Chesswrestling - Call for Masters

Chess Wrestling

Chessboxing is well known for combining two radically different sports to dominate your opponent mentally and physically. However, its growth has been stunted due to chess players fearing the high chances of injury. Most are drawn to the action and psychology of chessboxing and have conceived various other crosses with chess such as MMA that have never succeeded. How can you encourage higher-level chess players to join while keeping the thrill of explosive combat? The solution is wrestling – an ancient grappling sport that requires you to pin your opponent’s back to the ground. More specifically, chesswrestling.

No gear is needed to start other than a partner and a soft surface. Additionally, wrestling doesn’t allow striking which would leave you with serious head injuries. The format of chesswrestling is similar to the original chessboxing, with players alternating between rounds of chess and wrestling, until there is a winner in either sport. Ties are broken by the points scored in the wrestling section. Our set of rules can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17bEas4R0Z6DdHFFP1U5TOHAajc14zVPl/view?usp=drivesdk

Events

In April 2024, Macalester College Women’s Wrestling team hosted a pilot co-ed chesswrestling event which consisted of players and wrestlers of various skill levels. The story featuring beginners can be found on youtube found here.

Around the end of January 2025, the team plans to host a bigger competition at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. Prizes will be determined based on interest. As of now, there are no plans to reimburse travel.

Becoming a Competitor

If you have any experience in both chess and wrestling, you can request to enter the competition! Anyone can apply, but priority will go to Masters or experienced wrestlers.

How to Apply

To apply to compete in the first-ever official Chesswrestling Competition, please complete the survey: https://forms.gle/fCYQSbio6stK4Wxq5

Staying Updated!

Updates will be posted by the organizer on Youtube and Instagram.