2024 West Michigan Championship

We are excited to bring back another edition of the West Michigan Championship! There is a long tradition in West Michigan of competitive championship events. In 2008 we see one of the earliest editions where GM Ben Finegold played and won! It returned in a different form in 2014-2015 under the leadership of Andy Catlin. Finally, after a time when there was no West Michigan Championship, it has returned under Michael Brooks since 2018! So now, in our 6th edition in a row, we are offering another West Michigan Championship in May!

We are hosting this as a two-day event taking place on a Friday night and a Saturday during the day. Two schedules will be available for the two main events as well as three scholastic sections. See details below!

When: May 10th-11th, 2024
Where: Northlawn United Methodist Church (1157 Northlawn Ave NE, Grand Rapids)

Sections: Championship, Reserve (U1500), Scholastic Championship (USCF-Rated), Scholastic Booster (Unrated)

Championship and Reserve Sections:
Active USCF Membership and MCA Membership Required (contact TD if you do not have MCA)

2-Day Schedule Time Control: G/60;d10
2-Day Schedule Round Times: Friday – 7:00PM, Saturday 10:15, 1:15, 4:15

1-Day Schedule Time Control: G/25;d5 in Round 1, G/60;d10 in rounds 2-4
1-Day Schedule Round Times: Saturday 9:00, 10:15, 1:15, 4:15

Entry Fee: $50 ($45 for GRCC Member)

Championship Prizes: 1st Place – $300, 2nd Place – $200
Reserve Prizes: 1st Place – $250, 2nd Place – $150
**These prizes are based upon 35 total participants in both sections and will be paid out based on percentage.

Scholastic Championship & Booster Sections

The K-12 Scholastic Championship section is USCF-rated and you must have an active USCF membership to play in it. The K-12 Booster will be UNRATED and not require a USCF membership.

Championship Section Round Times: Saturday – 11:00, 12:30, 2:00, 3:15
Booster Section (K-6 Section/K-12 Section) Round Times: Saturday – 10:00, 10:45, 11:45, 1:45

Championship Section Time Control: G/25;d5
Booster Section Time Control: No clock unless needed then TD will put a clock on a game.

Entry Fee: $25

Championship Prizes: 1st Place – Trophy + $125
Booster Section: 1st Place – Trophy + GRCC Year Long Membership
**Cash prize based upon 25 players’ total attendance between sections and the prize will be distributed by percentage based upon attendance.