The 39th annual Vermont State Scholastic Chess Championships will take place on March 28 at Lamoille Union High School in Hyde Park. This event serves as a qualifier for national invitationals and is open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. No prior tournament experience is required, with equipment provided on site.
The Vermont State Scholastic Chess Championships, now in its 39th year, offers young players a chance to compete and qualify for prestigious national tournaments such as the Denker, Haring, Barber, Ashley, and Rockefeller events. Organized by local chess enthusiasts, the tournament is accessible to Vermont residents enrolled in public, private, or home schools across grades K-12.
Held at Lamoille Union High School in Hyde Park, the event includes sections for different grade levels. Matches in the high school, eighth-grade, and fifth-grade categories will be officially rated by the United States Chess Federation (USCF), while other sections remain unrated. Organizers will supply chessboards, pieces, and clocks, ensuring participants can focus on strategy without logistical concerns.
Individual and team prizes will be awarded to top performers. Registration is mandatory and must be completed online via vermontchess.org, with the deadline set for March 23 or earlier if capacity is reached. Walk-in entries, mail, or email submissions will not be accepted.
This championship highlights the growing interest in scholastic chess in Vermont, providing a structured environment for students to develop critical thinking and competitive skills. For full rules and registration details, visit the official website.
