All-Girls National Chess Championships set for Chicago

MADISON – Girls across America have an invitation to enter the 19th annual Kasparov Chess Foundation or KCF All-Girls National Chess Championships. Girls in Madison City Chess League or MCCL can receive a travel reimbursement.

The championship is the largest and most prestigious girls-only tournament in the United States. The event will be held on April 12-14 at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago. Sponsors are KCF, Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation and U.S. Chess Federation.

The tournament is open to all girls younger than 18 years old as of Jan. 1, 2024. In 2023, six MCCL girls entered the 18th annual championships.

“MCCL members who register for and actually compete at All-Girls Nationals will receive a $400 travel reimbursement from MCCL. This offer is good for the first 14 MCCL members who register,” MCCL Executive Director Todd Guthrie said.

“We hope this offer of assistance with expenses will allow more girls to make the trip and play in this great all-girls tournament,” Guthrie said. In 2023, the championships attracted 472 girls from 35 states.

Players in 2024 will participate in these sections: Under 8 years old, under 10, under 12, under 14, under 16 and under 18.

In each age category, the champion will qualify to represent the United States at the World Cadet and World Youth championships.

The championship’s format will use 6-Round; Swiss System (no elimination); and time control with Game/90, d5.

On April 12, the Bughouse contest will start at 11 a.m. Opening ceremony will start at 2:30 p.m., followed by Round 1 at 3 p.m. and Blitz at 7 p.m. On April 13, Round 2 will start at 10 a.m.; Round 3, 2:30 p.m.; and Round 4, 6:30 p.m. On April 14, Round 5 will open at 9 a.m.; Round 6, 1 p.m.; and awards ceremony at 5 p.m.

Awards will vary among sections:

* Under 8 — Top 15 individuals will receive awards, as will top 500 – 799; top U500; and top six schools.

* Under 10 — Top 16 individuals; top 700 – 999; top U700; and top six schools.

* Under 12 — Top 16 individuals; top 900 – 1199; top U900; and top six schools.

* Under 14 — Top 12 individuals; top 1100 – 1399; top U1100; and top four schools.

* Under 16 — Top eight individuals; Top 1300 – 1599; top U1300; and top three schools.

* Under 18 — Top eight individuals; Top 1500 – 1799; top U1500; and top three schools.

Team members must attend the same school. All players must have US Chess membership.

A single, half-point bye is available for any round, including the final round. A player can request a bye online by 11 p.m. on the day before the tournament starts.

Tournament entry fee is $110 through April 1, followed by $120 by April 11. Onsite fee is $135.

Onsite registration will be available on April 12 from 10 to 12 p.m. to play in Round 1. After 12 p.m., officials will pair the player for the second round.

For MCCL information, visit madisonchess.com; scroll to the “All Event” tab, and click “2024 All Girls Nationals.” To contact tournament officials, call 773-844-0701, email info@renaissanceknights.org or visit rknights.org/allgirls.