Cairns Chess Queens Award

The Cairns Chess Queens Award is designed to encourage more US female chess players to become Grandmasters. The award was established July 4, 2024, and will run through July 4, 2029.

Award Amount: $100,000 total for up to five players over the next five years who earn the Grandmaster (GM) rank.

Geographic Scope: United States

Eligibility:

• Female chess players who are American Citizens or become American Citizens before earning the rank of grandmaster
• Grandmasters must be confirmed by FIDE
• Only players acting ethically are eligible for awards

Focus Areas: Encouraging exceptional achievement by US female chess players in reaching Grandmaster rank

What They Don't Fund:

• Players who have acted in an improper or illegal manner may be ineligible
• Awards may be withheld or deemed null and void if irregularities are discovered in GM attainment

Background: Sponsor Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield notes that worldwide there are only 42 female GMs compared to more than 2,000 male GMs. Only 2% of all GMs are female, with none ranked in the top 100. The first Cairns Chess Queens Award was presented to GM Irina Krush, who became the first and only female player to earn the rank of GM while playing for the US.

• Address: 4663 Maryland Avenue, Saint Louis, MO
• Phone: (314) 361-2437