After a few years’ hiatus due to COVID, the City Championships returned in style. The 1st Annual New York Metro Area Scholastic Chess Championships (a.k.a. the City Championships) took place on January 3-4, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, Manhattan. Nearly 1,400 players competed over two days across five championship sections and nine Under sections. 

The event was exceptionally well organized. All games were played on the 6th floor, with team rooms conveniently located on the 7th floor, making it easy for players to regroup between rounds. The 8th and 9th floors offered ample space for players and parents to relax. The organizers also secured great sponsorships, with Fun Master Mike from ChessKids on site, delighting kids with games.

Another big plus was the location itself. The venue is easily accessible via multiple subway lines, and with Times Square just outside the hotel, it was very easy to find food at all hours. Walking around the area was also a great way to kill time between rounds—even if the weather was a bit chilly.

Fifteen students from the Q300 chess team competed across eight sections and brought home four trophies:

  • Alex Yang (2nd grade): 9th place, Primary U600
  • Otis Kermish (5th grade): 11th place, Junior High U1300
  • Bowen Chen (4th grade): 20th place, Elementary U700
  • Daniel Keating (5th grade), Angela Lin (4th grade), Alistair Cheng (5th grade), Isla Arnold (4th grade): 4th place team, Elementary U1100

We are incredibly grateful to Coach LeMonte and Coach Philip from the New York Chess Academy for supporting the team throughout both days. Their insightful game analysis helped the players tremendously, and their presence brought much-appreciated peace of mind to parents.

PS: The trophies are ginormous—be prepared to find a new house to store them 🙂
PPS: Mark your calendars—the City Championships will return next year on January 2–3, 2027!

Bowen Chen (4th grade): 20th place in Elementary U700

Otis Kermish (5th grade): 11th place in Junior High U1300

Alex Yang (2nd grade): 9th place in Primary U600

Daniel Keating (5th grade), Angela Lin (4th grade, holding the trophy), Alistair Cheng (5th grade), Isla Arnold: 4th place team in Elementary U1100