Chess Expert Dane Zagar. Registration online at www.onlineregistration.cc or onsite at 5:30 pm and games will start at 6:00pm. Support the Chess Castle and battle the Chess Stars only $15 for Chess Castle Members $30 for others.
The Voje Section: Entry fee: $55 by June 15th, $65 by July 1st, $75 by July 15th; $85 by August 1st, $95 by August 9th, $110 onsite before 9:30am. Discounts: 2000+ $10 off 2100+ $20 off, 2200+ $30 off, and FMs, IMs, & GMs FREE after 3 rounds played. Prize fund: 1st $800 + Dan Voje Trophy, 2nd $400, 3rd $200; U2200 $160; U2000 $160; U1800 $160 (based on 45 paid entries).
The Roger Section (U1600): Entry fee: $45 by June 15th, $55 by July 1st, $65 by July 15th; $75 by August 1st, $85 by August 9th, $100 onsite before 9:30am. Prize fund: 1st $400 + Roger Hale Trophy, 2nd $200, 3rd $160, U1400 $120, U1200 $120, U1000 $120 (based on 45 paid entries).
The Future Section (U800): Entry fee: $35 by June 15th, $45 by July 1st, $55 by July 15th; $65 by August 1st, $75 by August 9th, $90 onsite before 9:30am. Prize Fund: 1st $300, 2nd $150, 3rd $120; U600 1st $100, 2nd $60; Unrated/U400 1st $100, 2nd $60 + Scholastic Trophies for the top 1st - 3rd K-5 students, 1st - 3rd 6th - 8th grade students, and 1st - 3rd 9th - 12th grade students (based upon 45 paid entries). Policy for New/Unrateds.
All Sections: Five games, Swiss pairings. USCF membership required and MSCA optional. Time Control: All games in 75 minutes plus 25 second increment. Schedule: Saturday 10:00AM-2:15PM- 6:30PM; Sunday 10AM-2:15PM. Onsite Registration: Saturday 8:30am - 9:30am. Advanced entries can be made online at www.onlineregistration.cc or mailed: Dane Zagar 7517 W 110th St, Bloomington Minnesota, 55438. Checks payable to: Chess Castle; Must be postmarked by August 1st. Byes up to 2 half-point byes. Forfeit Time: 30 minutes.
Why the Roger Hale Chess Celebration? The Chess Castle has a rich history beginning after Fischer’s 1972 World Championship. Roger Hale’s leadership and contributions with the help of TDs like Dan Voje have kept the Chess Castle alive and thriving well into the 21st century!
Tournament Questions: Contact Dane Zagar: danezagar@gmail.com or (612) 805-3958