2026 Ben Harris National Chess Day Scholastic & Open

2026 Ben Harris Scholastic & Open Tournament

In loving memory of father and chess advocate Ben Harris

Celebrate National Chess Day with Hoosier Chess Academy!

Register via QR code on flyer or visit hcachess.org!

• Saturday, October 10, 2026 (National Chess Day!)
• Faith Lutheran Church
  • 2200 S High St, Bloomington, IN
  • Enter through upper doors next to playground
  • Free parking, WiFi, and parent work areas
  • Bloomington, IN, is in Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• Scholastic sections and prizes:
  • 3rd Grade/Under Scholastic – trophy prizes
  • 6th Grade/Under Scholastic – trophy prizes
  • 12th Grade/Under Scholastic – gift card prizes
• Open sections and prizes ($500 based on 25 paid entries):
  • Master/Expert Open (2000+) – 85-50-35
  • Upper Open (1500-1999) – 55-35-20
  • Lower Open (1000-1499) – 55-35-20
  • Novice Open (<999) – 55-35-20
  • Note: Open sections subject to adjustment based on player turnout.
• Scholastic round times, arrival time, time control, and entry fees:
  • Round times: 9:30AM, 12:00PM, last two rounds will begin ASAP
  • Arrival time: Between 8:00-9:15AM (inc. on-site registration)
  • Time control: G45 +10 (45 minutes with 10-second increment)
  • Entry fees: $1 by May 16, $5 by July 31, $20 by September 30, $40 after
    • Full refunds till September 30 ($20 fee only)
    • Full scholarships available for families receiving SSI, Medicaid, SNAP, etc., no questions asked
• Open round times, arrival time, time control, and entry fees:
  • Round times: 9:00AM, 12:00PM, last two rounds will begin ASAP
  • Arrival time: Between 8:00–8:45AM (inc. on-site registration)
  • Time control: G70 + 10 (70 minutes with 10-second increment)
  • Entry fees: $1 by July 31, $10 by September 30, $40 after
    • Full refunds till September 30 ($10 fee only)
    • Full scholarships available for players receiving SSI, Medicaid, SNAP, etc., no questions asked
• Ending times: Estimated 5:00PM for scholastic, 9:00PM for open
• USCF-rated requirements: All players must have a valid, current U.S. Chess Federation membership in order to play. Learn more and get one now at new.uschess.org/join-us-chess. Heads up for 3rd Grade/Under players! Contact us for a free USCF JTP membership. This allows rated tournament play in any eligible 3rd/Under section nationwide.
• Equipment: Chess sets and limited clocks will be provided for scholastic sections only. Bring your own set and clock if playing in the open sections. Notation sheets will be provided to all, and notating is required in all sections, with exceptions*.
• Byes: Up to two (2) half-point byes may be requested (only for rounds 1-3) in any section. Notify us ASAP to request a bye(s) or announce a withdrawal.
• Awards: Trophy and gift card awards will be presented once games conclude for each section. Open section money prizes paid via PayPal or Venmo only. If needed, create a personal account for free to receive your prize. Prize payouts may take 1-3 business days.
• Perks: Come for the chess and stay for the free pizza and game analysis! Scholastic players earn 400 HCA points on our leaderboard!
• Contact:
  • Click here to show mail address
  • 812-318-2875
  • hcachess.org
  • *Read our detailed tournament policies and procedures on our website
  • Follow us on Facebook!