Colorado, the Centennial State, is not only famed for its breathtaking mountain ranges and outdoor adventures but also for its burgeoning chess community. With a rich history of hosting numerous local, state, and national chess events, Colorado has become a hotspot for both novice and seasoned players to hone their skills and challenge themselves. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Colorado chess tournaments and what they have to offer.
Denver
| Club Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Denver Chess Club | Third Christian Reform Church, 2400 S. Ash, Denver, CO 80222 |
| Aurora Chess Club | Currently searching for a new location (check website) |
| Chess Knights | Highlands Ranch Library, Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO |
| Downtown Corner Bakery Blitz Chess | Corner Bakery, 16th and Arapaho, downtown Denver, CO |
| Denver Chess on Meetup.com | Varies (check Meetup.com page for event locations) |
| North Jeffco Chess Club | Grandview Grill, 7427 Grandview, Olde Town Arvada, CO |
| Parker Chess Club | Parker library, Parker, CO |
Denver Chess Club:
The Denver Chess Club gathers at the Third Christian Reform Church, located at 2400 S. Ash in Denver, CO 80222 (you can find directions on the map). Meetings take place every Tuesday, commencing at 6:30 PM and running until the conclusion of the rated games, typically around 10:30 PM. Each month, there’s a rated 4-round tournament featuring a time control of G/70; d/05. If a month includes 5 Tuesdays, there’s either an additional round or a separate quick chess tournament on the 5th Tuesday.
November and December are usually combined to create a 6-round tournament, with no games scheduled near Thanksgiving and Christmas. Registration is open from 6:30 to 7:00 PM each week. The entry fee for DCC members is $6 per week or $20 per month, while non-members pay $8 per week or $30 per month. DCC memberships are available for $45 annually or $28 for 6 months. Spectators and casual players are welcome without any charge. Typically, every week, Life Master and 7-time state champion, Brian Wall, or another highly rated player, delivers a chess-related lecture from 6:45 PM until the start of the rated games at 7:30 PM. This aspect of the DCC promises entertainment and is accessible to everyone for free. Your attendance is appreciated in advance. For additional information and the option to play through games, visit the DCC website at denverchess.com. If you have any questions, please contact J.C. MacNeil at 303-883-2684 or via email at [email protected].
Aurora Chess Club:
The Aurora Chess Club is currently in search of a new location and doesn’t have a fixed meeting place at the moment. Please stay updated by visiting their website for details.
Chess Knights:
Chess Knights convene on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. To reach the venue, go south on Broadway from C-470 and continue for 1.3 miles. At the light, turn right onto Highlands Ranch Parkway and drive 0.2 miles. At the first light, turn left onto Ridgeline Blvd., and go another 0.2 miles. You’ll find the library on your left. The group meets in the conference room located on the left side, beyond the restrooms.
More information is available on the Chess Knights’ website at http://HighlandsRanchLibraryChess.org. For inquiries, please contact Frank Atwood at (720) 260-1493 or via email at [email protected].
Downtown Corner Bakery Blitz Chess:
Downtown Corner Bakery Blitz Chess takes place at the Corner Bakery, situated at 16th and Arapaho in downtown Denver, near the clock tower on the 16th street mall. Registration occurs on Saturdays between 12:45 PM and 1:00 PM, with an entry fee of 5 dollars. The format is a double round-robin with clock moves. For more details, please contact J.C. MacNeil at 303-883-2684 or via email at [email protected].
- The prize fund consists of 100% of the entry fees and follows the “humble pie” prize payout system, where winning all your games doubles the entry fee, and any score other than zero earns a prize.
Denver Chess on Meetup.com:
Denver Chess on Meetup.com meets on Saturday afternoons at 3 PM, usually once or twice per month, offering casual unrated games and lessons for newcomers to chess. The group encompasses a range of skill levels, from beginners to expert-strength players, and welcomes all chess enthusiasts.
Participation is free for those coming to play games, and lessons are available for just $5 each for those new to the game. The group operates through the social site Meetup.com, and you can find more information and sign up for events on their page at http://www.meetup.com/Learn-to-Play-Chess/. For inquiries, please contact David Costantino at [email protected] or through the group’s Meetup.com page.
North Jeffco Chess Club:
The North Jeffco Chess Club now gathers on Thursdays from 7 PM to 10 PM at the Grandview Grill, located at 7427 Grandview in Olde Town Arvada. This venue offers full food and beverage service. Players of all skill levels, including beginners, are welcome. If possible, bring your own chess set and clock, although several sets and clocks are available. The club engages in speed chess, slow chess, and plenty of Bughouse. Some members also play Shogi. The venue is fully accessible. For more information, please contact [email protected].
