Purpose-built for high level competition. Capped at 48 players. Entry limited to FIDE 2000+ of USCF 2200+, resulting in an average field strength well above typical Open Swiss events.
Email normswiss@gmail.com with your FIDE ID, USCF ID, full player name, cell phone information to register.
A Classic Swiss experience open to a wider range of players. Join us and compete.
★ 1st & 2nd guaranteed. Players must compete in all 9 rounds to be eligible for norms and prizes.
GM/IMs receive free entry; $99 deducted from prizes. Prize fund based on 64 paid entries. Unrated foreign players must disclose existing ratings or risk prize ineligibility.
Fees based on Feb FIDE rating (published no earlier than Feb 1st). Payment via Zelle preferred. Credit card accepted with additional processing fees.
Lock in your spot and current fee by Feb 28th. After that, availability and pricing may change. You may wait for the March supplement if expecting a higher rating — but if your rating comes in lower, you pay the higher fee. No refunds for rating increases after registration.
Re-entry: $75 via Zelle to re-enter on a shorter schedule.
The Open Section is for you — same premium venue, same class of tournament, no barriers.
If you did not already request any needed byes during registration, please request them in person at the control room desk or via text/email. Confirm your bye by checking the registration/wall charts. Zero-point byes are available at any point if requested at least 1 hour before round time.
Any pre-requested 0.5pt byes will make you ineligible for norms and prizes. Maximum of 2 allowed.
We highly encourage that you only participate in this section if you are able to play all 9 rounds. This is the expectation.
If you need a 0.5pt bye, request no later than 10:00 PM CT Wednesday, March 11th.
1st round 0.5pt bye must be requested by 6:00 PM Friday 3/13 for 4-day schedule, or by 8:00 AM Saturday 3/14 for 3-day schedule.
All other 0.5pt byes must be requested at least 1 hour before round time and no later than 1:00 PM Saturday. Total of two 0.5pt byes allowed — not both in rounds 6 & 7.
Last round byes are irrevocable once requested. Zero-point byes available as long as requested 1 hour before round time.
All players need a current US Chess membership (except foreign titled GM/IM/WGM/WIM). Open section players must have a FIDE ID linked to their US Chess profile.
No elecronic devices of any kind are allowed unless provided by the organizer. All cell phones, smart watches, music earbuds, etc. Failue to comply may result in immediate forfeiture of the current game and possible expulsion from the entire tournament.
Forfeit time is 1 hour. Arbiters start clocks for white regardless of black's presence. All elapsed time comes off white's clock — FIDE rules apply, not US Chess split-time.
Multiple security cameras monitor play. Anti-cheating procedures enforced throughout (not published in advance). By entering, all participants consent to photo/video for event and promotional use.
Boards and pieces provided. Bring your own digital clock and pen or pencil for notation. No chess store on-site — come prepared. Players may briefly observe other games after their round, quietly.
Finished players may quietly observe other games. Disruptive players may be removed at a TD's discretion. Repeated unnecessary door use may result in penalties. Non-competing visitors are not permitted in the playing hall during rounds.
Email to register. Include your FIDE ID, USCF ID, full name, and US cell number. International numbers? Email only — texts from non-US numbers won't be received.
Email to RegisterRegister online using the link below. All players must have a FIDE ID tied to their US Chess profile. Unrated foreign players must disclose existing ratings or risk prize ineligibility.
Champions Social Club is a private, high-end venue designed for comfort, focus, and long rounds. It's significantly better — and we mean that.