Serious chess
Seriously fun
Done by lunch
Rated and unrated sections · Saturdays 9 AM
Brick Church, 62 E 92nd Street
US Chess Academy UES Tournament
Every tournament offers two sections. You’ll select one after choosing your date below.
For more experienced rated tournament players.
Requires active USCF membership.
Join or renew →
Prizes: Trophies top 3 + cash, medals for all others.
OPEN
Great for beginners and less experienced players.
No USCF membership required.
Prizes: Trophies top 3 + cash, medals for all others.
ROOKIE
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!)
Tournament Morning
Our events are supported by
National Tournament Director
Jabari McGreen
US Chess Federation’s highest directing distinction
reserved for those qualified to lead competition at the national championship level
Choose How You’d Like to Register
Register for one tournament or save with a multi-tournament pack.
Master Training Dojo
MAKE TOURNAMENT DAY
A LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Add the Master Training Dojo during registration
for game analysis, tactics,
and personalized training with our masters.
Parents are welcome to stay, step out,
or return for awards.
9 AM–12 PM · $100 · Limited availability
Choose Your Tournament Date
Using a pack? Enter your emailed code at checkout.
Tournament Details
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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 + cash, medals for all others.
Team Award for Championship Tournament:
Highest-scoring school: Trophy
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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
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Brick Church offers an elegant, peaceful setting perfect for focused tournament play. Easy access for UES families.
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Our Rookie Section provides a kind, supportive environment where first-time tournament players feel comfortable and encouraged
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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.
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Done by lunch. No all-day commitment.
Requirements & Policies
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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
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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 MembershipThe Rookie (unrated) section does not require USCF membership.
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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.
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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.
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Awards are optional, but we hope you'll stay to celebrate!
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Parents must remain in the designated parent area, separate from the playing hall. This helps maintain focus for all players.
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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.
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Yes. Packs are family accounts and can be used for siblings.
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Packs are valid for six months from purchase. You can use them for any tournament within that window.
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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.
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Tournaments run unless the venue is closed. We'll email registered families by 7 AM if there's a cancellation.
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No refunds. Registration can be transferred to a future tournament date if requested before the Thursday deadline.
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Check your email for your pack purchase confirmation. Still can't find it? Email us at support@uschessacademy.com and we'll resend it
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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.
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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.
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Yes — speak with a tournament director on-site to add it, subject to availability.
Contact
Questions? Email us at tournament@uschessacademy.com