Supernationals is the nickname players use for the US Chess SuperNational scholastic championships, the big spring event that brings the national grade sections together. It is not a rating system, and it is not required for a rating.
Why the calendar bends around it
Search interest in tournaments and scholastic chess rises in the first quarter, which is nationals season. Schools use fall and winter events as preparation. A player who wants a published rating before the entry deadline needs a rated event earlier than the week of the trip.
What to check before anyone travels
- The section is a grade section. The grade on the entry must match the school grade. This site checks K–N caps, and it does not collect a child's birth date.
- The rating used for a rating-limited side event is the published US Chess rating, and a floor can change eligibility.
- Membership has to be current. The organizer, not this site, takes the entry fee.
Local rated events still matter more than the nickname. A player who only appears for one national trip has a thin history and a noisy rating. The state and city calendars are where the games that stabilize a rating actually happen.
Questions
Do I have to play Supernationals to have a rating?
No. Any US Chess rated event creates or updates a rating. Supernationals is one event on the spring calendar.