2026 St. Charles HS Winter Classic

St. Charles Preparatory School

February 7th, 2026

2010 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43209

This tournament is open to students in Grades 9 – 12 only. Maximum limit of 55 players. Sections are: Open and U800 (no unrated sections)

Sections: U800 and Open. All sections are rated. Players must have an active US Chess membership before the tournament. Organizer has a right to adjust section cutoff based on number of registered participants. February rating supplement will be used. Notation is required in the Open section and clocks must be used if one or both players provide one. Clocks will be used in all sections with games reaching the time limit. Players should bring their own clocks. Sets will be provided.

Format: U800: 5 Round Swiss, G/30;d5. Open: 4 Round Swiss, G/45;d5.

Schedule:

8:30 – 8:45 Self-check-in. No section changes after 8:45 AM

8:50 – 8:55 Announcements

9:00 Round 1

Subsequent rounds will start once everyone in the section is finished. Awards will be conducted as sections finish.

Entry Fee: Register at columbuschessacademy.org. $35 for all online registrations until January 31st, thereafter $40 registration fee until 8 PM February 6th. No on-site registrations allowed. One half-point bye may be requested before the start of round 2. Discounted entry/sponsored entry for students with financial need are available. Please contact Click here to show mail address for more information. Refunds for withdrawals with $5 administrative fee will be given if requested by 8 PM, February 6th. No refunds thereafter.

Awards: Place trophies are awarded to the top 4 players in each section. Participation medals or keychains to all players. Trophies awarded to top 3 teams (school only) in each section. The top three players’ scores combined determine trophy award.

Concessions: Concessions will be available. Most are available free of charge to all participants, including lunchtime pizza.

Parking: Parking is available in any lot on the west side of the high school.

Registration Questions and Chief Tournament Director:

Kathy Lin. Email: Click here to show mail address Phone: 614-746-7682