U.S. Championships - A Look Back
The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis is honored to have hosted the U.S. Championship, U.S. Women's Championship and U.S. Junior Championship since 2009. This "Triple Crown" of chess represents America's most elite events, and the nation's strongest competitors battle each year for the coveted title of U.S. Champion, U.S. Women's Champion and U.S. Junior Champion. The club has crowned many champions over the last seven years, including:
| YEAR | U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP | U.S. WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP | U.S. JUNIOR CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Hikaru Nakamura | Anna Zatonskih | N/A |
| 2010 | Gata Kamsky | Irina Krush | Sam Shankland |
| 2011 | Gata Kamsky | Anna Zatonskih | Gregory Young |
| 2012 | Hikaru Nakamura | Irina Krush | Marc Arnold |
| 2013 | Gata Kamsky | Irina Krush | Daniel Naroditsky |
| 2014 | Gata Kamsky | Irina Krush | Kayden Troff |
The U.S. Chess Federation
is America's governing body on competitive chess, and they award the Championships to the organizer who demonstrates the highest quality in planning and execution. The club thanks the USCF for their vision and support over the past seven years.
Organizing, hosting and publicizing these tournaments serves an important role in the overall vision of the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis; namely, by shining the limelight on America's most talented men, women and children, the club aims to show new chess players of all ages just what this "game of kings" is all about.
Over its 1500-year history, chess has been used to develop strategic thinking, problem solving and patience in students of any age. But chess isn't defined simply as an educational activity. This simple board game incorporates aspects of sport, art and science in a complex tapestry of enjoyment.
The club is also proud to have given over 1.5 million dollars in prize money to competitors in the championships since 2009. The message is clear: talented young chess players can win fame and fortune in United States chess. The breakdown of the prize funds by year is as follows:
| YEAR | U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP | U.S. WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP | U.S. JUNIOR CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | $102,300 | $64,500 | N/A |
| 2010 | $173,100 | $65,000 | $10,300 |
| 2011 | $171,000 | $60,000 | $10,300 |
| 2012 | $166,000 | $64,000 | $18,000 |
| 2013 | $180,000 | $64,000 | $10,300 |
| 2014 | $172,000 | $72,000 | $10,300 |
| 2015 | $175,000 | $75,000 | $20,000 |
| Total | $1,139,400 | $464,500 | $79,200 |
| Total Prize Money Awarded: $1.7 Million | |||
The winners of the U.S. Championship, U.S. Women's Championship and U.S. Junior Closed Championship are not only crowned with their respective titles, but also qualify to participate in the same event for the following year. Additionally, the U.S. Junior Closed Champion receives an invitation to the next U.S. Championship. This opportunity allows the very best juniors to compete in America's most prestigious event at a young age, garnering valuable experience to further their ambitions. Despite their youthfulness, it would be a mistake to underestimate these rapidly-improving juniors.
Each year, the club selects wildcards that enhance these events. Consideration is given to candidates that demonstrate a passion for chess and the drive to succeed. Each year, we spotlight these talented, hard-working professionals with a commitment to the ideals of sportsmanship. The club has awarded wildcard invitations to the following players:
| YEAR | U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP | U.S. WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP | U.S. JUNIOR CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 |
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N/A | N/A |
| 2010 |
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N/A |
| 2011 |
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| 2012 |
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| 2013 |
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| 2014 |
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| 2015 |
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To Be Determined |
It is the mission of the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, an educational organization, to maintain a formal program of instruction to teach the game of chess and to promote and support its educational program through community outreach and local and national partnerships to increase the awareness of the educational value of chess. (more)
According to uschess.org, "The United States Chess Federation (USCF) is the official, not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) US membership organization for chess players and chess supporters of all ages and strengths, from beginners to Grandmasters."(more)
