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Serious chess
Seriously fun
Done by lunch

Register Now

US Chess Academy UES Tournament

Rated and unrated sections · Saturdays 9 AM
Brick Church, 62 E 92nd Street

See a Tournament Day

Two Sections


USCF Rated

Play three rated games 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: Trophies top 3 + cash, medals for all others.

OPEN


Unrated Swiss

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

No USCF membership required.

Prizes: Trophies top 3+cash, medals for all others.

ROOKIE

Our events are supported by Jabari McGreen, National Tournament Director (NTD), the highest US Chess TD certification level.

Tournament Schedule

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

  • First round: 9:10 AM sharp

  • Rolling pairings throughout the morning

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

  • Done by lunch

Transform your tournament into the ultimate learning experience.

Players who add this option have full access to the Master Training Dojo, a spacious, sunlit room right next to the playing hall. From 9 AM to 12 PM, your child works with our team of masters on game analysis, tactics, and skill sharpening.

Parents are welcome to stay, step out, or return at noon for awards.

$100 - Add during checkout. Limited spots.

Master Training Dojo

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.

Registering for a single tournament?
Select your date below.

Early bird discount: Register 7+ days early and use code EARLYBIRD at checkout to save $10 (does not apply to packs).

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

Enhance Your Experience
During checkout, you can add the Master Training Dojo, three hours of supervised training with our masters while your child plays in the tournament. Limited spots available.

ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY AT 9PM


**On-site registration available for $70.

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:
    Swiss format. You'll play three rated games paired by rating.

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

  • Open Section:

    • Trophies top 3 + cash, medals for all others.

    Rookie Section:

    • Trophies top 3, medals for all others.

    Team Award for Championship Tournament:

    • 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

  • Brick 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

  • Our tournaments are supported by Jabari McGreen, National Tournament Director (NTD), the highest US Chess tournament director certification level, and FIDE National Arbiter, helping ensure professional standards, smooth operations, and a strong tournament experience for players and families.

  • Done by lunch. No all-day commitment.

See photos from past tournaments →

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.

    Online Registration
    Online registration closes Friday at 9 PM before each Saturday tournament.

    On Site Registration
    On-site registration available for $70.

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

Location & Directions

Getting There:

  • Subway: 4, 5, or 6 to 86th Street–Lexington Ave (10–12 min walk)

    Bus: M15 or M96 to East 92nd Street

    Entrance:
    62 E 92nd 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 9:10 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, we will award a trophy to the highest-scoring school at our championship tournament on June 6.

  • 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 the Master Training Dojo at checkout. From 9 AM to noon, your child works with our masters on game analysis, tactics, and skill-building in a dedicated room next to the playing hall.

  • 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.

  • Check 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.

  • Yes! Add the Master Training Dojo ($100) during registration. Your child will be supervised by our masters from 9 AM through awards at noon. Parents are welcome to stay, step out, or return for pickup.

  • Master Analysis Only ($70) is for parents who stay on-site but want their child to receive expert game review. Premier Drop-Off ($125) includes everything from Master Analysis PLUS full supervision, allowing parents to leave. You save $20 with Premier Drop-Off vs. purchasing separately.

  • Yes — speak with a tournament director on-site to add it, subject to availability.

Contact

Questions? Email us at tournament@uschessacademy.com