Parker Chess Club:
The Parker Chess Club meets every Monday from 6 PM to 8 PM at the new Parker library in Parker, CO. Players of all levels and ages are welcome. For further details, please contact John Brezina at [email protected].
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Chess Club:
The Colorado Springs Chess Club gathers every Tuesday at 7:00 PM, and the meetings take place at the Acacia Apartments, situated at the intersection of Platte and Tejon in downtown Colorado Springs. The club offers a variety of activities and tournaments. For more information, please contact Paul Andersen at (719) 551-9833.
USAF Academy Chess Club:
The USAF Academy Chess Club convenes most Fridays during the school year from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Meetings are held in Room 5D2 of Fairchild Hall. For inquiries, please get in touch with Jim Serpa or Pete Cohen at (719) 333-4470.
Fort Collins
The Fort Collins Chess Club:
To contact The Fort Collins Chess Club, you can reach out to Frank Deming via email at [email protected]. You can also find the club on the following online platforms:
- lichess.org: https://lichess.org/team/fort-collins-co-chess-club;
- chess.com: https://www.chess.com/club/fort-collins-co-chess-club.
CSU Chess Club:
The CSU Chess Club holds its meetings on Wednesdays at 6 PM at CSU Fort Collins, specifically at the Lory Student Center (1101 Center Ave Mall, Fort Collins, CO 80521). Players of all skill levels are welcome, including members of the public and CSU students. Chessboards are provided, but it’s appreciated if you can bring your own. The club organizes events and tournaments periodically, and you can contact them with any questions at [email protected].
Other Areas
Apex Aspen Chess Club
Gather with us every Thursday evening at 6pm. The venue changes weekly, often in the Nederland region but occasionally in the SW metro. For additional details, reach out to Kirk Barnhardt at 303-807-1145, or via email at [email protected]. Alternatively, Matt Zeman can be contacted at (303)-249-1427.
The Boulder Chess Club
Join each Wednesday, welcoming players of all abilities. In colder seasons, the location is the UMC building on the CU Boulder Campus. During warmer days, the ambiance shifts to Foothills Community Park. For specific information about these gatherings and their locations, kindly join the Meetup group at: https://www.meetup.com/boulderchess/.
Carbondale Chess Club
Every Tuesday, from 6pm onward, join the gathering at Kahhak Fine Arts & School, 411 Main St, Carbondale. Chess enthusiasts of all ages and expertise levels are welcome. Coaching is available, with rated games and tournaments planned. For inquiries, contact Majid Kahhak at (970)704-0622 or via e-mail at: [email protected].
The Castle Rock Chess Club
Every Monday, between 6:00pm to 9:00pm, gatherings take place at the Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock, CO.
Casper Chess Club (Casper, Wyoming)
Our gatherings are on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm at St. Patrick’s Church, 400 Country Club Rd, Casper, Wyoming.
The Cortez Chess Club
Every Tuesday at 5:30 pm, there’s a gathering at the Cortez Public Library located at 202 N Park St. Everyone’s welcome! For any questions, contact Tom Hooten at [email protected].
The Cottonwood Chess Club
Meetings are held on Wednesdays, between 6-9 PM, at the cozy coffee shop, Your Place, situated at 2308 W. 17th St. in Greeley. For more information, call Jay Shaeffer at (970) 356-2278.
Delta Chess Club
The club gathers every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 530 Gunnison River Drive. Players of all levels are heartily welcomed. Occasionally, rated tournaments are hosted. For inquiries, reach out to Bill Merrell at [email protected].
Firestone Chess Club
Join in on Thursdays from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at The Brew At Deja Lu Coffee House, 8350 Colorado Blvd, Firestone, Colorado 80504. Open to all age groups with a mix of blitz and slow games. For more details, contact Josh Samuel at [email protected] or call 303-548-7799.
Fort Lewis College Chess Club
Assemble on Thursday nights in the X-treme room located in the College Union Building. Sponsored by the school, this club is affiliated with USCF. For queries, contact Andrea Browne at (970)247-6239 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Glenwood Springs Chess Club
Join in every Thursday night, starting at 6:30 pm, in the basement of Black Diamond Studios, 823 Cooper Ave., Downtown Glenwood Springs. For more information, reach out to Jon Rietfors at (970) 928-8344 or email [email protected].
Grand Junction Chess Club
Gather on Monday nights from 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm at Starbucks inside Safeway at 29th and Patterson Road. While many players are rated, those without ratings are also invited. Membership is complimentary! For additional details, get in touch with Rick Henry at 970-243-1073 or check www.jctchess.com.
