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    • Home
    • About Us
    • Our Events
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    • Our Tournaments
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    • Chess Across Mississippi
    • Newsletter & Blog
    • Chess Education
    • Hall of Champions
    • Hall of Fame
    • About Chess
    • U.S. Chess Federation
    • Chess in Black History
    • Dave Ross
    • Frequent Asked Questions
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    • Contact Us
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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Our Events
  • Photo Gallery
  • Our Tournaments
  • Video/Media Gallery
  • Chess Across Mississippi
  • Newsletter & Blog
  • Chess Education
  • Hall of Champions
  • Hall of Fame
  • About Chess
  • U.S. Chess Federation
  • Chess in Black History
  • Dave Ross
  • Frequent Asked Questions
  • Donations Welcome
  • Contact Us
  • USCF Safesport training

Chess Across Mississippi

The Magnolia State has a rich Chess tradition and growing participation

From state associations to local clubs - more people are finding fun and adventure in the game in nearly all corners of Mississippi

Mississippi Chess Association (MCA)

The Mississippi Chess Association has existed since at least the 1950s to organize the State Championship each year. In 1973 it became more formal with annual dues and a chess publication about five or six times a year. The organization, in return for requiring MCA membership from all state players at tournaments held be local clubs, would publicize events beforehand and print games and the cross tables from them afterwards. 


When active tournament directors were elected officers (Steve Perry and Jimmy Hughes) around 1985, the MCA started organizing nearly every rated tournament in the state.


In 1980 the Jackson Optimist Club started holding annual chess tournaments for high school and junior high students--tournaments at the elementary level were started in 1985. The MCA designated the winner of this event as the Mississippi High School Champion until 1988 when the Optimist Club limited the scope of its annual event to students in the Greater Jackson area, the MCA started running scholastic events. The Optimist Club ran its last tournament in 1992 when the chess chairman, Warren Porter, returned to college for a degree.


Dues are $10 annually, usually paid in October during the state championship tournament.  The MCA asks tournament organizers to request players from Mississippi to join or be members of the MCA in return for helping promote their events and publicizing the results afterwards.


* At the 2022 annual business meeting of the MCA membership, Chris Allen Baker of the Scott County Chess Club was elected to the organization's Board of Directors for a two-year term. Following that meeting, Baker was elected vice-president by board members. 


** At the 2024 annual MCA business meeting, Baker was unopposed and unanimously re-elected to the Board of Directors for a second two-year term. Following that meeting, Baker retained his position as vice-president and continues to handle secretarial duties of the MCA.

Additional Information

While we will publicize Mississippi Chess Association events and other information, we encourage everyone to visit their website by clicking the button at the right. Then come back to keep reading what we have going here.



The sections below include information in the following order (click on title for quick jump):

Quick Glance - Upcoming events (adult and scholastic) 

Upcoming or ongoing events (more details)

Chess Clubs across Mississippi (with map)

Special information about scholastic and Franklin County Chess organizations

Help us introduce chess in your area

Archives: Past events across the state

Find out more

Quick Glance Upcoming Events

May 8 - Pawns 'N Pajamas

Canton Academy will host this chess tournament inviting players of all ages to come play in your most comfortable night-time attire, but don't get caught sleeping at the chess boards.

Information/register

May 10 - Random/Fischer 960 Chess Tournament

The Capital City Chess Club will host this tournament at the Food Court at the Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl. 

Information/register

May 10 - Regular Blitz

The Capital City Chess Club will host a blitz tournament following the FIscher 960 at the Food Court at the Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl. 

Information/register

June 9-12 - Dogmud Chess Camp

Ridgeland - The annual chess camp for kids will be held a Dogmud Tavern with a tournament for all ages on the final day. 

Information/register

June 14 - Mississippi G/60 Championship

The Mississippi Chess Association will host this tournament at Jackson Preparatory School on Lakeland Drive in Flowood.

Information/register

June 21 - State Games of Mississippi Chess Tournament

The State Games of Mississippi will include a chess tournament for all levels, rated and unrated games, at Meridian Community College on Highway 19 in Meridian. 

Information/register

June 24-26 - Chess Camp

Canton Academy will host a chess camp for kids.

Information/register

July 12 - J'Kennethon Memorial Chess Tournament

The third annual J'Kennethon Memorial Tournament is tentatively scheduled at the food court of the Outlets of Mississippi mall in Pearl. The tournament includes four Swiss rounds of G/45+5 with three sections - Open, U1000, and U600; with a mixed doubles section.  

More details will be posted as soon as they are announced.

