2026 ARIZONA STATE GRADES CHAMPIONSHIP

Format: US Chess rated 5-round Swiss Tournament in 10 sections based on grade. USCF membership is required. 

Time control: G/40; d5.

Sections: KG through 8th grade and High School (9th-12th). Players MUST register in their current grade level and may not play up. Sections may be combined if not enough registered.

Byes: Half point byes are available in all rounds with a maximum of 2. Must be requested before the start of round 1. All byes requested after the start of round 1 will be zero-point byes. Byes cannot be cancelled once round 1 starts.

Schedule: Round 1: 9:00 AM. Round 2: 11:00 AM. Round 3: 12:45 PM. Round 4: 2:30 PM. Round 5: 4:15 PM. Award will follow after last round is completed.

Entry Fee: $60 if received by January 17th, 2026. $65 if received by January 24th, 2026. $70 if received by January 31st, 2026. $75 if received by February 6th, 2026. $90 same day. 50 % refund if canceling by 1/24/2026. No refunds after that. Registrations at www.phoenixchessacademy.com

Prizes: Trophy for every Kindergarten. Trophy for Top 7 in each section. Trophy for Top 3 School Team in each section. Top 3 scorers per grade form a team. Medals to all scoring at least 3.5 points but not receiving a trophy. Silicone wristband for all participants.

Equipment: Boards, sets, pencils, and score sheets will be provided. Clocks will be provided for 1ST -8TH Grade Sections. High School players please, bring your own clock.

15% discount hotel rooms at Hilton Phoenix Resort at The Peak (7677 N 16th St. Phoenix, Arizona. 85020) by calling 1 602-997-2626 and being connected with reservations. Mention the group code CHESS or State Chess Tournament or use this link: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=PHXSPPR&groupCode=CHESS&arrivaldate=2026-02 06&departuredate=2026-02-08&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT 20% discount hotel rooms if booked by 01/12/2026 at DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Midtown (4000 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, 85012). 

Food truck from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM with very affordable pizza by the slice options.