Saint Louis Welcomes Rising Stars, Trailblazers and Chess Legends for Expanded 2026 U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s Championships

SAINT LOUIS – June 15, 2026 – The brightest young talents and most accomplished veterans in American chess will once again converge in the nation’s Chess Capital as the Saint Louis Chess Club hosts the 2026 U.S. National Championships, including the U.S. Junior Championship, U.S. Junior Girls’ Championship, U.S. Senior Championship and inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Championship from July 12–25.

The invitation-only national championships will showcase America’s top rising stars and legendary competitors battling for national titles and a combined prize fund of $285,000. This year’s event marks a significant expansion of the championship lineup with the addition of the U.S. Senior Women’s Championship, which will be held in Saint Louis for the first time, bringing together four elite national championships that celebrate excellence across generations of American chess.

“We’re excited to once again welcome the nation’s top young players and veteran champions to Saint Louis,” said Yasser Seirawan, Chief Commentator and Spokesperson for the Saint Louis Chess Club. “The addition of the U.S. Senior Women’s Championship makes this a particularly special year. These four championships showcase both the future of American chess and the players whose achievements have helped shape its history.”

U.S. Junior Championship

The U.S. Junior Championship returns with a $75,000 prize fund and a field featuring many of the strongest young players in the country. Among the competitors is IM Alice Lee, one of only a handful of female players to compete in the open championship field, adding another compelling storyline to one of America’s premier junior competitions.

U.S. Junior Girls’ Championship

The U.S. Junior Girls’ Championship will feature the nation’s top young female players competing for a share of the $50,000 prize fund and the opportunity to add their names to the distinguished list of champions who have gone on to represent the United States on the world stage.

U.S. Senior Championship

Created by the Saint Louis Chess Club, the U.S. Senior Championship returns with a $100,000 prize fund and a field of legendary competitors, including former champions and some of the most accomplished players in American chess history.

U.S. Senior Women’s Championship

Making its debut in Saint Louis, the U.S. Senior Women’s Championship will feature many of the nation’s most accomplished female players competing for the title and a share of the $60,000 prize fund. The championship represents an exciting new chapter for American chess, recognizing the achievements and ongoing contributions of women who have helped shape the game across generations.

The rating for players is based on the April 2026 US Chess Invitational Rating lists, part of the US Chess Invitational Event Regulations, which were used to determine the invitations for these events.

Fans will have the opportunity to experience all four national championships live in Saint Louis, with in-person viewing and access to the tournament playing halls throughout the event. Admission is free for club members and includes standing-room viewing, complimentary beverages and light refreshments. Non-members may purchase a $5 day pass or a $100 annual membership to attend.

Fans can also follow every move live with expert commentary from Grandmasters Yasser Seirawan and Cristian Chirila alongside Woman Grandmaster Katerina Nemcova and International Master Irene Sukander. Daily coverage will be available on uschesschamps.com and on the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube and Twitch channels.

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About the Saint Louis Chess Club
The Saint Louis Chess Club (STLCC) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making chess a vital part of the community and advancing Saint Louis’s reputation as the nation’s premier chess destination—the U.S. Chess Capital. In addition to hosting world-class tournaments and providing a welcoming space for casual and competitive play, the Club offers a robust slate of educational programming, including beginner lessons, chess improvement classes, lectures, and special events for players of all ages and skill levels.

Recognizing the cognitive, academic, and social benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is deeply committed to scholastic education. The Club supports existing chess programs in area schools while actively developing new in-school and after-school initiatives that introduce students to the game and help young players thrive both on and off the board. For more information, visit www.saintlouischessclub.org.