(CROSSVILLE, TN)The U. S. Chess Federation (USCF), will hold its 31st National Elementary (K-6) School Chess Championship May 12-14, 2006 in Denver, Colorado at the Hyatt Denver Convention Center located at 15th Street and California Street. This year’s event (as well as for 2007 and 2008) will be re- named in honor of longtime supporter of scholastic chess since 1972, Burt Lerner, on behalf of his family.

This seven round event will begin Friday, May 12 at 1:00 pm. The event concludes Sunday evening, May 14 with an award ceremony at 7:00 pm. The time control for players above the K-1 section will be G/120 for each of their seven games. This allows players two hours each to make their moves. Those competing in the K-1 level each get 90 minutes on their chess clock to complete their games.

The National Elementary School Bughouse Championship will start Thursday, May 11 at 11:00 am and the National Elementary School Blitz Championship will start Thursday evening at 5:00 pm. These two events are unique in that each side receives 5 minutes per game!

On Saturday, May 13, another interesting event will begin at 10:30 am – Parents & Friends Tournament. Coaches, parents and other siblings of players are encouraged to join this fun tournament.

MyChessPhotos.com, official photographer for this event, is offering a $250 scholarship to the player with the greatest upset!

Grandmaster Susan Polgar will do a simultaneous exhibition Friday, May 12 at 9:00 am and give a lecture on Saturday, May 13 at 4:30 pm.

Additional details, advanced entrants and program book can be found at: http://www.uschess.org/tournaments/2006/elem/. So far 1779 players have entered!

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The United States Chess Federation (USCF), founded in 1939, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and is now headquartered in Crossville, Tennessee. USCF is devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. It promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, and as a means for the improvement of society. The USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization with over 80,000 members. For additional information on the USCF see: http://www.uschess.org.