Greeley Chess Club
This newly established club meets on Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm at Zoe’s Cafe, located at 715 10th Street in downtown Greeley. Although the setting is casual and free of charge, it’s suggested that attendees make purchases to show appreciation to Zoe’s staff and management. Tips provided go towards the charitable projects they support. Attendees are encouraged to bring their chess sets, boards, and clocks. Players of all ages and abilities are invited. For further details, reach out to Brad Lundstrom at 970-415-3855 or [email protected].
Gunnison Chess Club
Open to everyone, this club is backed by Western State College. Meetings take place in the College Union Room 202, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Tuesdays. All playing levels are welcome. For more, contact Jacob Hadar at 641-5856 or [email protected].
Lafayette Chess Club
Meetings have moved to Thursday evenings, from 6:00 to 9:00, at the East Simpson Coffee Company. Typically, an unrated G/80 game starts at 6:00. For questions, reach out to Victor at 303-665-3991 or [email protected]. Join the Facebook group – Lafayette, CO Chess Club.
Longmont Chess Club
Meetings are held on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Longmont. For the latest meeting locations, visit LongmontChess.com. Both slow games and Blitz are available. For additional information, connect with Todd Burge at [email protected] or 720-220-5240.
Tournaments Overview
| Name | Date | City |
|---|---|---|
| IHOP Quick Quads Mondays in October 2023 | October 2 – 30, 2023 | Colorado Springs |
| Colorado Springs City Championship 2023 | October 3 – 31, 2023 | Colorado Springs |
| Denver Chess Club – DCC October Tuesdays 2023 | October 3 – 31, 2023 | Denver |
| Denver Chess Club – DCC October Thursdays 2023 | October 5 – 26, 2023 | Denver |
| IHOP Saturday Quick Chess October 2023 | October 21, 2023 | Colorado Springs |
| Northern Colorado Chess Club: Saturday Swiss(every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the Month) | October 28, 2023 | Fort Collins |
| Summit School of Chess OPEN DIVISION #3 | November 4, 2023 | Golden |
| Kings of Chess Tournament – November 5 Priemer Open | November 5, 2023 | Aurora |
| IHOP Quick Quads Mondays in November 2023 | November 6 – 27, 2023 | Colorado Springs |
| Colorado Springs Chess Club – CSCC NovemberTuesdays Swiss G/90 | November 7 – 28, 2023 | Colorado Springs |
| PALS November Chesstravaganza – Open Section | November 18, 2023 | Greenwood Village |
| Summit School of Chess OPEN DIVISION #4 | December 2, 2023 | Golden |
| Kings of Chess Tournament – December 3 Priemer Open | December 3, 2023 | Aurora |
| PALS December Chesstravaganza – Open Section | December 16, 2023 | Greenwood Village |
| Summit School of Chess OPEN DIVISION #5 | January 13, 2024 | Golden |
| Summit School of Chess OPEN DIVISION #6 | February 10, 2024 | Golden |
| 2024 Colorado Closed and Scholastic ClosedChampionship | March 8 – 10, 2024 | Aurora |
| Summit School of Chess OPEN DIVISION #7 | March 16, 2024 | Golden |
| Summit School of Chess OPEN DIVISION #8 | April 20, 2024 | Golden |
| Summit School of Chess OPEN DIVISION #9 | May 11, 2024 | Golden |
| Summit School of Chess OPEN DIVISION #1 | September 21, 2024 | Golden |
| Summit School of Chess OPEN DIVISION #2 | October 26, 2024 | Golden |
| Summit School of Chess OPEN DIVISION #3 | November 16, 2024 | Golden |
| Summit School of Chess OPEN DIVISION #4 | December 14, 2024 | Golden |
Prizes:
For the Championship section, the top three prizes are as follows: 1st place receives $900, 2nd place gets $600, and 3rd place is awarded $400. These prizes are guaranteed. The rest of the tournament’s prize distribution is based on having 150 paid entries. Players ranked U2400 and U2200 will each have a top prize of $300.
In the other sections, the prize distributions are:
- U2200: 1st place – $600, 2nd place – $450, 3rd place – $300;
- U1800: 1st place – $450, 2nd place – $350, 3rd place – $200;
- U1400: 1st place – $350, 2nd place – $200, 3rd place – $125.
Conclusion
Colorado has an active chess community with several clubs and tournaments throughout the state. Denver, being the capital, is home to clubs like the Denver Chess Club and Aurora Chess Club. Other cities, including Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, also have their own chess scenes. The state regularly hosts events like the IHOP Quick Quads and monthly tournaments at the Denver Chess Club. In summary, if you’re into chess, Colorado has plenty to offer.
