The 2025 Rochester Chess Festival welcomes players of all ages and levels to a vibrant weekend of chess from July 18–20, 2025, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota. This dynamic festival features the exciting Rochester Open, a simultaneous exhibition, and the empowering Midwest Regional Championship for Women & Girls. Attendees will enjoy strong competition, generous prizes, and an inclusive atmosphere that celebrates the joy of the game.

📅 Event Overview

• Dates: July 18–20, 2025
• Venue: Mayo Civic Center
• Address: 30 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55902
• Parking: Free parking in the Civic Center ramp from Friday 5:00 PM through Sunday night

⏱️ Time Control & Schedule

• Format: 5-round Swiss-system tournament
• Time Control: G/60 with a 30-second increment per move (G/60 + 30s)

🕒 Round Schedule:

• Saturday, July 19: Rounds 1–3 at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 6:00 PM
• Sunday, July 20: Rounds 4 & 5 at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• Byes: Players may request up to two ½-point byes before Round 3

🏆 Prize Fund & Awards

🥇 Rochester Open

• Premier Section: 1st – $750, 2nd – $500, Top U2100 – $250
• U1900 Section: 1st – $600, 2nd – $400, Top U1600 – $200
• U1500 Section: 1st – $500, 2nd – $250, Top U1300 – $150
• U1100 Section: 1st – $400, 2nd – $250, Top U800 – $150
• U700 Section: 1st – $250, 2nd – $150, Top U500 – $100, Top Unrated – $100

👩‍🎓 Midwest Regional Championship for Women & Girls

• Premier Section: 1st – $600, 2nd – $400, Top U1500 – $200
• U1100 Section: 1st – $300, 2nd – $200, Top U800 – $100
• U700 Section: Trophies awarded to Top 10

Unrated players may only win specific prizes as designated in the rules.

📝 Registration & Participation

• Eligibility: Open to all players with an active US Chess Federation membership
• Simultaneous Exhibition Entry: $10 onsite (free for first 50 to register)

💵 Entry Fees:

Premier & U1900:

• $80 by May 1
• $90 by June 1
• $100 by July 1
• $110 by July 18
• $120 onsite

U1500 & U1100:

• $60 by May 1
• $70 by June 1
• $80 by July 1
• $90 by July 18
• $100 onsite

U700:

• $50 by May 1
• $60 by June 1
• $70 by July 1
• $80 by July 18
• $90 onsite
• Masters (even under 2200) may register for free by July 3

💳 Payment Details

• Mail-in Registration:
  Payable to: Rochester Chess
  Address:
  Rochester Chess
  c/o Dennis Mays
  2202 Ponderosa Drive SW
  Rochester, MN 55902
• Onsite Payments: Accepted via cash or check only

🧳 Travel & Accommodation

• Main Venue: Mayo Civic Center, centrally located and walkable to downtown hotels and dining
• Free Weekend Parking: Civic Center ramp starting Friday evening

🏨 Recommended Hotels:

EVEN Hotel – Mayo Clinic Area
101 11th Avenue SW, Rochester, MN 55902

• Rates: $119–$159
• Amenities: Free breakfast, pool, firepits, fitness center

Holiday Inn Express Rochester South – Mayo Area
4141 Maine Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55901

• Rates: $119–$125
• Amenities: Free breakfast, pool, gym

Country Inn & Suites South
77 Woodlake Drive, Rochester, MN 55904

• Rate: $114
• Amenities: Free breakfast, pool, gym

👥 Tournament Officials

• Tournament Director: Sarah Wahl

🏢 Organizer – Rochester Chess

Rochester Chess actively promotes chess education and competition through year-round events, partnerships, and community outreach. In collaboration with the Minnesota State Chess Association, they create welcoming and professional experiences for chess players of all backgrounds and skill levels.

Contact Information:
📍 Address: 2202 Ponderosa Drive SW, Rochester, MN 55902
📞 Phone: (507) 254-6809
📧 Email: dennismays101@gmail.com

💡 Why Participate in the 2025 Rochester Chess Festival?

The 2025 Rochester Chess Festival delivers an unforgettable chess experience through a perfect mix of competition, community, and celebration. With sections for women and girls, multiple rating groups, and a welcoming Midwest atmosphere, players can enjoy both serious play and relaxed camaraderie. Whether chasing prizes or playing for love of the game, this festival inspires, educates, and connects chess enthusiasts from across the region.