If you’re a Chess player in Montana, this page is for you. It contains the best resources for players in Big Sky Country.
Chess in Montana
The popularity of the game of chess is on the rise in the state of Montana in the same way that it is across the rest of the United States and the world at large. Though the overall chess scene in the state is not huge, it is growing. Its ranks are also filled by chess players who are passionate about the game. New players are taking up chess in Big Sky Country daily and they are quickly falling in love with the renowned game of strategy.
The leading organization that promotes chess in Montana is the Montana Chess Association. The organization provides many valuable resources for players in the state. These resources include links to clubs and a calendar of events that details upcoming Montana chess tournaments. Heading to the official website of the Montana Chess Association is the best way to find out about the latest chess news related to the state. The Montana Chess Association also maintains a robust presence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
The following information is a collection of resources and links that are designed to help those who want to find out more about chess in Montana. The state offers many opportunities for players to connect with their fellow chess enthusiasts through various chess clubs and tournaments. There are also some outstanding shops in Montana where customers can purchase high-quality chess products.
Chess Players In Montana
When looking into the chess scene in Montana, it quickly becomes evident that it is a diverse one. There are Montana chess players from a diverse set of backgrounds as well as age ranges. You will also find many different experience levels that range from new players who are just now falling in love with the game to experienced players who have enjoyed chess for many years. These Montana chess players routinely meet at the state’s many chess clubs and they also test their skills against one another in the various chess tournaments that take place across Big Sky Country.
Best Players in Montana
There are currently 64 Montana chess players that are ranked by the United States Chess Federation in its official state rankings. These top Montana chess players include 1st Category ranked individuals such as Antonius Damascus Raelund, Daniel Mattson, James J. Skovron, and Romie G. Carpenter.
Perhaps the most notable chess player in all of Montana is Gregory Nowak. He holds the rank of National Master as presented by the United States Chess Federation.
You can learn more about the top chess players in the state of Montana by viewing the official state rankings from the United States Chess Federation.
Montana Chess Clubs
The following Montana chess clubs help players across the state to connect with each other in both real-time and online.
Billings Chess Club – The Billings Chess Club is affiliated with the United States Chess Federation. It is based out of Billings, Montana, and holds meetings on Wednesdays beginning at 8 pm and Thursdays beginning at 7 pm. Wednesday meetings take place at Thirsty Street on 1st Avenue North and Thursday meetings are held at the Starbucks located at 9th and Grand.
Stevensville Middle School Chess Club – The Stevensville Middle School Chess Club offers an outstanding opportunity for the middle school students of the Stevensville, Montana area. The club regularly coordinates activities with the Montana Chess Association.
Montana State University Chess Club – The Montana State University Chess Club holds its meetings at the campus’s Student Union Building in Bozeman, Montana. Those who are interested in the club can find out more by reaching out to Steve Scarff at (406) 586-4479.
The University-Community Chess Club – The University-Community Chess Club holds its meetings on Thursdays beginning at 7:30 pm. The meetings are held in Rankin Hall at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. Further information about the chess club can be found by calling Sherwood Moore at (406) 728-1695.
Montana Chess Tournaments
These are some of the leading Montana chess tournaments that will provide you with the opportunity to engage your competitive side and test your skills against your chess-playing peers.
Chinook Open – The Chinook Open is a Montana Chess Association Grand Prix event that usually takes place from the 23rd to the 24th of October. The event is held at the Holiday Inn in Great Falls, Montana.
The Montana Open – The Montana Open chess tournament is generally held from May 22nd to May 23rd at the Hilton in Helena, Montana.
Turkey Open – The Turkey Open usually takes place from the 6th to the 7th of November. It is held at the Best Western Grant Creek Inn in Missoula, Montana.
Montana Chess Shops
When you need to shop for chess products in the state of Montana, the following shops are among the best options that you can find.
Dragon Egg Games – Dragon Egg Games is a shop that consistently garners the description of being the best place for board games in Billings, Montana. This includes great chess options.
Kelly’s Comics – Kelly’s Comics is a great place to head if you are in the Great Falls, Montana area and looking for your next chess set. Customers routinely praise the excellent selection that they shop offers.
Retrofix Games – If you are in the Missoula, Montana area and looking to purchase chess products, it is worth your time to check out Retrofix Games. The shop is known to carry an extensive selection of board games.
White Knight Games & Hobbies – White Knight Games & Hobbies is a favorite stop in the Helana, Montana area for board games. The selection at the shop is consistently described as excellent. This includes a selection of quality chess products.
Further Resources
These are some additional resources that you can utilize to find out more about chess in Montana. They are also useful for helping you to find out more about chess across the USA and the rest of the world.
- The Official Website of the Montana Chess Association
- The Official Facebook Page of the Montana Chess Association
- The Official Instagram Feed of the Montana Chess Association
- The United States Chess Federation
- FIDE – The International Chess Federation
I hope this article on Chess in Montana helped you. If you like this article, you may be interested in reading other Chess guides about Chess in the United States.
