Whether you have just moved to Kentucky, are coming back to tournament chess after a break, or have played here for years, this page covers where to play and what the KCA runs for adult players.
Find a tournament
The open tournament calendar lists tournaments around the state that are open to adults. Use its buttons to show only the KCA's own championships or only your region; click an event for details and registration. Chessearth.com also lists tournaments in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. For a regular game, see the list of chess clubs.
Ratings and US Chess membership
Most Kentucky tournaments are rated by US Chess, so keep your membership current (join or renew online), and make sure it lists Kentucky as your state. Some KCA events and qualifying places are for Kentucky residents. If you are returning after some years away, your old rating is still on record: look yourself up in the US Chess ratings database.
Kentucky championships
- Kentucky Open: The KCA's flagship open tournament, held each summer. Our goal is for every Kentucky chess player to play in this one.
- Kentucky Closed invitationals: The Kentucky Closed, Kentucky Junior Closed (under 21) and Kentucky Women's Closed decide the state champions. Places are earned through qualifying events around the state; for example, the top two Kentucky residents in the Open section of the fall Women and Girls Open qualify for the Women's Closed. KCA championships and qualifiers are on the open calendar.
- Kentucky Action Championship: Championship for faster chess.
- Kentucky Blitz Championship: Championship for 5-minute chess.
- Kentucky Team Championships: Grab three of your friends and try to be the best team in the state! Your friends aren't experts? No problem: this tournament also features prizes for lower-rated teams.
You can find the dates for the championships this year on the open tournament calendar. Every Kentucky champion since 1946 is on the champions list.
Get involved
The KCA is run by volunteers. Some ways to help:
- Help direct KCA tournaments. We are always looking for tournament directors, especially for our scholastic program. If you know the rules of chess and can spare a Saturday or two a year, you can help us provide chess tournaments at low cost to Kentucky students. E-mail [email protected] for more information.
- Organize tournaments. Not enough tournaments in your area? Organize one! E-mail [email protected] for information on how to get started. Tournament organizers can list their events on our calendar by e-mailing [email protected].
- Coach or sponsor a school club. You don't need to be a strong player: many state champion teams have been coached by volunteers who don't even know the rules! See our page for coaches and sponsors.
- Run a club. To add your club to our list, e-mail [email protected].
To volunteer, e-mail [email protected].
Stay in touch
Sign up for our newsletter to hear about tournaments and events around Kentucky, or follow the KCA on Facebook.