Kindergartners can register for their own tournament with Madison City Chess League
MADISON – Youngsters who are enrolled in kindergarten can register for their age-specific competition – the 2026 Madison City Chess League Kindergarten Tournament.
Mill Creek Elementary School will host the kindergarten tournament on April 11. “It is an unrated practice tournament for all kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students who want to try playing in a tournament,” MCCL Executive Director Todd Guthrie said.
Players do not need to have a US Chess membership because the 2026 MCCL Kindergarten Tournament is an unrated tournament. “If you are enrolled in kindergarten or pre-kindergarten, you can play in this tournament even if you have played in rated tournaments,” Guthrie said.
Registration is limited to the first 20 kindergartners to register. To find details and register, visit madisonchess.com/ events/1189/2026-mccl-kindergarten-tournament. Or, you can register by visiting madisonchess. com, and clicking the “Event” dropdown menu and clicking “Upcoming Events.” On the new window, click “2026 MCCL Kindergarten Tournament.”
Players must complete registration online. Onsite registration will not be available.
All contestants must attend a players’ meeting at 8:45 a.m. This tournament game will have 15 minutes per side (G/15), and players will compete in five rounds if time permits.
For awards in this tournament, players who achieve first through fifth place will receive a trophy. All other competitors will receive a medal. The awards ceremony will occur at approximately noon, Guthrie said.
Players are not required to have a membership for the kindergarten tournament. “This competition will be a non-rated tournament and great practice for our youngest chess players,” Guthrie said.
Entry fee is $20 for MCCL members. If a player is not a MCCL member, the fee is $25. (Savings for MCCL members will appear after the player adds the tournament to the cart.)
Deadline to register online is April 8 or until filled (limited to 20 students).
For more information, visit madisonchess.com.
