2026 New Jersey Elementary and Junior High School Championships

2026 New Jersey Elementary and Junior High School Championships

A scholastic championship event open to all players from grades K-9 for players both from and beyond New Jersey.

Capacity: This tournament is limited to approximately 500 players.  We’ve reached it in two out of the last three years, and expect to do so again in 2026.  Registration will close when it fills.

Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026

Arrival: Suggested arrival time is  9:15 AM

Rounds: 10 AM, Noon, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:30 PM.  Awards ceremony to follow after the final round.

Format: 5 round Swiss, G/25;d5

Location: Brookdale Community College, Student Life Center near parking lots 6 and 7.  Approximately one mile from Parkway exit 109A.  By Train: North Jersey Coast Line to Red Bank station, 4 miles away.

Sections: K-2, 3-5, and 6-9.  Players wishing a challenge may select a higher section during registration; this cannot be changed on the day of the event.

Equipment:  Only boards and sets are provided; players should bring their own clocks.

Individual Prizes: The top 15 players in each section will receive a trophy.

Team Prizes: The top 5 teams in each section will receive a trophy.

Medals: Every player at the tournament will receive a commemorative medal.

Teams: A team consists of any number of students who attend the same elementary, middle, or high school. (Other organizations, such as chess academies, do not count for this purpose.) In the K-2 section, the sum of the three best scores on a team will be the team’s score. In the 3-5 and 6-9 sections, the sum of the four best scores on a team will be the team’s score.

Byes: One half-point bye may be requested for rounds 1-4. It must be requested in writing at least one hour before scheduled round start.

Entry fee: $45 by January 9.  $50 between January 10 and February 10.  $60 after.

Registration: Online: https://form.jotform.com/243028328345152

Registration closes at 8pm February 21, or when we reach capacity.  No on-site registration.

Chief Tournament Director: Stephen Lorimor or Alessandro de March-Blumstein