Beginner / Reserve
A welcoming choice for first-time tournament players, beginners, or children who aren’t ready for championship competition.
- No chess membership required.
- Five rounds, with no elimination after a loss.
- Individual and team awards.
Championship Saturday
Tournament details
April 17, 2027 · 9:00 AM–5:30 PM · Abiding Savior Academy
Photos: Chess4Life
Start here
Which section fits your child?
Choose the kind of experience first, then check the grade group.
Open Championship
For players who want to compete for a state title. “Open” is the name of this competition track.
- Sections: K–3, K–5, K–8, and K–12.
- US Chess membership required for grades 4 and above.
- State titles and national invitational opportunities.
Understanding grade groups
K–3 means kindergarten through third grade; K–5 includes students through fifth grade, K–8 through eighth grade, and K–12 through twelfth grade. The ranges overlap. If you are unsure which eligible section to choose, or want to play in a higher grade group, please ask the tournament team before registering.
Entry fees & deadlines
Prices are per child. A required US Chess membership is separate from the entry fee.
| Entry tier | Per player | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early bird | $25 | March 6, 2027 |
| Regular | $30 | April 8, 2027 |
| Late | $35 | Registration closes April 15, 2027 |
| Onsite | $40 | Only if space is available |
Awards & school teams
Awards to anyone scoring 3.0 or more out of 5. Abundance of awards for Overall Placement, Team, and first time tournament participants! Trophies will be awarded to top place finishers both individuals and teams, in both Championship and Reserve sections.
Team Awards: Students ranked and paired individually; the four students from each school who score highest in the tournament will have their scores combined. Team awards for the highest combined score of those four students. (NOTE: minimum team size is 2 players from the same school, and there will be top team awards for each of the OPEN Championship sections and separately for the RESERVE section)
Win at state. Represent South Dakota.
Each Open Championship section winner is offered an opportunity to compete at the corresponding national invitational. See the section-by-section pathways below, for all four grade-based invitationals.
Five rounds of chess
Every player plays five rounds, with no elimination after a loss. Open games allow 40 minutes per player with a 3-second delay. A 3-second increment is permitted if the clock has no delay setting. Reserve games allow 30 minutes per player with a 3-second delay or increment; clocks are recommended, not required.
Win at state. Play for South Dakota.
Your next move could be on a national stage.
The winner of each Open Championship section is offered the opportunity to represent South Dakota at the corresponding US Chess national invitational, held in conjunction with the U.S. Open.
K–3 champion
Ashley
GM Maurice Ashley National Tournament of K–3 State Champions
K–5 championRockefeller
John D. Rockefeller III National Tournament of Elementary School State Champions
K–8 championBarber
Dewain Barber National Tournament of Middle School State Champions
K–12 championDenker
GM Arnold Denker National Tournament of High School State Champions
National participation is subject to US Chess eligibility, SDCA nomination, and the player’s confirmation. Reserve and Bughouse winners do not automatically receive an Open Championship invitational place. Final 2027 national schedules and arrangements will be shared when confirmed.
Plan your tournament day
When & where
Saturday, April 17, 2027
9:00 AM–5:30 PM
Abiding Savior Academy
Middle School Campus
308 W 37th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Arrival & what to bring
Check-in time, the round schedule, equipment needs, parking, and entrance instructions will be posted here before the event.
Check-in may be earlier than the event start. Please check the final instructions before traveling.
Parents, lunch & finish time
Plan to bring or arrange your own lunch. Venue food rules, parent supervision requirements, drop-off and spectator policies are awaiting confirmation.
Plan around the listed 5:30 PM finish; final awards and section finish times will be shared with the schedule.
Need an answer before you book or register? Ask the tournament team.
Registration, sections, memberships & Bughouse
tournaments@chess4life.com
Other event questions: Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation
Email: parksandrec@siouxfalls.gov or give us a call at 605-367-8222.
A South Dakota chess tradition
Be part of a story that keeps growing.
The South Dakota Chess Association has held State Championships for over 100 years. In 2027, Chess4Life is honored to partner with SDCA once again to continue the tradition in Sioux Falls. Whether this is your first tournament or your next chance to compete at state, you’re invited to add your own chapter.
Explore past events: 2024 Championship (hosted by Chess4Life) · 2026 Championship