Flathead Chess

2026 Flathead Freeze

A Local Kalispell Event

The Flathead Valley Chess Club proudly presents the 2026 season opener in Kalispell, Montana.

Date: January 10th

Location: Fraternal Order of Eagles (Basement)- 37 1st St W, Kalispell, MT 59901

Format: Five rounds, Swiss pairings

Time Control: G/25; inc5 ( Game in 25 minutes; 5 seconds bonus each move)

Entry Fee: $35 for registration ($30 if registered before noon, Saturday, January 3.)

Entry Fee to be paid in Cash during registration Saturday morning.

Registration: Register at: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/8005

USCF membership required. USCF membership can be attained at https://new.uschess.org or during registration.

MCA membership for MT residents required. MCA annual membership is $15. Unrated MT residents: First Annual MCA membership is waived.

On-site Registration & Entry Fees: 8:00 - 8:30 am Saturday

Entry Fee must be paid by the end of registration to be paired.

Check-in: Saturday, 9:30 am

Rounds: Saturday: 10:00 am, 11:45 am, 1:30 pm, 3:15 pm, 4:45 pm (or asap)

Byes: One 1/2-point bye available.

Byes for rounds 4 & 5 must be requested before round 3 begins – 3:15 pm.

Prize Fund: Based on 10 paid entries. Possible increase with additional entries

                 -1st place: $100

                 -2nd place: $75

                 -3rd place: $50

                 -Best score U1300: $50

                 -Best score U1000: $50

                 -Best "brilliant move": entry fee

Club Chess

The club meets every other Tuesday beginning at 5:00 PM in the basement at the Eagles Club (37 1st St W). Take the stairs immediately inside the main entrance down. Our next meetups are:

• December 16
• December 30
• January 13

We welcome all ages and skill levels. We host rated and non-rated tournaments from time-to-time. Drop by and check the scene out for free. Annual membership dues of $30 are required for continuing players.

Community Chess

Join us for casual chess each Thursday beginning at 4:00 PM at Steam Mountain Games in the Kalispell Center Mall.

Chess at the mall is the best place to get your feet wet. We welcome all ages and skill levels. Yes, absolute beginners are welcome! And it's FREE!

Supporters