For first time, State Chess Championship heads to Madison

MADISON – This year, the State Chess Championship will make a move to Madison.

Madison City Chess League or MCCL will host the state chess tourney for 2023 in Town Madison at Toyota Field’s SportsMed Stadium Club, 500 Trash Panda Way during Labor Day weekend on Sept. 1-3.

“We have hosted numerous state scholastic championships for grades K-12 in Madison, and we hosted an adult state championship for the Alabama Chess Federation at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. However, we have never hosted a state championship in Madison,” MCCL President Ranae Bartlett said.

“The last time that North Alabama hosted the State Chess Championship was in 2016 at UAH. This will be the first time the City of Madison will host this event, and we are thrilled,” Bartlett said.

“Town Madison will offer out-of-town competitors numerous hotel and dining options,” Bartlett said. State Representatives David Cole and Phillip Rigsby are sponsoring this event.

At the tournament, players for all sections must have memberships in the Alabama Chess Federation and U.S. Chess Federation. Entry fee for all sections is $60.

The championship will use three sections:

* Premier – 1600+ — Prize Fund or PF guaranteed. Player in first place receives $750 and a plaque. Second – $500. U1900 – $300.

* Reserve – U1600 — PF guaranteed. First place receives $500 and a plaque. Second – $300. U1400 – $200.

* Amateur – U1200 – PF guaranteed. First place receives $350 and a plaque. Second – $200. U1000 – $150.

Early registration expires Aug. 20 at midnight. Late registration will be $80 until registration closes on Aug. 30 at midnight. On-site registration will not be available.

Round times will include Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.; Sept. 2 at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sept. 3 at 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The annual membership meeting of the Alabama Chess Federation on Sept. 3 will run from 1 to 2 p.m. Participants will learn about upcoming events and changes across Alabama.

Participants should create an account on the website, alabamachess.jumpula.com, and register online in advance. Registration will be open through Aug. 30. Late registration is not available.

The Alabama Chess Federation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation and the U.S. Chess Federation affiliate for the state of Alabama.

Through Aug. 20, the registration fee will be $60. From Aug. 21 through Aug. 30, the registration fee will be $80. For questions, email todd.guthrie@alabamachess.org.

MCCL’s mailing address is P.O. Box 843, Madison, AL 35758. For more information, call 256-970-4762, email mccl.director@gmail.com or visit madisonchess.com or Facebook.