The Saint Louis Chess Club stands as America’s premier chess institution, proudly designated the U.S. Chess Capital in 2014. Since its founding in 2008, the Club has organized world-class events that attract the chess elite, including the annual Sinquefield Cup, the U.S. Championship & U.S. Women’s Championship, the Cairns Cup, and the Grand Chess Tour segments hosted in St. Louis. These flagship tournaments consistently feature the strongest fields outside of elite global venues, showcasing top grandmasters and offering norm-eligible, high-stakes competition under impeccable playing conditions.

Beyond its headline events, the Club cultivates chess excellence through year-round programming. It offers master-level lectures, school outreach initiatives, summer camps, and a Grandmaster-in-Residence series that brings world-class coaching to enthusiasts of all ages. The Club’s scholastic leagues and online classes have introduced thousands of students to over-the-board play, while its community partnerships help integrate chess into local schools and libraries. With a commitment to both competitive and educational excellence, the Saint Louis Chess Club fosters growth at every level—from grassroots development to professional grandmaster performance.