School Chess Association

10/07/2026

Registration is still open for the Kickoff Open on Saturday.

We're offering
K-2, 3-6, 6-8 and a rated section (K-adult).

Kick off the chess season right and meet all your chess friends in Burnsville.

Register now at: www.schoolchess.org

09/30/2026

There's just a little over a week until the Kickoff Open! Can you feel the excitement!? Your kids can!

Saturday, October 10th is National Chess Day - it's also the first SCA tournament of the season.

We'll be at the Diamondhead Education Center in Burnsville, at 200 Burnsville Parkway, Burnsville, MN. The Kickoff Open offers these sections:

-K-2nd grade
-3-5th grade
-6-8th grade
-K-12 USCF rated

As always, the trophy ceremony follows the tournament.

Register by Friday, October 9th, to avoid the $5 late fee.

We're looking forward to seeing all of your little chess wizards again! Chess is back... Lets Gooooooo!

Register at: www.schoolchess.org

Please note:
-For registration at the door, please arrive by 7:30 AM
-For those registered online, please arrive by 8:00 AM to check in and find your name on the registration list.
-Registration and check-in will close at 8:30 AM so we can start on time.

09/24/2026

Did you know that October 10th is National Chess Day? Join us at the SCA as we start the chess season with the Kickoff Open!

Register now at www.schoolchess.org

09/18/2026

According to chess.com, these are the principles you should focus on during the opening of your chess games:

Control the center: Place your central pawns on the board early to claim key squares.

Develop minor pieces: Bring out your knights before your bishops to control vital central squares safely.

Keep your queen back: Do not bring your queen out too early, or it will become an easy target for your opponent's minor pieces.

Castle early: Move your king to safety and activate your rooks by castling within the first ten moves.

Avoid moving twice: Try not to move the same piece twice in the opening so you do not waste valuable turns.

Will you apply these opening principles during the Kickoff Open, our first chess tournament of the season on October 10th?

09/10/2026

Our first tournament of the season will be Saturday, October 10th - National Chess Day!

It will be held at the Diamondhead Education Center in Burnsville.

Mark your calendars now - more information to come!

www.schoolchess.org

09/08/2026

Get your kids involved in chess today! According to the NSCF, learning Chess has been shown to…

Encourage children to overcome the fear of risk-taking;
Help improve concentration and self-discipline;
Help cultivate visualization skills;
Help develop problem-solving skills;
Teach children to assume responsibility for their decisions.

Read the article here:
https://nscfchess.org/benefits-of-chess-in-education/

SCA chess tournaments are coming up in just a few short weeks! Visit this page or our website (www.schoolchess.org) soon for the details.

Discover how chess in education benefits young learners by developing focus, self-regulation, and responsible decision-making.