Call for Nominations: 2026 Chess Journalists of America Awards

Recognizing Excellence in Chess Journalism Across All Mediums

Chess Journalists of America Calls for Nominations for Prestigious Annual Awards

New York, NY — The Chess Journalists of America (CJA) is excited to announce the opening of nominations for its highly anticipated annual awards, celebrating excellence in chess journalism across various platforms. The CJA Awards honor the best articles, columns, photojournalism, online writing, and social media contributions in the chess community, recognizing outstanding works published in English from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

As a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting chess as both a journalistic and scholarly pursuit, CJA invites submissions from journalists, writers, and enthusiasts alike. Membership is accessible to all for an annual fee of just $10, which also includes entry into the awards.

Award winners will receive a printable online certificate and will be featured in CJA’s magazine, The Chess Journalist, as well as on the CJA website and social media platforms. The awards will be announced during the annual CJA meeting at the U.S. Open, followed by a comprehensive listing on the CJA website.

Categories of Excellence

The awards encompass a wide range of categories, including:

• Top Three Categories:

  • Chess Journalist of the Year
  • Best Story of the Year
  • Best Column

• Best Chess Book:

  • Best Book – Instruction
  • Best Book – Other
  • Best Self-Published Book

• Best Visual Arts:

  • Best Photojournalism Article
  • Best Single Chess Photo
  • Best Cartoon

• Best Print Articles:

  • Best Regular Newspaper Column
  • Best Feature Article
  • Best Interview

• Best Online and Social Media News and Features:

  • Best Podcast
  • Best Overall Chess Website
  • Best Twitter Feed

• Junior Awards:

  • Best Print Article by a Junior
  • Best Online Article by a Junior

• Cramer Awards:

  • Best State Championship Report
  • Best Overall State Website

Submission Details

Interested participants can submit their entries until June 28, 2026. The entry fee is $15 for the first submission, which includes CJA membership or renewal, and $8 for each additional entry. State organizations are permitted to submit three entries in the Cramer Awards free of charge.

For more information and to access the entry page, please visit chessjournalism.org. For questions, contact CJA Chief Judge Joshua Anderson via email.

This is a unique opportunity for chess journalists to gain recognition for their hard work and dedication to the game. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a budding journalist, the CJA Awards celebrate the vibrant tapestry of chess journalism in America. Don’t miss your chance to shine!