2026 Midwest Open Team Chess Festival (MOTCF)

2026 Midwest Open Team Chess Festival

MOTCF

Cherry Valley Hotel

March 21 – 22

2299 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, OH

Hotel Rate: $139 per night; Call (740) 788-1200

Ask for the “Chess Rate" Or Book online here

Must reserve by February 27 to guarantee the Chess Rate

Format: 5 Rounds, Team vs Team Swiss System Tournament, G/90+10. Four players per team plus one alternate. Switches limited to 50 rating points before Round 1, then order of teams must stay—no switching allowed after. US Chess Membership is required. March ratings will be used. Team average will be calculated of the four top ratings. One ½ point bye allowed, must be requested before the start of Round 2.

Registration: Team captains register team online at https://www.kingregistration.com/event/2026_MOTCF or with mail-in registration by contacting Kathy at [email protected]. $250 per team by March 11th, $300 after. Registration cutoff is March 20th at 8 PM. No on-site registrations.

Round times: Saturday: 10 AM, 2 PM, 6 PM; Sunday: 10 AM, 2 PM

Prizes (based on 30 paid teams): 1st - $1000, 2nd - $800, U1900 - $600, U1700 - $500, U1500 - $400; Top Boards 1 - 4: $50

Individuals: Individuals may request to be a part of a team. $65 per player by March 11th, $75 thereafter. Registration cutoff is March 20th at 8 PM. No on-site registrations. Use same King Registration link above or with mail-in registration. CCA cannot make any guarantees regarding the ratings of assigned teammates nor guarantee you having a complete team of 4 players, but we will try our best. If we cannot find you a team, you will receive a full refund.

Plaques: Commemorative plaques sold for $50. Plaques will include the team's name and all individuals. Contact Kathy to place an order or see an example. Orders must be placed by 3/7; plaques will be delivered at MOTCF.

Note: Captains can change their team names by emailing Kathy or changing them on-site up until the start of Round 1. Please do not submit names that are inappropriate or offensive. MOTCF Rules found here. Sets provided, please bring clocks.

Contact: Kathy Lin, [email protected]; Cell: 614-746-7682