2026 US National Junior Chess Congress

The 2026 US National Junior Chess Congress is your chance to compete at a national level! This USCF-rated event offers a friendly yet competitive environment to test your skills and earn national recognition, all while gaining valuable experience. Whether you're aiming for personal bests or just some challenging games, this championship is a must-play for dedicated chess enthusiasts.

Register here

• Online registration closes at 12:00 a.m. the day of the tournament, or when maximum capacity is reached.
• Onsite registration is subject to availability ($49 additional fee incurred).
• Late fees applied on November 28 or when reaching capacity.

Schedule and sections

• Multiple schedules available (Details here)
  • Players will be placed into sections based on their age as of December 31, 2026.
• ½-point bye is available for one round, except for the last round (Byes must be requested at least 30 min before that round's start).
• 0-point byes are available for any round.
• If you request more than one bye, we will give you a ½-point for the latest round possible except for the last round (0-point byes for all other rounds).

Awards

• Personal Trophies to all players with a winning record.
  • One trophy per player.
  • Trophy size vary based on standings.
• Medals to all other players.
• Team Trophies to all of the following with two or more players in a section:
  • Clubs
  • Schools
• A player who withdraws during the tournament is not eligible for awards.

Fees

• Entry 
  • 2-day: $133
  • 1-day: $83
• Discount for BayAreaChess Basic/Premium Members (More Info)
• Onsite fee: +$49 (membership discounts are not redeemable onsite)

Other requirements

• USCF membership must be active.

More information at https://bayareachess.com/calchess.