What began as a casual gathering of local chess enthusiasts in 2022 has quickly grown out of the Turlock High School cafeteria.

The Turlock Community Chess Tournament, organized by the Turlock High School Chess Club, is back for its fifth year on Saturday, April 18, with its same goal of connecting area players and promoting the game of chess to those of all ages. This year’s event will take place in a brand new venue, moving from the campus dining building into the main gymnasium, Bulldog Arena.

The move comes after the event drew over 100 people last year, including two Grand Masters who came to observe and offer friendly advice to participants. The event now taking place in the gym also allows for spectators to sit in the bleachers to get better views of multiple tables at once.

According to THS Chess Club advisor Matt Rosengarth, participants this year are expected to come from as far away as the Bay Area, Sacramento and Fresno.

“This has turned into quite a community event,” Rosengarth said. “It’s bigger than I had even hoped for when we started five years ago!”

The inaugural event in 2022 drew roughly 30 people.

The Turlock Community Chess Tournament is an unrated event, or in other words, just for fun. It is a G/30 Swiss format and is open to all. Participants will be split into five age divisions. The tournament will run from 9 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m., with check-in starting at 7:30 a.m.

Since the host club will have limited clocks available, participants are encouraged to either bring their own chess clock or have the mobile app “Chess Clock” by chess.com downloaded onto cell phones. Due to the anticipated attendance, extra tournament-size boards and pieces may also be needed. Attendees are also encouraged to bring snacks and drinks for the long day of playing.

In order to keep the tournament moving and to be able to play five rounds, clocks will be set to 30 minutes per side, though those children Grades 1 through 3 will only be set for 15 minutes per side.

Those wanting to participate must register at https://bit.ly/4kh5eFh.

There is a $5 entry fee for those in grades 1 through 12, and a $10 fee for adults. Participants are asked to pay entry fees in advance by cash or card at the Turlock High School activities office, open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. For those needing to pay on the day of the tournament, only cash will be accepted, with exact change preferred.

“We are so looking forward to playing chess,” Rosengarth said. “It is shaping up to be a great tournament with lots of friendly competition, so practice, practice, practice!”
For more information on this year’s Turlock Community Chess Tournament, email Rosengarth at mrosengarth@turlock.k12.ca.us.