CHESS
Port Townsend
NATIONAL CHESS DAY STUDENT TOURNAMENT
Port Townsend Chess announces its National Chess Day Student Tournament, Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Held in the historic Commons at Fort Worden State Park. This is a Whole Family Event with plenty to do while games are being played. Restaurants, the beach, hiking trails, retired artillery bunkers (you can walk through) and historical sites all within easy walking distance.
You can register and see all the details at ChessReg.com
Scholastic Chess Tournaments
Competitive chess is not for every child — and that’s okay.
Port Townsend Chess believes chess should include casual players, curious beginners, social players, and serious competitors alike.
For many parents, chess is something they usually see one-on-one: a quiet game at the kitchen table, a lesson after school, or a child thinking through puzzles alone. A scholastic tournament is something entirely different.
Imagine walking into a room filled with a hundred kids — focused, excited, nervous, determined — all playing chess together.
But tournaments add a completely different dimension to the game. Players learn to:
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Think independently under pressure
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Win gracefully and recover from losses
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Shake hands with opponents
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Manage nerves and time
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Build confidence through preparation and experience
Tournament chess creates energy, community, and memorable experiences that simply don’t happen in ordinary play. Some students discover they love competition. Others just enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves.
Our local and regional scholastic tournaments are designed to be welcoming, encouraging, and age-appropriate. Newer players are welcome, and experienced players have opportunities to challenge themselves.
Find Chess Tournaments