Chess in Iowa
The state of Iowa has a large and constantly growing chess scene that includes players of all ages and experience levels. Chess has experienced a period of growth in the United States in the last few years and this growth in popularity has extended to the Hawkeye State.
There are many excellent chess clubs and camps that give players the opportunity to improve their skills at the game. There are also many tournaments that allow them to test these skills.
At the forefront of the game of chess in Iowa is the Iowa State Chess Association (IASCA). This non-profit chess organization is committed to promoting the game across the state of Iowa and providing valuable resources to the state’s many chess enthusiasts. The official website of the Iowa State Chess Association regularly features news updates and information about upcoming Iowa chess events.
How Many Chess Players Are There In Iowa
Though it would be difficult to say the exact number of total players currently enjoying the game of chess in Iowa, what is certain is the fact that they are a diverse group. The chess players of Iowa range from young players just starting to become interested in the game to senior citizens who have been playing since they were young. There are also many scholastic and college chess players. On a daily basis, there are Iowans of all ages and backgrounds that are picking up their own chess sets and getting started learning this amazing game of strategy.
Grandmasters In Iowa
There are some truly outstanding Iowan chess players that have achieved renown within the national and international chess communities. Though Iowa does not have any current player from the state that holds the game’s top honor of Grandmaster, there are several individuals that hold the prestigious National Master designation within the chess community.
The highest-rated chess player in the history of the state of Iowa was Hugh Myers. When he passed away in 2008, he had a peak rating of 2350 and held the title of National Master. The current top-rated chess player in the state of Iowa is FIDE Master Doug R. McClintock. He has a peak rating of 2314.
Iowa Chess Clubs
Iowa chess players who are looking to connect with other chess enthusiasts in the state should check out some of these chess clubs and camps listed below. These groups give Iowa’s chess players the opportunity to connect and participate in the mutual enjoyment of this great game.
- The Hawkeye Chess Club – A chess club based out of the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
- The Iowa State Chess Chess Club – This chess club is based out of Iowa State University in Ames.
- The Prairie Chess Club – This club plays in scholastic chess tournaments across the state of Iowa.
- The Prairie Chess Camp – This camp provides young people with the opportunity to learn about the game of chess. It is generally held from July 19th to July 23rd at Prairie Point Middle School in Cedar Rapids.
- The Iowa State Chess Association’s Official Facebook Page
- The Official Twitter Feed of the Iowa State Chess Association
Iowa Chess Tournaments
The state of Iowa plays host to many chess tournaments during the year that gives players of all age and experience levels the opportunity to test their skills against one another. The following are some of the top chess tournaments that Iowa has to offer.
2021 Iowa Class Championships – Usually held on July 18th.
2021 IA Scholastic Championships – Generally held on the 20th of February. The most recent edition of this chess tournament was held online.
FIDE Evening Blitz – Usually held on June 8th.
Iowa Chess Shops
If you are looking for a great place to pick up a chessboard, these are a few of the best spots to head to in the state of Iowa.
- First Turn Games – One of the top game shops in Cedar Rapids and an outstanding place to pick up a chessboard and many other board games.
- Go! Calendars & Games – One of the best spots in Des Moines to pick up all the necessary pieces to start your chess journey.
- The Hobby Corner – The top spot in Iowa City to pick up a variety of board games including a quality chessboard.
Further Resources
- The Chess in Iowa Website – Another great resource for chess players in the state of Iowa.
- The Chess Maniac Website – Information on Iowa Chess Clubs
- Where to Play Chess Website – Iowa Related Info
- The International Chess Federation
- The United States Chess Federation
I hope this post on Iowa Chess helped you. If you liked this post, you might also be interested in reading more about Chess in the United States or a specific state like Texas or California.