June 2025 Capital City Chess Camps

Do you have kids that enjoy chess or would like to learn how to play? Sign them up for one or more of this summer’s chess camps run by “That Chess Guy” Todd Wolf. Camps will run 4 consecutive days for 3 hours per day. Students will solve chess puzzles, learn chess basics, tactics, strategies, opening principles, checkmate patterns and techniques, etc. Participants will also be introduced to chess resources that are available to help them continue to play and learn when the camps are through. Possibly best of all, students may make life-long friends and become part of the local chess community. Students are welcome to sign up for multiple camps and sessions if they wish.

Contact Information: wolfpack@bis.midco.net or 701-426-3768

Registration Download: Registration Form

Rochester Chess Festival

Date: July 18-20, 2025

Location: Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota

Website: https://www.minnesotachess.com/rochester-chess-festival

2025 South Dakota Governor’s Cup

$12,000 prize fund unconditionally guaranteed. Presented by Chess Weekend, Inc. and the South Dakota Chess Association. US Chess Grand Prix Points: 80

Date: September 19-21, 2025

Location: Ramkota Sioux Falls, 3200 W Maple Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107, (605) 336-0650

Tournament Hotel Rate: $138.99 per night; tournament rate includes free hot breakfast and four water park passes. Go to chessweekend.com for the booking code; rate is good until 8/28/25.

Style: 5 rounds, Swiss System. Choice of 2-day or 3-day schedule.

SECTIONS AND PRIZES:

Premier (FIDE Rated):

$1500-900-400-250
U2300: $650-400-200
U2100: $650-400-200
U1900: $600-375-175

Reserve Under 1800:

$1100-500-250
U1600: $600-350-175
U1400: $600-350-175
Booster Under 1200: $400-250-150
U1000: $250-150

September 2025 Official Regular US Chess rating will be used. Unrated players may play in any section, but qualify for top prizes in each section only.

ENTRIES:

Premier and Reserve:

$89; Booster $59 early mail-in or online by 7/1/2025

$109; Booster $69 online by 9pm Wednesday 9/1/2025

$129; Booster $89 after 9/1/25 and on site

Booster players rated 900 or higher may play up to Reserve section at Reserve section entry fee.

Reserve players may play up to Premier section for $20 additional.

Re-entries for $50 with appropriate byes

GMs and IMs free entry if registered by 9/1/2025

$10 Discount for SDCA members

Registration:

Register online at chessweekend.com

Mailed entries must be postmarked 8 days before any entry deadline, and should include player name, US Chess ID, section you’re registering for, full address, phone and email. Checks payable to and mailed to Chess Weekend, 21694 Doud Ct., Frankfort, IL 60423

TIME CONTROLS AND PLAYING SCHEDULES:

1/2 point byes OK all rounds, must commit by end of round 2

3-day Schedule:

G/90; +30 second increment

On-site registration 6:00-6:30 pm

Friday 7:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am, 4:00 pm

Sunday 10:00 am, 3:30 pm

2-day Schedule:

On-site registration 8:45-9:30 am

Saturday (G/60; d5) 10:00 am, 1:00 pm

Saturday (merged - G/90; +30 increment) 4:00 pm

Sunday (merged - G/90; +30 increment) 10:00 am, 3:30 pm

Side Events:

Saturday Night Blitz, $500 in prizes b/30 entries.

Governor’s Scholastic, Saturday trophy tournament for K-12.

Full information at chessweekend.com

Important: Please bring sets and clocks. For more information go to chessweekend.com or email glenn@chessweekend.com