MADISON – Bob Jones High School will host the 2022 Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship.

Originally, the state championship was scheduled for spring 2020 at Bob Jones, but “the pandemic hit, and over-the-board chess was canceled for two years,” Ranae Bartlett said. Bartlett serves as Executive Director of Madison City Chess League or MCCL.

“We are so excited to be bringing the State Scholastic Chess Championship back to Madison in March. Registration is now open for the two-day competition,” Bartlett said.

The individual championship is scheduled for March 12, and the team championship will convene on March 13. Players will gather for a mandatory meeting at 9 a.m.

Players need to create an account (if one doesn’t exist) by visiting alabamachess.jumbula.com/#/home. Players also should register online in advance.

Registration will be open through 8 a.m. on March 11. Late registration will not be allowed, Todd Guthrie said. Guthrie is Scholastic Vice President of the Alabama Chess Federation.

If a player is unable to register online, email todd.guthrie@alabamachess.org.

Players must wear masks at the championship.

All championships – high school, junior high and elementary – are open to Alabama residents. Players in grades 9-12 need a rating of 1300-+; grades 6-8, 1000-+; and grades K-5, 500-+. These sections will have 4 Rounds Swiss, Game/45, d5. Round times will be 9:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Players must hold U.S. Chess membership, because the tournament is U.S. Chess rated. To obtain or renew, visit new.uschess.org/form/membership. All Alabama residents must hold membership with Alabama Chess Federation. To obtain or renew the Alabama affiliation, visit alabamachess.org/sign-up/.

The top five Alabama residents in each section will receive a trophy. All players who tie for the fifth-place trophy will receive medals.

For individuals, entry fee is $30 through Feb. 28, and then increases to $45 through March 7. From March 8 to March 11 at 8 a.m., the fee is $60.

For teams, entry fee is $60 through Feb. 28, and then increases to $75 through March 7. From March 8 to March 11 at 8 a.m., the fee is $100.

For questions, email Guthrie at todd.guthrie@alabamachess.org. For more information about MCCL, visit madisonchess.com.