US Chess Academy UES Tournament

Rated and unrated chess sections. Saturdays, 9 AM. Done by lunch.

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US Chess Academy UES Tournament

Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, 921 Madison Ave

Two Sections


USCF Rated Quads

Play three games in a quad with players close to your rating. Small groups ensure competitive matches.

Requires active USCF membership. Players without an active USCF ID cannot play in this section.
Join or renew →
Prizes: 1st place trophy + cash, medals for all

OPEN


Unrated Swiss

Perfect for beginners and first-time tournament players. A special format designed to be fun and welcoming for young beginners.

No USCF membership required.

Prizes: Trophies for 1st-3rd, medals for all

ROOKIE

Tournament Schedule

  • Check-in: 8:40 AM (must check in by 8:50 AM or risk missing first round)

  • First round: 9:00 AM sharp

  • Rolling pairings throughout the morning

  • Awards: 12:00 PM (optional, but we hope you'll stay!)

  • Done by lunch

Master Analysis transforms your tournament into a deep learning experience! Discover your killer moves, catch your blunders, unlock what you missed. See the patterns shaping the game and discover the why behind the moves. Competition meets insight.

Add during registration. Limited spots.

Exclusive Master Game Analysis

Choose Your Option

How to Register

Bought a pack?
Check your email for your redemption code. Select your tournament date below, fill out the form, choose your section, and enter your code at checkout. Your pack will automatically deduct one entry.

Don't have a pack yet?
Click a pack option above to purchase. You'll receive your code via email instantly and can return here to register.

Registering for a single tournament?
Select your date below. Register 10+ days early? Use code EARLYBIRD at checkout to save $10.

Playing in the Open section?
You'll need an active USCF membership and your USCF ID number to complete registration. Join or renew here →

REGISTRATION CLOSES THURSDAY AT MIDNIGHT. NO ONSITE REGISTRATION

Lost your pack code?
Check your email for your pack purchase confirmation.
Still can't find it? Email us at support@uschessacademy.com we'll resend it.

Select Tournament Date

Tournament Details

  • Open Section:
    Quad format. You'll play three games with players close to your rating in a small group of four players.

    Rookie Section:
    Swiss format. All rookies play together in a supportive environment. Depending on turnout, you'll play 3-4 games.

  • Open Section:

    • 1st place in each quad: Trophy + cash prize

    • All other participants: Medal

    Rookie Section:

    • 1st-3rd place overall: Trophies

    • All other participants: Medals

    Team Award:

    • Highest-scoring school: Trophy

  • Open Section:
    G/25 +5 (25 minutes per player with 5-second delay)

    Rookie Section:
    No time control. Games are untimed to create a relaxed, learning-focused environment.

What Makes Our Tournaments Special

  • Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church offers an elegant, peaceful setting perfect for focused tournament play. Easy access for UES families.

  • Our Rookie Section provides a kind, supportive environment where first-time tournament players feel comfortable and encouraged

  • Directed by FIDE Masters Andrea and Ikrom, along with USCF certified TD Amin. Over 1,000 tournaments of combined experience.

  • Done by lunch. No all-day commitment.

Requirements & Policies

  • USCF Membership (Open Section Only)
    If you register for the Open (rated) section, you must have an active US Chess membership and provide your USCF ID when registering. Players without an active USCF ID cannot play in the Open section.

    Join US Chess | Renew Membership

    Not sure if your membership is active? Log in at uschess.org to check your status.

    The Rookie (unrated) section does not require USCF membership.

    Pre-registration Only
    No on-site registration. Registration closes Thursday at 11:59 PM before each Saturday tournament.

  • No refunds. Registration can be transferred to a future tournament date if requested before the Wednesday deadline.

Location & Directions

Getting There:

  • Subway: 6 to 68th Street-Hunter College (6 blocks)

  • Bus: M1, M2, M3, M4 along Madison Avenue

Entrence:
Between 73rd and 74th Street

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, if playing in the Open (rated) section. You must have an active US Chess membership and provide your USCF ID when registering. Players without an active USCF ID cannot play in the Open section.

    Join US Chess | Renew Membership

    The Rookie (unrated) section does not require USCF membership.

  • Arrive by 8:40 AM for check-in. You must be checked in by 8:50 AM sharp or you risk missing the first round, which starts promptly at 9:00 AM.

  • Games finish around 12 PM. You're free to leave by noon if needed, but we hope you'll stay for awards which follow shortly after.

  • Awards are optional, but we hope you'll stay to celebrate!

  • Yes. Each tournament awards a trophy to the highest-scoring school. The trophy is engraved with the school name and USCA logo and is designed to display in your school's office or trophy case.

  • Parents must remain in the designated parent area, separate from the playing hall. This helps maintain focus for all players.

  • Perfect! The Rookie (unrated) section is designed for first-time players. We create a kind, supportive environment where beginners feel comfortable. No USCF membership required.

  • Yes. Packs are family accounts and can be used for siblings.

  • Packs are valid for six months from purchase. You can use them for any tournament within that window.

  • Add it at checkout. A chess master will review your child's games. Format and timing vary by tournament day.

  • Tournaments run unless the venue is closed. We'll email registered families by 7 AM if there's a cancellation.

  • No refunds. Registration can be transferred to a future tournament date if requested before the Thursday deadline.

  • Item desCheck your email for your pack purchase confirmation. Still can't find it? Email us at support@uschessacademy.com and we'll resend it

  • You will not be able to play in the Open section. Please ensure your membership is active before tournament day or contact us to switch to the Rookie section if available.

Contact

Questions? Email us at tournament@uschessacademy.com