** J’Kennethon Smith died on July 9, 2022, after being struck by a vehicle protecting a cousin by pushing her out of harm’s way. Smith was a top academic student, athlete, and a chess player who taught chess to younger children. Profit from this event goes to providing clocks to scholastic chess programs in disadvantaged districts. 

Scholastic Events

No events scheduled at this time.

More events will likely resume in the fall.

Ongoing - all year chess tournament in 2025

CCCC "Second Sunday" Chess League - G/90+30

The Capital City Chess Club sponsors a year long tournament - "Second Sunday Chess League" whereas participants play one round game per month - February through December. Two sections are offered: Open and U1400. The tournament includes 10 Swiss paired rounds (see schedule below) using game control of 90 minutes (1:30) with 30 second increments.


Participants must be active members of the U.S. Chess Federation. 


Games are played on the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Food Court - Outlets of Mississippi, 200 Bass Pro Drive, Pearl, MS 39208. If one or both players in a paired game cannot attend on this day, their game can be re-scheduled to an alternate day and time of the month with agreement from both players and the tournament director. (See below)

More Information

Entry Fees

Entry fees - Updated

$75 - after January 31

$35 if join after round 4

To Register

Monthly Rounds

Round 1 - February; Round 2 - March; Round 3 - April; Round 4 - May; Round 5 - June; Round 6 - July; Round 7 - August; Round 8 - September; Round 9 - October; Round 10 - November & December

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded in January 2026. 

Plaques for 1st-5th Place in Each Section

OPEN 1st Place: 25% of Entry Fees (after plaque costs)

OPEN 2nd Place: 20% of Entry Fees (after plaque costs)

OPEN 3rd Place: 15% of Entry Fees (after plaque costs)


U1400 1st Place: 15% of Entry Fees (after plaque costs)

U1400 2nd Place: 10% of Entry Fees (after plaque costs)

U1400 3rd Place: 5% of Entry Fees (after plaque costs) 


**Additional Plaques for 1st-5th Place U800 Players 

(based on rating at time of initial registration & computer tiebreaks)** 

Scheduling games at alternate dates/times

For games not played on the second Sunday meeting, it is the players' responsibility to agree and set an alternate date, time, and location to play. The tournament director will only confirm, not arrange, re-scheduled times in writing via email or text.  

Contact TD when: (a) the opponent does not respond (b) to inform her that an alternate time has been agreed upon already. 

  • Players who fail to agree to at least one alternate day/time, or fail to arrive and play at an agreed upon day/time, will be given a forfeit loss.  

Additional notes

Results will be submitted to the U.S. Chess Federation after each month's round is completed. Provisions will be made If a player's rating changes during the tournament that would affect their section placement.

Chess Clubs Across Mississippi

Scott County Chess Club

FOREST - Meets the first Saturday of each month from 9 until 11 a.m. at the Forest Public Library, 210 S. Raleigh Street. 

Capital City Chess Club

FLOWOOD - Meets Tuesdays from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. at Schlotzky's restaurant  2451 Lakeland Dr.

William Carey Chess Club

HATTIESBURG - Meets Tuesdays at the library on campus, William Carey University. Members include advanced, intermediate, and beginners. They will be added to the map soon.

Monthly Sunday Chess Club

RIDGELAND - Meets first Sundays of month from 2 until 7 p.m. at Van's Comics, Cards, and Games, 731 S. Pear Orchard Rd. #1. 

Vicksburg Chess Club

VICKSBURG - Meets Thursdays from 6 until 8 p.m. at Newk's Eatery, 3403 Pemberton Square Blvd. 

Franklin Chess Center

MEADVILLE - privately funded chess education center. See below for more information. 

Stone County Chess Club

WIGGINS - This club is on temporary hiatus until they are able to secure a location. More details will be posted when information is available. (will be added to state map at later time)

Mississippi Coast Chess Club

GULFPORT - Meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Newk's, 10381 Old Highway 49. 

Oxford Chess Club

OXFORD - Meets Tuesdays from 6 until 9 p.m. at The Growler, 265 North Lamar Ave. Unit Y.

Picayune Chess Club

PICAYUNE - Meets Mondays from 6 until 9 p.m. at IHOP, 500 South Lofton. 

Hernando Chess Club

HERNANDO - Meets Saturdays from 2 until 5 or 6 p.m. in the lobby of Hampton Inn, 2675 McIngvale Rd. 

Other Presence

There is also an organized chess presence in Tupelo, at Miss. State University, St. Andrew Episcopal School, Jackson Prep School, Jackson, Ridgeland.

Let Us Know!!

