The 2nd Koltanowski Memorial Tournament: Full Guide

This August, San Francisco will once again welcome players from all walks of life to honor one of chess’s most colorful figures. The 2nd Koltanowski Memorial Tournament will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 16–17, 2025, at the historic Mechanics’ Institute Chess Room, 57 Post Street, right in the heart of the city.

Like last year’s debut edition, the event is open to everyone, from experienced masters to weekend enthusiasts, and promises a warm, competitive atmosphere. Players will compete for a $2,600 prize fund, with all games rated by both US Chess and FIDE.

The Format: A True Test of Skill

The tournament follows a 4-round Swiss System, with two rounds each day:

• Saturday, August 16 – Rounds at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm
• Sunday, August 17 – Rounds at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm

The time control is G/90 + 30 seconds increment, giving players 90 minutes each, plus a 30-second bonus per move. It’s a thoughtful pace that allows for deep calculation, but still keeps the games moving.

Three rating sections keep the competition fair and exciting:

• 2000+
• 1600–1999
• Under 1600

Players with a strong enough rating can “play up” to a higher section. For example, anyone with at least an 1800 USCF rating can join the top 2000+ section, while those with 1400 USCF can move into the 1600–1999 section.

Registration and Fees

Registration is open online until Wednesday, August 6 at 9:30 am. Onsite registration is available on the first day from 9:30–9:45 am.

• Mechanics’ Institute Members: $70 (play-up fee $15)
• Non-Members: $100 (play-up fee $20)
• Late Fee: $10
• $5 admin fee applies for cancellations and refunds.

Current US Chess membership is required, and it must be valid through the final day of the tournament.

Byes and Fair Play

Players who cannot make a round can request up to two half-point byes. Requests for Rounds 1–3 must be made 15 minutes before the round. A Round 4 bye must be declared before the first round begins and is final.

To maintain fairness, the organizers enforce the 200-rating point rule for play-up requests and follow modified FIDE rules.

A Touch of Modern Coverage

Adding to the excitement, the top 6 games of each round will be broadcast live on Chess.com, with a 15-minute delay to protect fair play. Viewers from around the world will be able to watch San Francisco’s chess battles unfold move by move.

Remembering the First Edition

The 1st George Koltanowski Memorial, held in August 2024, set a high bar. FM Tymur Keleberda took first place with an unbeaten 3.5/4, followed closely by Hanchi Yao, Vikrant Ganesan, Vishva Nanugonda, and Kanwar Sethi. The event was marked by sharp games, friendly rivalries, and a shared respect for the tournament’s namesake.

Honoring Koltanowski’s Legacy

George Koltanowski was more than just a strong player, he was a showman, a writer, and a lifelong ambassador of chess. Known for his legendary blindfold exhibitions and deep love for the game, his legacy lives on in events like this, which bring people together over the board.

Whether you’re chasing a prize, testing yourself against stronger players, or simply enjoying a weekend of thoughtful competition, the 2nd Koltanowski Memorial Tournament is a perfect opportunity to be part of San Francisco’s rich chess culture.

For full details, registration links, and entry lists, visit the Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club’s official site. And if you can’t make it in person, tune in online. The moves may be delayed, but the excitement will be right on time.

The Organizers – Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club

Behind the 2nd Koltanowski Memorial Tournament is the Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club, a true landmark in American chess. Founded in 1854, it holds the proud distinction of being the oldest continuously operating chess club in the United States. Its walls have seen more than a century and a half of chess history, from casual skittles games to battles between world champions.

The club isn’t just about preserving tradition, it’s alive with activity year-round. Every month, the calendar is packed with events for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether it’s the Tuesday Night Marathon, fast-paced blitz nights, weekend quads, or full two-day FIDE-rated tournaments, there’s always a reason to sit down at the board. The schedule even includes dedicated scholastic events to help young players take their first competitive steps.

For casual visitors, the club offers open play on weekdays in its historic chess room, a warm, book-lined space that invites conversation and quiet concentration in equal measure. Beginners can join classes to learn the basics, while experienced players can sign up for lessons or analysis sessions to sharpen their skills. And for those looking to give back, the Institute supports bringing chess into schools, neighborhoods, and community centers.

The club’s history is woven with stories of the game’s greatest names. Legends such as Emanuel Lasker, José Capablanca, Alexander Alekhine, Bobby Fischer, Anatoly Karpov, Boris Spassky, and many more have visited, giving exhibitions or playing in the very same room that today’s members enjoy. In recent years, stars like Fabiano Caruana, Anish Giri, Wesley So, and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa have continued that tradition, connecting San Francisco’s chess present to its storied past.

For players, the Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club is more than a tournament venue, it’s a place where history, community, and a shared love of the game come together. And when the 2nd Koltanowski Memorial begins this August, it will once again be the stage for memorable games and lasting friendships.