Team USA Chessboxing will kick off its national tryout tour with a live event in Bushwick, Brooklyn, combining elite-level strategy and physical competition in one of the fastest-growing hybrid sports in the world.

Hosted at OutBox Gym, the event will run from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with doors opening at 1:30 PM. The afternoon will feature a special appearance by Jennifer Shahade, a two-time U.S. Women’s Chess Champion and Women’s Grandmaster.

Shahade will lead a live “ChessFit” simul demonstration, blending cognitive training with physical movement, followed by a Q and A discussing her new book, Thinking Sideways, which explores creativity, decision-making, and mental flexibility through the lens of chess.

Following the featured session, participants will have the opportunity to compete in an open tryout for a spot on Team USA’s national chessboxing roster. The tryout will include a structured warmup, cardiovascular and calisthenic testing, chessboxing-specific drills, and controlled sparring against other chessboxers around the same size and ELO.

Chessboxing is a hybrid sport that alternates rounds of chess and boxing, demanding both strategic thinking and physical stamina and strength. The United States has seen rapid growth in the sport in recent years, with increasing participation and international competitiveness.

“This tour is about identifying athletes who can think under pressure and perform under fatigue,” said Matt Thomas, America’s first Chessboxing World Champion and organizer of the Team USA program. “We are building a national team that reflects the full spectrum of performance, mind, body, and spirit to take home a team gold medal this year.”

The Team USA Tryout Tour aims to expand access to the sport, connect with local communities, and identify top talent ahead of upcoming international competitions.

The event is free and open to spectators, chess players, boxers, and anyone interested in testing themselves in a new competitive arena or watching the chessboxing action.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: OutBox Gym, 199 Cook St. (Entrance on White St.) Brooklyn, NY 11206

Team USA Tryout Tour: NEW YORK

Join us in NYC for a special event with WGM Jennifer Shahade plus the kickoff of the Team USA Chessboxing Tryouts!

Team Members