Schedule of Events
In addition to our own events, Rock River Chess is always looking to help organize chess events in the Rockford and Rock River areas. If you're looking to host a chess event or just have chess be a part of your event, please contact us. We can provide chess sets, competitions, demonstrations, instruction, or any combination of those. We're capable of running USCF rated tournaments as well as casual play. If you're looking for chess in our area, we can help!
Local Chess Events
Rated Chess Events
More on the way!
We're always developing new connections and opportunities, so keep checking back! If you have ideas for chess events you'd like to see, please contact us and tell us about it.
815 Day Tournament
Rock River Chess is excited to host an 815 Chess Tournament on Tuesday, August 15th. Working in conjunction with The Element of Rockford, Rock River Chess will run a 5-round tournament of up to 32 players. Each player will have 8 minutes and 15 seconds to play their game each round. All players are welcome, from experienced players to completely new players, everyone will have a shot at the prizes available!
Rock River Chess at the City Market
Friday, July 6th, Rock River Chess will host an activity booth at the Rockford City Market. The City Market runs from 3:30pm to 10:00pm that Friday. Come on down and enjoy some chess with the Rock River Chess Club! We'll have a table or two set up with chess sets for anyone and everyone to stop by and play a quick game while waiting for food, enjoying the music, or even just to hang out and play chess!
Artsy Arts & Crafts Exhibit
On Saturday, June 9th, Rock River Chess will host an activity booth at the Artsy Arts & Crafts Exhibit at Edgebrook, in Rockford. We'll have a couple of tables set up with a variety of chess sets for the patrons to enjoy while they browse local arts, crafts, and other vendors. We're excited about the new partnership at a fantastic venue!
GM Shulman Flyer_FINAL.pdfGM Yury Shulman Simul Exhibition
On Saturday, May 19th, Chess @ The Church is hosting the 3rd annual Simul Exhibition with Former US Champion Yury Shulman at Jefferson HS. Entry fee is $12, Doors open at 3:30pm, and games should begin at 4pm. Anticipated end is 9pm. With room for 50 players, this is a great chance to play against a master and go home with a signed notation sheet and maybe even a photo. Pay at the door, first to come are first to play.
Click the image for a printable flyer that you can distribute and use as a reminder.
Once again this summer, we'll be at the corner of E. State and 1st Street in downtown Rockford the first Friday of each month, June through August (3pm to 8pm). Rock River Chess and some of our partner organizations will be hosting a Chess Parklet in conjunction with The Element of Rockford, Associated Bank, and Urban Equity Properties.
We'll have a giant chess set arranged along with a couple of regular boards for casual play. As you stroll along State Street browsing the shops, stop by for a quick game or to strategize a few moves with the kids. We'll try to have some snacks or prizes to hand out to anyone that stops by, so get there early!