Event Date: August 3-6, 2026
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
The GM Arnold Denker National Tournament of High School State Champions is a free event that invites each state affiliate's nominee to compete for the title of Denker National Champion. If there is a tie for first place in the Denker, co-champions will be recognized.
US Chess has added the GM Denker Champion to its list of qualifiers for the World Youth Championship and the U.S. Junior Closed Championship. The qualifying student in case of a tie will be the highest finishing player on tie-breaks who meets the eligibility requirements of the World Youth event for the US Chess delegation and the U.S. Junior Closed Championship. The qualifying person needs a U.S. FIDE flag to be eligible to represent the U.S. in the World Youth and U.S. Junior Championships.
Grandmaster Arnold Denker (February 20, 1914 – January 2, 2005) was an American chess player and chess writer, but he will forever be remembered for his passion for promoting chess for students. He was an important chess organizer, serving on the Board of Chess-in-the-Schools, US Chess, the U.S. Chess Trust, and the driving force behind the prestigious GM Arnold Denker National Tournament of High School State Champions.
For full event details, click on the Information above.
2026 Co-Champions
Denker: HS (9-12) Sponsors
In addition to our major sponsors listed below, US Chess thanks everyone who contributed to make this event possible.