The list of clubs around Mississippi was taken from information available on the MCA web site, Facebook pages, and general familiarity of their operations. If any details need to be changed, new clubs added, or any removed, please let us know as soon as possible.   

Contact Us

Other Chess Organizations

Just for Kids - MSCA

 The Mississippi Scholastic Chess Association  

is a registered non-profit corporation dedicated to:   

  • Encouraging the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and for enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of our society. 
  • Supporting the development of local chess clubs and regional associations; informs, educates, and fosters the development of players and potential players.
  • Promoting chess in Mississippi schools as a means of improving the problem-solving and critical thinking skills of our children.

Learn More

Nationally recognized chess in Mississippi

 The Franklin Chess Center in Meadville is a privately funded enterprise of the Southwest Mississippi Chess Foundation. 


The Center has been featured on the CBS national news program "60 Minutes" and has introduced over 150 children to the game of Chess. 


They have continuous activities through the year and compete on the state and national levels.   

Learn More

Introduce Chess in your area

We can help you establish a chess presence in your area.

The best way to keep our game growing is to invite everyone to participate. Our founders started the Scott County Chess Club because they wanted to share the joy and experience of the game. We have kept chess education efforts going with teaching the game to Boy Scouts to help them earn the chess merit badge. Using that experience as a teaching framework, we have taught the game in other communities when invited. 


We will be constantly refining our technique and adding resources here on our site so please keep checking for more information. If you want to develop a chess presence in your community, let us know and we will offer whatever assistance we can provide. 

Learn more

Past events across the state: 2025

May 3 - MSCA Scholastic Rated Championship

It was a full day of chess in Hattiesburg. The Mississippi Scholastic Chess Association held a championship event at the University of Southern Mississippi's R.C. Cook Student Union. 

April 26- Quads for Cash at Mississippi State

It was a full day of chess across the state with action in Starkville and Pearl. The Quads for Cash event was held at Mississippi State University's Colvard Student Union which had been re-scheduled from an earlier date due to weather. 

April 12- 4th annual Bienville Chess Classic

The Scott County Chess Club had a great experience hosting our 4th spring tournament. We had 38 players participating in the tournament held annually at Roosevelt State Park in Morton. Players from across Mississippi and one from Alabama participated. It was a beautiful day with great weather and wonderful support from the community. This tournament brought our overall cumulative participation record to 437 players.

April 5-6- Mississippi Seniors Championship Open

Players age 50 and above were invited to participate in the second annual tournament focused on that age group. The turnout this year was doubled from last year's inaugural event, rising from six to 12. The 2-day tournament held at the Nissan Training Center in Canton included four rounds of 90 minute games with 30 second increments.

March 29- A full day of chess in Central and North/East Central MS

Chess was underway in different forms this day in multiple locations. In Ridgeland, the MCA hosted the team and individual scholastic state championship at St. Andrews Episcopal School. Meanwhile, the Scott County Chess Club visited Macon in Noxubee County to teach a chess camp to youth and adults in the community.

March 22- Chess in Northeast and Central Mississippi

The Itawamba Chess Tournament was held March 22 in Fulton as well as a tournament for all  ages at the Mississippi Children's Museum in Meridian.  

March 8- North Mississippi Championship

About 20 players gathered for the first North Mississippi Championship held in Water Valley. We had a good group of players who battled in an elegant environment - Fountain Square event center - which is typically used as a wedding venue. Thanks to everyone who participated.  

February 22- Capital City Chess Club Winter Partner tournament

More than 50 players turned out at the Food Court at the Outlet Mall in Pearl for unique chess tournament. Players sought partners to pair as two-person teams to match wits against other teams. Reports indicated the event was a great success. 

February 15- Girls State Championship, MSCA individual/team cup

The Girls State Championship in scholastic action by the MCA was held at Jackson Prep in Flowood along with the MSCA individual and team Chess Cup at Mississippi State in Starkville.

February 8- PCS Tournament

Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg hosted more than 50 players in their event this weekend It was a great day for chess.

February 1- St. Augustine Spring Tournament

St. Augustine School in Ridgeland hosted more than 100 players for their annual spring tournament. It was a great day for chess.

January 18/19, 25- Individual Scholastic Championships

The Mississippi Chess Association hosted its annual individual scholastic state championship at St. Andrews Episcopal School in Ridgeland on January 18-19 and another tournament at Ole Miss in Oxford on January 25.

January 4/5- New Year's Bash and Bughouse

The Capital City started 2025 with a bang with two events during the first weekend. A New Year's Bash was held Jan. 4 at the Food Court at the Outlet Mall in Pearl followed on Jan. 5 with a bughouse tournament. 

