National Chess Day: What You Should Know
As we head into fall, no doubt you’re looking forward to the special treats of the season, whether that includes the return of football, pumpkin patches, or cozy evenings. Another reason to celebrate in the United States is National Chess Day, which takes place on October 11, 2025. This official recognition of the game of kings has been going strong since 1976, ironically, the 200th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence from kings. Use your American freedom to play, learn about, and advance chess in the United States.
Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
What Is National Chess Day?
National Chess Day is the second Saturday of October each year. It is a day to recognize the accomplishments of Americans in the highest levels of chess, as well as the enjoyment and challenge experienced by all who play. National Chess Day is the premier chess holiday in the United States. In 2025, the chess community will be celebrating 49 years of official recognition.
How Did October 9 Become National Chess Day?
The United States celebrated its bicentennial in 1976 with a full year of grand events and special commemorations. President Gerald Ford declared October 9, 1976, to be the first National Chess Day, recognizing chess as an integral part of American culture. President Ford declared the national day to encourage people to enjoy a game of chess and the mental stimulation it provides.
There’s an interesting paper trail that shows exactly who and how chess was selected for its own day. Bill Dodgen, a chess player and president of the South Carolina affiliate of the US Chess Federation, wrote to President Ford and Senator Strom Thurmond, asking for an official proclamation. He was organizing the National Chess Day – 76 for the USCF on that date. With a bit of back and forth, including a pointed mention that the United States was the only country that hadn’t recognized chess in some way, Dodgen was able to get October 9, 1976, officially designated as National Chess Day by President Ford. If you’d like to see the letters, check out "The Origins of National Chess Day” by David Heiser.
Interesting American Achievements in Chess
- Irina Krush is the only female grandmaster from the United States. She was awarded the title in 2013 at the age of 29. Keep an eye on Carissa Yip for the next American woman to become a Grandmaster, as she has two of her Grandmaster norms at this writing.
- Bobby Fischer’s World Championship victory in 1972 remains the only time there has been an American in the top slot. Fischer’s eight US Chess Championships are tied by Samuel Reshevsky.
- On the women’s side, Gisela Kahn Gresser won the Women’s US Chess Championship nine times, with Irina Krush close behind her at eight.
- The US claims approximately 100 of the around 1,700 living FIDE grandmasters worldwide.
- While we haven’t held the World Champion title more than once, US players like Paul Morphy, Frank Marshall, and GM Reuben Fine changed the way chess is played through their brilliant strategic and theoretical contributions.
- Modern chess is experiencing a surge in popularity, and we have American chess streamers to thank for this increase among younger people. Platforms like Twitch or YouTube host dozens of popular chess streamers who make chess fresh and exciting. Events like Pogchamps intersect popular online culture with chess, reaching even more people.
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Official Events
National Chess Day is celebrated with a wide variety of open houses, chess tournaments, and events. For official tournaments in your area, check your local club website or use the US Chess Upcoming Tournaments search tool with “National Chess Day” as your search term. If you’re unsure about finding your local club, the Club and Affiliate Search tool is easy to use and will direct you to the right place. Online chess platforms will run special content and play opportunities during the day, so be sure to check in with your favorite.
Ways to Celebrate National Chess Day
National Chess Day can be as big a time or as low-key as you would like it to be. Here are some ideas for marking the occasion:
- Play a game of chess! It may seem obvious, but it can be difficult to set aside time for your hobby in a busy life without a “reason.” Use the observance to make sure it happens! Whether you choose an online game or play with a friend, you’ll be upholding the spirit of the day.
- Post about chess on your social media and online accounts. Online content and posts from people we know influence our behavior. Why not be a “chess influencer” and get some of your friends involved?
- Teach someone to play chess. National Chess Day is the perfect time to teach someone to play. A neighbor, a friend, or a family member—anyone who has an interest.
- Play in a tournament. Whether you play in an official event or something more casual, testing your skill against another chess player in “healthy competition” is a terrific way to fulfill the intent of President Ford’s proclamation.
- Read about the history of chess or famous chess players. If you’re interested in Bobby Fischer, “The Road to Reykjavik” by Tibor Karolyi is a fascinating read. If you’ve had your fill of Fischer, try “Frank Marshall, US Chess Champion” by Andy Soltis. Frank Marshall was an interesting character and the longest-running US Champion in history (1907-1936).
Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss this opportunity to observe the importance of chess! While we may play chess every day, October 11, 2025, is THE day to celebrate National Chess Day. See you (and your king) at the board!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! International Chess Day is celebrated every year on July 20. FIDE and the United Nations recognize International Chess Day as a way to bring the world together in peace and friendship over the chess board. No matter where you travel, you will find chess boards and willing players. You might even say it's a universal language! Mark the occasion by playing online with someone in another country or joining an event at your local club.
There are many ways to start learning chess. Download a free chess app like Lichess.org and follow the tutorials or grab a book from your library. If you’re lucky enough to have a friend who plays, ask if they would teach you. You can also look up your local chess club and head to an open meeting. Chess players are always eager to teach someone new their favorite game. Above all, play chess! It may seem daunting at first, but every chess match will improve your game. You’ll be winning in no time!
Without a doubt, Bobby Fischer is the most famous American chess player, both in his lifetime and since his death in 2008. Winning eight U.S. Championships and capturing the World Championship in 1972, Fischer was a brilliant chess prodigy and a larger-than-life personality. While his personal views and erratic behavior marred his public image, he was a household name during the World Championship against Boris Spassky in 1972, a sort of US/USSR proxy battle. While there have been many great US chess players since, none have surpassed Bobby Fischer in celebrity.
PS. Yes, Paul Morphy may have been a better chess player, but if I asked anyone outside of chess who Paul Morphy was, they would ask what movies he’s been in.