MADISON – One of the year’s most anticipated meets, the 2024 Grade-Level City Chess Championship is primed for its contestants on March 1-2.

Madison City Chess League or MCCL will conduct the competition, now in its ninth year. James Clemens High School will provide the contest venue.

“It’s an open championship where any scholastic player can register to compete by grade level, but one must reside within Madison city limits or attend Madison City Schools to be eligible to win and be declared City Chess Champion for their grade level,” MCCL Executive Director Todd Guthrie said.

State Rep. Parker D. Moore is the sponsor for the City Chess Championship.

The championship includes four rounds. Grades 7-12 will start on the evening of March 1. Grades K-6 will have all four rounds on March 2. “The winner of each section will receive a cash prize,” Guthrie said.

Grades 7-12 will use Game 90/d5. Players will have four rounds, starting on March 1 at 6 p.m. Then on March 2, players will have rounds at 9 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Grades 4-6 will use Game 60/d5. These grades will play all four rounds on March 2 at 9:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Grades K-3 will use Game 45/d5. The four rounds on March 2 are scheduled for 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.

A player can request a half-point bye for any one of the first three rounds. A final round bye will be zero points.

Players in all section must have membership in U.S. Chess Federation.

For MCCL members, the registration fee is $20. For players who are not members, the fee is $25. Registration deadline is Feb. 28 at 8 p.m.

The awards ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on March 2, and the top three finishers in each grade level will receive awards.

“MCCL will crown a chess champion for each grade level,s K-12. Each City Champion in grades K-2 will receive a $50 prize. Each City Champion in grades 3-12 will receive a $100 prize,” Guthrie said.

For more information about the City Chess Championship, visit madisonchess.com.