Hopkins December Open Chess Tournament

Youth Programs / Science & S.T.E.M. -

Youth Fall 2025

Calling all young chess players Chess tournaments are a fun and exciting way for students of all ages to sharpen their skills and test their strategies against other players

These tournaments are more than just competitions they are social events where kids can meet new friends who share a love for the game

This tournament is open to all Minnesota chess players in grades K to 12

Players will be grouped by rating age and experience level to ensure fair and fun competition

Pizza and beverages will be provided and every participant will receive a chess award

Registration is also available at the door

Twin Cities Chess Club - Igor Rybakov

Igor Rybakov started playing chess in school as a young boy in his native Belarus. He started teaching chess and checkers to children in Russia over 30 years ago. When he arrived in the United States in 2001, he began teaching chess to students at Hopkins Public Schools and other surrounding west metro areas. In 2010, he was named "Best Chess Coach in Minnesota." Igor believes that chess is "good training for the brain" and is a great team sport that increases a student's logical and strategic thinking abilities. Igor is very excited about the Hopkins Chess Program, where there are a large number of girls playing chess, too, in a sport that has often been dominated by boys.