January 11 - Tournaments across Mississippi

The Wildcat Clash III was held at Meridian High School while players also engaged in a tournament at Itawamba County Agricultural High School in Northeast Mississippi.

Past events: 2024

December 14 - Southwest Regional Championship

More than 30 players gathered at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson for the Mississippi Chess Association's first regional state tournament.

December 7 - MCA Quick and Blitz Tournament

More than 30 players gathered at Nissan Training Center for the Mississippi Chess Association's Quick and Blitz tournament.

November 16 - St. Augustine Fall tournament/Cleveland Open

More than 70 players gathered at St. Augustine School in Ridgeland to compete in rated and unrated sections for adults, youth, and children. Meanwhile players met at Delta State University in Cleveland for a scholastic jamboree and adult competition.

October 19-20 - MCA State Chess Championship

More than 50 players gathered at the CSpire Headquarters in Ridgeland to determine the best players in the state. Sections included Open, U1500, and U1000. The tournament weekend also included the MCA annual business meeting.

November 13 - Mississippi State Fair Blitz

The MCA returned to the Mississippi State Fair at the Trade Mart in Jackson to provide the public a chance to see chess up close and ask questions about the game. Two players participated in a Blitz tournament and received complimentary U.S Chess Federation membership/renewal as prizes. 

More Scholastic Action

 Our Chess kids have been busy this year. These events have been held in the fall 2024 all over the state: October 5 - Southwest Mississippi Chess Jamboree, Meadville; Oct. 12 - Kemper County Tournament, DeKalb; Oct. 26 - Eagle Chess Challenge, Pascagoula; 

September 14 - Women's State Championship

The Mississippi Chess Association hosted its first ever Women's State Championship  

at the Nissan Training Center in Canton. The event attracted nine players for four Swiss rounds using a time control of G/45 + 15 increments. Three sections were available: Open, Reserve (U600), Under age 12.

June & July - Dogmud chess camps and tournaments

Two chess camps for kids and two tournaments for everyone were held at Dogmud Tavern in Ridgeland. One camp was held in June and the other in late July where kids could receive instruction and improve their skills. Each camp concluded with a tournament where participants included campers and any players from outside the camps.  

July 20 - MCA state team tournament

The Mississippi Chess Association Team Championship was held at Jackson Preparatory School in  Flowood. More than 10 teams competed in two sections including Open and Reserve (U1300). The tournament included 3 Swiss rounds G/60 + 15i.  

July 13 - 2nd annual J'Kennethon Smith Memorial Tournament

The second annual J'Kennethon Memorial Tournament was held at the food court of the Outlets of Mississippi mall in Pearl. The tournament included four Swiss rounds of G/45+5 with three sections - Open, U1000, and U600; with a mixed doubles section.  

** J’Kennethon Smith died on July 9, 2022, after being struck by a vehicle protecting a cousin by pushing her out of harm’s way. Smith was a top academic student, athlete, and a chess player who taught chess to younger children. Profit from this event goes to providing clocks to scholastic chess programs in disadvantaged districts. 

June 16 - MCA G60 tournament

The Mississippi Chess Association hosted its G/60 tournament at Jackson Prep school in Flowood. The event included four Swiss rounds with sections: Open, Reserve (U1300), Amateur (U800), K-5, & K-3.  

April 27 - St. Augustine Spring Fling

St. Augustine School in Ridegland hosted its spring tournament where adults, youth, children were welcome from all schools, homeschool, all levels, grades; rated and unrated games.  

April 23-24 - Dave Ross chess clinic

The Capital City Chess Club hosted an opportunity for players to learn from International Master Dave Ross at the Food Court, Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl. On the first day, 12 players faced Ross in simultaneous games. On the second day, seven players faced Ross simultaneously on a 45 minute clock. After the games, Ross provided lessons with evaluations of the players' performances. For more information about Dave Ross, click HERE. 

April 20 - Bienville Chess Classic

The Scott County Chess Club hosted its third Bienville Chess Classic at Roosevelt State Park in Morton where 58 players from across Mississippi competed in a 4-round Swiss tournament using G/45+5 including sections Open, U1200, U800, and U400.  

April 6 - Partner Chess

The Capital City Chess Club hosted a Partner Chess Tournament at the Food Court, 

Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl. The event included 4 rounds Swiss format with G/45+5

April 6-7 - MCA Seniors Tournament

The Mississippi Chess Association hosted the 2024 Senior Chess Championship at Nissan in Canton. The tournament was open only to all players ages 50 and above as of July 27, 2023. The tournament included four Swiss rounds with G/90+30. The winner represents Mississippi at national level. 

