Event Overview
2026 December Weekend Chess Classic – Irvine
Hilton Irvine / Orange County Airport
18800 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine, CA 92612
OPEN • U1800 • U1400
6 Rounds • G/60+30
U700
6 Double Rounds • 12 Games • G/25+5
REGISTRATION
$50 Early Entry through December 11, 2026
$60 Entry beginning December 12, 2026
GM / IM / WGM / FM — FREE ENTRY if under 2400 FIDE Classical
Registration Deadline: Saturday at 9:00 AM
Register by 9:00 AM to be paired for Round 1. Registrations after 9:00 AM will receive a ½-point bye for Round 1.
MAIN EVENT & BLITZ REGISTRATION
SECTIONS
RATING ELIGIBILITY
Playing Up: Players may use their highest USCF Regular or USCF Online Regular rating achieved between August 23, 2026, and the tournament date.
OPEN — 1700+
FIDE & USCF Rated • G/60+30
Open to players rated 1700+.
Players must be under 2400 FIDE Classical. There is no USCF maximum.
U1800 — UNDER 1800
FIDE & USCF Rated • G/60+30
Open to players rated 1300–1799.
Players under 1400 with a FIDE Classical rating must play in U1800.
U1400 — UNDER 1400 & UNRATED
USCF Rated Only • G/60+30
Open to players rated under 1400 and unrated players.
Players with a FIDE Classical rating are not eligible.
Players under 700 may choose to play in U1400.
U700 — UNDER 700 & UNRATED
USCF Rated Only • G/25+5
6 Double Rounds • 12 Games
Open to players rated under 700 and unrated players.
Each scheduled round includes 2 games against the same opponent, with colors reversed.
Players under 700 and unrated players may choose to play in U1400.
SCHEDULE
Open • U1800 • U1400: 1 game per round
U700: 2 games per round (Double Round)
SATURDAY — DECEMBER 19
Round 1 — 10:00 AM
Round 2 — 1:30 PM
Round 3 — 5:00 PM
SUNDAY — DECEMBER 20
Round 4 — 10:00 AM
Round 5 — 1:30 PM
Round 6 — 5:00 PM
PLAYER INFORMATION
Players must bring their own board, pieces, and digital chess clock.
Scoresheets are provided. U1400 and U700 players may bring their own scoresheets if preferred.
Players in FIDE-rated sections must submit the WHITE COPY after each game.
BYES & WITHDRAWALS
Byes: Up to 3 half-point byes may be requested. Requests must be made before pairings are posted.
Withdrawals: Notify the Tournament Director before the next round is paired.
NEED A USA FIDE ID?
REFUNDS
Refunds are available through December 18, 2026, with a $25 administrative fee.
No refunds beginning December 19, 2026.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY NIGHT BLITZ
MAIN EVENT & BLITZ REGISTRATION
SATURDAY — FREE ENTRY
SUNDAY — $5 ENTRY
Main Event participation is not required.
G/3+2 • 5 Double Rounds • 10 Games
BOTH NIGHTS
Registration Deadline — 8:00 PM
Required Check-In — By 8:15 PM
Round 1 Starts — 8:30 PM
Players must check in by 8:15 PM to be paired.
Game 1 starts at the scheduled time. Game 2 starts as soon as possible after Game 1.
Players rated under 1400 and unrated players may choose to play in either the U1400 or Open section.
OPEN
FIDE & USCF Rated • All Ratings
No maximum rating.
U1400
USCF Rated Only • Under 1400 & Unrated
BEST GAME
Submit a Main Event classical game.
One submission per player.
TOP 3 GAMES
The Top 3 Games will each receive a:
1-Month Diamond Membership
HOTEL & PARKING
Hilton Irvine / Orange County Airport
18800 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine, CA 92612
Parking — $15/day • No in-and-out privileges
Parking stickers are available at the TD table.
CONTACT
Tournament Director: Jake Nemeth
Click here to show mail address
(949) 554-4539
18800 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine, CA 92612
United States