The Denker Tournament of High School Champions is a chess tournament that occurs annually in the United States alongside the US Open and the Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions. The tournament is named for the founder, Arnold Denker and is usually referred to as "The Denker".
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The Denker Tournament of High School Champions was started by Arnold Denker in 1984.[1]
This chess tournament is by invitation only. Each state affiliate, and Washington, D.C., may send only one player. However, if there is an odd number of players the host state may allow another player to compete without winning any prizes.[2]
Each United States Chess Federation sanctioned state affiliate can pick a player to go, using any method they choose. Many state affiliates have chosen to hold one tournament, usually the state championship tournament, as the qualifier. The highest finishing high school player from the high school championship division, is then chosen as the state representative. If no player is chosen, or for some reason cannot attend, the United States Chess Federation will instead contact the highest rated high school players within the state that are eligible to determine if they wish to attend.
The tournament has multiple sponsors. University of Texas at Dallas provides a full four-year scholarship to the winner. The US Chess Trust also provides scholarship money for the top players; based upon final rank. Mitchell Denker, son of Arnold Denker, provides $100 to meet travel expenses.
Players who are under the age of 16 are also eligible to win another scholarship. The Ursula Foster Scholarship provides $500 to the best finish by a competitor under 16. If there are no players under 16, it goes to the best finish by a player under 17.[2]