2025 US National Class Championship

The 2025 US National Class Championship is your chance to compete among the best in your class! This national championship features multiple schedules, all FIDE & USCF-rated, with $25,000 in prizes based on 277 players (60% guaranteed!). Choose from flexible options, all of which lead to six rounds of rewarding competition! Whether you're aiming for personal achievements or simply want to enjoy super-competitive chess, this national championship offers exciting opportunities for growth and recognition.

Register here

• You must log in or sign up before you can register.
• Online registration closes at 12:00 a.m. the day of the tournament.
• Onsite registration is subject to availability ($40 additional fee incurred).
• Late fees applied starting October 2 or when reaching capacity.

Schedule

• Multiple options available (More info):

  • 3-day, Option 1 [2-2-2] :
    • 2 Rds. on Friday, 2 Rds. on Saturday, 2 Rds. on Sunday
    • Round Times:
      ‣ Fri, 10/10 - 1:30 p.m.,  6:00 p.m.
      ‣ Sat, 10/11 - 2:30 p.m., 6:50 p.m.
      ‣ Sun, 10/12 - 9:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m.
    • Time Control: 6SS G/90 +30
  • 3-day, Option 2 [1-3-2] :
    • 1 Rds. on Friday, 3 Rds. on Saturday, 2 Rds. on Sunday
    • Round Times:
      ‣ Fri, 10/10 - 6:00 p.m.
      ‣ Sat, 10/11 - 9:40 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:50 p.m.
      ‣ Sun, 10/12 - 9:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m.
    • Time Control: 6SS G/90 +30
  • 2-day Option [0-4-2]:
    • 0 Rds. on Friday, 4 Rds. on Saturday, 2 Rds. on Sunday
    • Round Times:
      ‣ Sat, 10/11 - 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:50 p.m.
      ‣ Sun, 10/12 - 9:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m.
    • Time Control: 2x G/61 d5, 4x G/90 +30
• ½-point byes are available for any round, up to 3 rounds total. 
  • Byes must be requested at least 30 min before that round's start except last round byes. 
  • Last round bye must be requested latest before Round 3.
• 0-point byes are available for any round (player must play at least half the rounds to be eligible for prizes).

Sections

• Players will be placed into one of the following sections based on their October 2025 Published Supplement rating:
  • Master (2200+)
  • X (2000-2199)
  • A (1800-1999)
  • B (1600-1799)
  • C (1400-1599)
  • D (1200-1399)
  • E (1000-1199)
• A player may pay to play up one higher section, double play up is NOT allowed.
• Players must be within 300 points of the rating cutoff to play up, or within 200 points of 2200 to play up in Master (2200+).
  (Note: The rating used to determine if a player may play up is their October 2025 Published Supplement rating)

Prizes

• Prize fund: $25,000 b/277 (60% guaranteed, more info)
  • Regular entry winners: 100% of allocated prize
  • Economy entry winners: 50% of allocated prize
  • Unrated winners: Max $300 (except in the top section)
• Ca$h prizes can be converted into BA€oins ($1 = 1 BA€oin, more info)
• A player who withdraws during the tournament is not eligible for prize money.
• Prizes will be paid out by check (mail), PayPal or Zelle.

Fees

• Regular entry:
  • 3-day [2-2-2]: $188
  • 3-day [1-3-2]: $177
  • 2-day [0-4-2]: $166
  • Re-entry fee: $75
• Economy entry:
  • 3-day [2-2-2]: $141
  • 3-day [1-3-2]: $133
  • 2-day [0-4-2]: $125
  • Re-entry fee: $56
• Play up fee: +$40
• Discount for BayAreaChess Membership subscribers (Basic/Premier, more info).
• Late fees, starting:
  • 10/2: +$10
  • 10/5: +$20
  • 10/8: +$30
• Onsite fee: +$40
• BayAreaChess Membership discounts are NOT redeemable for late and onsite fees.

Withdrawals

• Withdrawals are eligible for a partial refund, subject to the following deductions:
  • until 10/1, 4% processing fee.
  • on 10/2 to 10/4, $10 withdrawal fee + 4% processing fee.
  • on 10/5 to 10/7, $20 withdrawal fee + 4% processing fee.
  • from 10/8 onward, NO REFUND will be issued.
• Only withdrawals made before or on 10/7 are eligible for refund.

Other requirements

• USCF membership must be active.

More information available here.