The US Chess Championships took place in Saint Louis Fri 9th Oct to Wed 21st Oct 2026. Wesley So won his fourth title after a tie-break win against defending champion Fabiano Caruana (winner the last four years 2022-25 champion). So had led by a point from Caruana going into the final round but lost to tail-ender Sam Sevian. The women's event was of great interest too with debutant Rachael Li winning on her first time out, half a point clear of Alice Lee.