Record-Breaking Opening for the 20th Annual KCF All-Girls National Chess Championship

Garry Kasparov greets the participants during the opening ceremony of the 20th Annual KCF All-Girls National Chess Championship (Photo courtesy of DeShaun Adams)

The 20th Annual Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) All-Girls National Chess Championship kicked off with excitement on opening day, April 4, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in downtown Chicago. Organized in partnership with the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation and US Chess, this milestone event celebrates two decades of empowering young female chess players.

The crowd gathers for Garry Kasparov's speech at the opening ceremony (Photo courtesy of DeShaun Adams)

Legendary World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov made a special appearance to inspire and greet the participants, highlighting the importance of female representation in chess. His presence added a sense of prestige and excitement to the already electric atmosphere.

Garry Kasparov, making the first move for WIM Iris Mou on board one, shakes hands with Sanushya Subramaniam — Left: Garry Kasparov — making the first move for WIM Iris Mou on board 1 — shakes hands with Sanushya Subramaniam. Right: Kasparov makes the first move for Nirvana Rajbhandari, who faced second-seeded WFM Megan Althea Paragua on board two. (Photos courtesy of DeShaun Adams)

Garry Kasparov makes the first move for Nirvana Rajbhandari, who faced second-seeded WFM Megan Althea Paragua on board two — Left: Garry Kasparov — making the first move for WIM Iris Mou on board 1 — shakes hands with Sanushya Subramaniam. Right: Kasparov makes the first move for Nirvana Rajbhandari, who faced second-seeded WFM Megan Althea Paragua on board two. (Photos courtesy of DeShaun Adams)

With a record-breaking 546 players registered from 33 states, Washington DC, US Virgin Islands, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the championship set a new benchmark, showcasing the growing popularity and engagement of girls in the chess community. Players from across the nation have gathered to compete, form friendships, and share their passion for chess.

A wide shot of the playing hall during the opening round

Photo courtesy of DeShaun Adams

For twenty years, the KCF All-Girls National Chess Championship has been pivotal in promoting and fostering a welcoming, competitive environment where female chess enthusiasts under 18 years of age can flourish and aspire to reach new heights in their chess careers.

Links to the pairings and standings can be found on the tournament website at https://allgirls.rknights.org/.

Stay tuned for more updates from this historic tournament!