Want to play in your first chess tournament? Or playing in your 50th? The Rochester Chess Festival is back! And bigger than ever! Rochester Chess will be hosting the 2026 Rochester Open AND the Midwest Women & Girls Championship. The USCF-rated Rochester Open will feature five rounds in five rated sections, including a section for beginners. The Women & Girls Championship will feature five rounds in three sections, including a section for beginners. (And sign up for a chance to play against an International Master in Friday night’s simultaneous exhibition). Cost for Rochester Open sections start at $50-$80 online with progressive increases to $90-$120 for onsite registration ($25-$60 for the Women & Girls Championship).