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Spokane to Host 2025 U.S. Chess K-12 National Championship

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 18:22 GMT by KHQ

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Spokane to Host the U.S. Chess K‑12 National Championship This Weekend

Spokane’s Convention Center is set to become the epicenter of youth chess competition this weekend, as the 2025 U.S. Chess K‑12 National Chess Championship rolls into town. The event, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, will bring together more than 300 student competitors from across the country, all vying for the top spots in three age‑divided categories: “Under 6,” “Under 8,” and “Under 12.” The championship will be held at the downtown Spokane Convention Center, a venue that has recently been outfitted with a state‑of‑the‑art chessboard and technology to support the tournament’s ambitious format.

Why Spokane?

The city’s selection as host marks a notable milestone for local youth and the Spokane community. The Spokane Convention Center’s upgraded facilities, including a 32‑board chess wall and a high‑speed internet network, provide the ideal backdrop for a national championship that will be streamed live for chess fans nationwide. Additionally, Spokane’s vibrant chess community—home to several active clubs and the recently launched “Chess for All” program—has long been a hotbed for young talent. By hosting the championship, the city is hoping to showcase its commitment to fostering educational enrichment through chess.

Tournament Structure and Logistics

The 2025 championship will feature a two‑day, 14‑round Swiss system, with each round lasting 45 minutes per player. The Swiss format ensures that students face opponents with comparable scores throughout the tournament, making the competition both fair and intense. All participants will be required to register online prior to the event; a separate registration link is provided by the U.S. Chess Association (USCA) for those who wish to attend.

Co‑organizers have announced that the competition will be divided into three distinct divisions: “Under 6,” “Under 8,” and “Under 12.” Each division will have its own leaderboard, and the top performers will receive certificates, trophies, and cash prizes. Moreover, the tournament will include a “Team Competition” component, in which schools and clubs may enter a team of up to five players. Team scores will be calculated by aggregating the individual points of each member, with the top teams receiving a specially commissioned silver trophy.

Key Participants and Notable Names

The event is attracting a mix of returning champions and promising newcomers. Among the most anticipated participants are:

• Emma Wang, a 9‑year‑old prodigy from Denver, who has already taken first place in the “Under 12” division at the national tournament last year.
• Aiden Martinez, a 7‑year‑old from Portland, who secured a bronze medal in the “Under 8” division.
• Sophie Lee, a 5‑year‑old from Seattle, who has won multiple state‑level championships and is expected to compete in the “Under 6” division.

The tournament also welcomes experienced coaches, who will provide guidance and mentorship during the event. US Chess’s “Coaching Initiative” ensures that every participating child will have access to a certified coach, making the championship not just a competition but a learning experience.

Sponsorship and Community Engagement

Local businesses and community organizations will play a pivotal role in the event. The Spokane Convention Center’s sponsorship agreement with US Chess includes in‑center promotion of the local chess club, “Spokane Chess Club,” whose volunteers will assist with set‑up and scorekeeping. The city’s mayor, in a statement, praised the partnership as an opportunity to elevate Spokane’s profile as a center of intellectual activity.

The event will also feature a “Youth Chess Expo” on the convention floor. Here, kids and parents can interact with chess equipment vendors, test out new chess‑app software, and attend mini‑workshops on topics such as “Opening Principles” and “End‑game Strategies.” The expo will culminate in a “Chess for All” demonstration, where senior citizens and young players will team up for friendly matches, highlighting the inclusiveness of the game.

What to Expect

The 2025 U.S. Chess K‑12 National Championship promises to be an inspiring showcase of young talent. With its comprehensive format, robust support network, and community‑focused programming, the event is poised to leave a lasting impression on both participants and spectators. Whether you’re a seasoned chess enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the tournament offers a rare glimpse into the world of competitive youth chess—an arena where skill, strategy, and sportsmanship collide.

For more information, fans can visit the U.S. Chess Association website and the Spokane Convention Center’s event page. The official schedule, player roster, and live‑stream link will be posted ahead of the weekend, ensuring that viewers worldwide can follow the action in real time.