Chicago Fire is the harder division, designed for experienced solvers, people with significant tournament experience, people who qualify in the A or B divisions at ACPT, and anyone else who is up for a challenge. If you have won a trophy in any of our events, you should register for Fire. 
Minnesota Nice is the easier division, designed for people newer to tournaments, less experienced solvers, people who rank in C-E divisions at ACPT. If you aren't sure which category is for you, it's probably this one.

Individual is for people competing as solo solvers.
Pairs is for people competing in groups of two. Pairs register once and provide both names. 

In-Person is for people who want to compete at the tournament with us in Chicago.
Online is for people who want to compete at home in real time alongside the in-person tournament. Online solvers choose their difficulty the day of the tournament. 

Puzzle Packets are available for anyone who wants to solve at home non-competitively in their own time. 2026 packets will be emailed after the tournament.

Please allow up to 48 hours for us to confirm your registration.

Registration closes September 30 or when all spots are sold. Please email us at midwestcrossword@gmail.com with any questions.