March 2 - March Madness

The Capital City Chess Club hosted a March Madness tournament at the Food Court, Outlet Mall  of Mississippi in Pearl. More than 50 players participated in the four round Swiss event. 

Scholastic action

 Our Chess kids have been busy this year. These events have been held since January 2024 all over the state: Jan. 27 - MSCA Bughouse Championships, Jackson; Feb. 3 - Ole Miss Chess Tournament, Oxford; Feb. 17 - MS Scholastic Girls State Championship, Flowood; Feb. 24 - Kemper County Chess Tournament, Scooba; March 2 - Holmes County Chess Tournament,   Goodman; March 9 - MSCA Individual/Team Cup, Starkville; March 15 - Knights at Museum, Jackson; March 23 - MS Scholastic Team State Championship, Ridgeland. 

Past events: 2023

A chess display was set up for the first time  at the 2023 Mississippi State Fair in October.

November 4 - Roosevelt Chess Classic

The Scott County Chess Club held its third annual Roosevelt Chess Classic featuring individual and team action. The tournament included 4 Swiss rounds with G/45+5 and sections including Open, U1200, and U800. Prizes included cash, trophies, and medals. 

October 21-22 - MCA State Championship

The Mississippi Chess Association hosted the 2-day state championship tournament at CSpire Corporate Headquarters in Ridgeland. The tournament was open to all players, residents and non-residents of Mississippi. Five Swiss rounds included G/60+30 for first two rounds and G/90+30 for remaining three rounds.   

September 15 - Pawns 'N Pajamas

The Mississippi Children's Museum hosted the chess tournament tournament in Jackson whereas players were encouraged to attend and play in pajamas. The event used G/10 + 3 in four Swiss rounds and sections included K-3 grade, K5, K8, K12 - UNRATED.   

September 9 - Battle by the Beach

Mississippi Coast and Gulf Coast Chess Clubs hosted adult and scholastic tournaments on the USM Gulf Coast Campus in Long Beach. The tournament featured sections for adults and students in all grade levels.

August 12 - Partner Showdown

The Capital City Chess Club hosted a Partner Showdown Tournament at the Outlets of Mississippi Food Court in Pearl. The tournament featured a two-person team fixed roster; 4 rounds Swiss; G/45+5; sections: Open and U1000 (USCF rated) 

June-July - Dogmud Chess Camps

Two summer chess camps for kids were held at Dogmud Tavern, in Ridgeland during the weeks of weeks of June 12-15 & July 10-13. The events also included tournaments for the general public.

July 8 - J'Kennethon Smith Sacrifice Memorial Chess Tournament

The J'Kennethon Smith Sacrifice Memorial Chess Tournament was held at the  Outlets of Mississippi Food Court in Pearl. There was a great turnout of players who supported the tournament. An avid chess player in Jackson, Smith was killed in an accident while saving the life of a family member. This became an annual event. 


April 15/April 22 - Chess at the museums

The Mississippi Children's Museums hosted two Scholastic Chess Tournaments at two locations - Meridian (April 15)  and Jackson (April 22). Both locations saw great turnouts including 92 players in Meridian and 118 in Jackson. 

April 1 - Bienville Chess Classic

NO JOKE! The Scott County Chess Club held its second Bienville Chess Classic at the Alfreda-Harris Lodge at Roosevelt State Park in Morton. The event featured four Swiss rounds using G/45+5 among three sections: Open, U1200, U800.   

March 25 - Girls scholastic state championship

The Mississippi Girls State Chess Championship was held at Jackson Prep school in Flowood.  

February 25 - Friendship Oak Classic

The Mississippi Coast Chess Club hosted its Friendship Oak Classic tournament for all ages at USM Gulf Coast Campus in Long Beach. 

Scholastic events

The Mississippi Scholastic Chess Association  hosts a number of events annually at approximately the same time of the year. Here are some of the events for 2023.
Jan. 14/15 - MS Individual Scholastic Chess Championships - CSpire, Ridgeland. More than 80 students from schools across Mississippi participated in an exciting battle for opportunities to represent the state on the national level.
Jan. 28 - The MSCA hosted a tournament for all ages at Meridian High School's Library; scholastic divisions as well as U800 an Open for USCF rated games.
Feb. 4 - The University of Mississippi partnered with MSCA to host a scholastic tournament.
March 4 - The MSCA hosted a scholastic team tournament at St. Andrews Episcopal School.  

Copyright © 2025 Scott County Chess Club - All Rights Reserved.

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