2025 Wellington Winter Classic

2025 Whetstone Winter Classic Chess Tournament

Saturday, January 18th

The Wellington School

3650 Reed Road, Columbus OH 43220

NOTE: This tournament was originally scheduled at Whetstone but has been moved to Wellington.

All proceeds after operating costs will be donated to the Levert Family in memory of Ernest Levert Jr. If you would like to make an additional contribution, please visit this website.

Organizer: Columbus Chess Academy and David Leatherwood

Contact: Kathy Lin, 614-746-7682, Click here to show mail address

Sections:

Reserve (K-12): Grades K-12 with ratings below 600

Premier (K-12): Grades K-12 with ratings below 1000

Championship (K-12): Includes top rated players from all grade levels

All sections are rated and have rating requirements. Players must be registered with http://www.uschess.org before the tournament. January ratings will be used. Notation is required in all sections, optional for players in grades K-3. Players should bring their own clock if they have one. Sets will be provided. NOTE: Sections may be combined based on the number of registered participants.

Format:

Reserve and Premier: 5 Round Swiss, G30;d5

Championship: 4 Round Swiss: G45;d5

Students play all rounds; no elimination. Unrated players may choose any appropriate section.

Schedule:

8:30 – 8:45: Self-check-in. No section changes after 8:45 AM

8:55: Announcements

9:00: Round 1

Subsequent rounds will start once everyone in the section finishes.

Entry Fee:

Register at columbuschessacademy.org. $30 for all online registrations until 9:00 PM January 17th. No on-site registrations allowed. One half-point bye may be requested before the start of round 2. USCF discounted membership: $18. Email Kathy before registering if interested. Refunds for withdrawals with $5 administrative fee will be given if requested by 9:00 PM, January 17th.  No refunds thereafter. Discounted entries for students with financial need are available. Please contact Click here to show mail address for more information.

Awards:

Trophies to the top 5 players in each section. Trophies awarded to top 2 teams in each section. A team consists of students who attend the same school. Top four players’ scores count towards team score. Participation medal or keychain available to each player. Awards will be conducted as sections finish.