MCCL members eye All-Girls National Chess Tournament in Chicago

MADISON – Members of Madison City Chess League or MCCL are considering a road trip for the 2025 All-Girls National Chess Championship in Chicago, Ill.

The 20th annual national championship will be held on April 4-6 at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.

The Kasparov Chess Foundation or KCF, Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation and the United States Chess Federation are excited to invite girls from across the country to compete in the nation’s largest and most prestigious allgirls chess tournament.

This year’s event will have an added bonus with a special appearance by legendary World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov. As one of the greatest chess players of all time, Kasparov will present an unforgettable experience for all participants at this milestone event.

Kasparov will not conduct book signings or meet-and-greet sessions but will devote his time on the floor during tournament activities.

This tournament is open to girls younger than 18 years old as of Jan. 1, 2025. Participants will compete in the following categories: Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18.

Each age group’s champion will represent the United States at the World Cadet Championship (U8, U10, U12) and World Youth (U14, U16, U18) Championship.

The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place will be the tournament host.

The format will be 6-Round, Swiss System (no elimination). Time control will be Game/90, d5.

Bughouse competition will open on April 4 at 11 a.m. The opening ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m., followed by Round 1 at 3 p.m. and Blitz at 7 p.m. On April 5, Round 2 will start at 10 a.m.; Round 3, 2:30 p.m.; and Round 4, 6:30 p.m.

Round 5 will open the contest on April 6 at 9 a.m. Round 6 will start at 1 p.m. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Scores of the top three players will be added for team scores. Team members must attend the same school.

All players must have US Chess membership. To access US Chess’ website, visit new.uschess.org/ join-us-chess.

Currently, the tournament’s entry fee is $175. From March 25 to April 3, the fee will be $225. Onsite, the fee will be $250. Online registration closes on April 3 at midnight (CST).

For more information, email mccl.director@gmail.com, or visit madisonchess.com.