The United States Chess Federation, the official national governing body of chess in the United States, has selected Columbus to host the 2029 SuperNationals IX from April 20-22, 2029.
SuperNationals are a National Scholastic Event held every four years. It combines three spring national tournaments normally held in separate cities each year: the National Elementary (K-6), the National Middle School (K-8) and the National High School (K-12) championships.
The first SuperNationals were held in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1997, and it has grown to become the largest chess tournament in the world to be held under one roof, with over 7,000 players expected in both Orlando for SuperNationals VIII in 2025 and Columbus 2029. The 2021 edition was canceled due to the COVID pandemic.
US Chess, led by Executive Director Ranae Bartlett, includes more than 110,000 members and 1,300 affiliated chess clubs and organizations. In 2029, US Chess will be celebrating its 90th year of empowering players, enriching lives, and enhancing communities through the game of chess. "US Chess is tremendously excited about our SuperNationals IX event being held in Columbus, Ohio in 2029,” Bartlett said. “A number of our Spring Scholastic National Championships have taken place in Columbus over the years and the Discovery City has proved most popular with our young competitors, their families, and the entire US Chess community. Holding our premier championship — one that attracts many thousands of players every four years — within the welcoming Greater Columbus Convention Center is a natural next step for us."
Linda Logan, CEO and president of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, added, “We look forward to welcoming more than 7,000 players from all 50 states to Columbus in 2029, which will lead to more than $8 million in direct visitor spending in our community.”
Columbus is also hosting the 2024 National Elementary Championships at the Greater Columbus Convention Center Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28. Over 2,000 players from around the U.S. are expected to participate, doubling the number that played when the event was last held here in 2022 during the COVID recovery period. Medals will be given to top individuals and trophies will be awarded to top teams in each section. Learn more about the 2024 National Elementary Championships here.
About US Chess Federation
The US Chess Federation (US Chess) is the official governing body and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization for chess players and chess supporters in the United States. Our mission is to empower people, enrich lives, and enhance communities through chess. Our vision is that chess is recognized as an essential tool that is inclusive, benefits education and rehabilitation, and promotes recreation and friendly competition.
US Chess represents the United States in the World Chess Federation (FIDE), connecting our members to chess players around the world. Founded in 1939 with the merger of the American Chess Federation and the National Chess Federation, US Chess has grown to serve over 110,000 members and 1,300 affiliated chess clubs and organizations today.
Every year, US Chess sanctions and rates over 10,000 tournaments and over half a million games. We host over 25 National Championships and award titles to both amateurs and professionals, ranging from elementary school students to senior citizens.