Get ready for an unforgettable chess experience at the 2025 North American Youth Chess Championship (NAYCC), taking place from August 17 to 23, 2025, in the historic city of Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Hosted at the prestigious Queen’s University, this classical-format tournament brings together the most promising young talents from Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Bermuda. With twelve age and gender-based sections, the NAYCC offers a unique platform for youth players to compete for medals, FIDE titles, and international recognition. Whether you’re aiming for the podium or seeking to elevate your game, this championship is the pinnacle of youth chess in North America.

♟️ EVENT DETAILS

⏱️ TIME CONTROL

Each game will follow a classical time control of 90 minutes per player, with a 30-second increment starting from move one. Players arriving more than 30 minutes after the round’s start time will forfeit the game. This format encourages deep strategic play and tests the endurance and preparation of all participants.

📅 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Championship Schedule

💰 PRIZE FUND

Although the total prize fund is not officially specified in EUR, the championship offers significant incentives:

• Medals for top 3 players in each category
• Direct FIDE titles for top finishers (FM, WFM, CM, WCM depending on performance)
• Trophies and certificates during the closing ceremony

📝 REGISTRATION

Eligibility:

Youth players born on or after January 1, 2007, who represent Canada, USA, Mexico, or Bermuda, are eligible to participate.

Registration Fees:

How to Register:

Participants must complete the official registration form on the event website. Inquiries can be sent to naycc2025@gmail.com.

Payment:

Full payment is required upon registration. Details for bank transfer or online payment will be provided via email confirmation.

🏨 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION

Venue Location:

Queen’s University – Ban Righ Hall
10 Bader Lane, Kingston, ON K7L 3N8, Canada

Hotel Options:

• Queen’s University Residences
  200 rooms were made available; as of April, all are currently booked. Waiting list requests can be sent via email.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Kingston
  1550 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
  Special rate: $179 CAD/night, includes Wi-Fi and parking. Must book before July 17, 2025.
• Other nearby options include Holiday Inn Express, Delta Kingston Waterfront, and various short-term rentals via Airbnb.

Getting to Kingston:

Kingston is a centrally located city in Ontario, approximately 2.5 hours from both Toronto and Ottawa. Accessible via Highway 401, VIA Rail, and by shuttle services from major airports. Local transportation includes taxis, city buses, and walking paths to campus.

🏢 ORGANIZER

The Chess’n Math Association (CMA) is Canada’s largest chess education organization and has been instrumental in developing youth chess for decades. For this event, CMA collaborates with the Chess Federation of Canada (CFC) and FIDE America, ensuring a professional and fair championship with high organizational standards.

Contact:

• Email: naycc2025@gmail.com
• Website: chess-math.org/2025-naycc
• Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

🎯 WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE

The 2025 North American Youth Chess Championship is more than a tournament—it’s a milestone. It offers young players the rare opportunity to compete internationally, earn FIDE titles, and build lasting friendships within a vibrant chess community. Set in a beautiful university setting, with well-structured rounds and exciting side events, it’s a rewarding experience for players, parents, and coaches alike. Don’t miss your chance to be part of North America’s biggest youth chess event of the year.