Lancaster-Lebanon Chess Team Tournaments
The Lancaster-Lebanon Chess Team Tournaments are designed to gather elementary and middle school teams of students in a formal yet relaxed tournament setting. Participants meet students from varying grade levels and schools as they compete in a game they love. Building self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking come along with the fun. Skill levels will vary, but students should understand the game and be ready to play four rounds of chess with opponents from public and nonpublic schools. Teams register online through their schools. The Additional Information links below can be helpful in preparing for the tournament. NOTE: The Lancaster-Lebanon Chess Team Tournaments are not USCF rated.
Registration opens: Monday, December 2, 2024
Registration deadline: Monday, March 17, 2025
2025 Elementary Chess Tournament Flyer
2025 Middle School Chess Tournament Flyer
2025 Tournament Dates:
- Elementary Chess Team Tournament (Grades K-5) – Wednesday, April 16, 2025
- Middle School Chess Team Tournament (Grades 6-8) – Thursday, April 17, 2025
All events take place in The Conference and Training Center at IU13.
Additional Information
- FAQs for Chess Tournaments
- Video of Past Tournament Highlights
- 2024 Elementary Chess Team Tournament Wrap-Up
- 2024 Middle School Chess Team Tournament Wrap-Up
- Understanding Chess Tournament Rules
- Rules of Etiquette
If you are interested in registering for this academic competition, please email Talisa Spencer-Wright at talisa_spencer_wright@iu13.org or call 717-606-1822. Thank you.
Our Tournament Story …
Due to the academic value and appeal of chess to young people, IU13 worked with National Master Thomas Magar to create resources to share with elementary schools who were interested in developing or improving student chess clubs. IU13 hosted the first Lancaster-Lebanon Elementary Chess Tournament in 2011 in order to bring students together for diverse competition and learning. In response to great interest, a middle-school chess tournament was added in 2018. These student competitions have become annual events at IU13, thanks to the support of the Lancaster-Lebanon Education Foundation.