Event Overview
4th Annual Jai Jagannath FIDE Chess Tournament
FIDE-Rated • Swiss System
December 20–21, 2025 • Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 2224 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821
Sections & Schedule
| Section | Rating Range (USCF) | Time Control | Total Round | Schedule (Check-in 9:15–9:45 AM, Player meeting 9:45 AM) |
| Master | 2000+ | G90;INC 30 | 5 | Sat 10:00 AM, 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM • Sun 10:00 AM, 2:30 PM |
| Expert | 1500–1999 | G90;INC10 | 6 | Sat 10:00 AM, 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM • Sun 9:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM |
| Beginner | ≤1499 / Unrated | G90;INC10 | 6 | Sat 10:00 AM, 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM • Sun 9:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM |
Prizes — $10,000 (b/150 entries)
Master (2000+): 1st $2,000, 2nd $1,200, 3rd $825, 4th $350, 5th $350, 6th $100, 7th $100, 8th $100, 9th $100, 10th $100.
Expert (1500–1999): 1st $1,200, 2nd $800, 3rd $400, 4th $250, 5th $250, 6th $75, 7th $75, 8th $75, 9th $75, 10th $75, Top U1700 $150.
Beginner (≤1499 / Unrated): 1st $400, 2nd $250, 3rd $150, 4th $100, 5th $100, 6th $50, 7th $50, 8th $50, 9th $50, 10th $50, Top U1000 $100.
Based on entries: All cash prizes pro-rated by entries / 150.
IRS Prize Money Information
- Prizes are taxable income. Cash and non-cash prizes (at fair market value) are taxable to the recipient.
- Form 1099-MISC (Box 3). If your total prizes from this event are $600 or more, we must issue a Form 1099-MISC.
- Report all prizes even if <$600. You must report prize income whether or not you receive a 1099-MISC.
- Form W-9 required. Winners must complete a W-9; if no correct TIN is provided, 24% backup withholding applies.
- Non-U.S. players: Generally subject to 30% withholding and reported on Form 1042-S unless reduced by treaty (W-8BEN required).
- Where to report (U.S. taxpayers): Typically “Other income” unless earned as part of a trade or business.
Entry Fees
| Tier | Dates | Master | Expert | Beginner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early | Through Dec 10 | $150 | $120 | $100 |
| Regular | Dec 10–Dec 19 | $180 | $150 | $130 |
| Late (Event Day) | Dec 20 | $200 | $170 | $150 |
Late fees: +$30 after 12/10 (through 12/19), and an additional +$20 on 12/20 (total +$50 vs. Early). Play-up fee $30.
Registration & Eligibility
- No onsite registration. Online only before 8:00 AM, December 20, 2025. Register Here
- Payment: Zelle/PayPal — [email protected].
- FIDE-rated sections. US Chess membership may be required if co-rated.
- Players: Please bring your own chess set and chess clock.
- Grandmasters (GMs only): Free entry by December 19 (foreign GMs free with $150 deducted from prize); minimum $600 prize if playing all 6 games with no byes; free hotel accommodation provided.
Contacts
Email: Click here to show mail address | Brahma Mohanty: 916-612-9711
FIDE related questions: FA Scott Mason — Click here to show mail address
Accommodation
| Hotel | Address | Chess Rate | Book By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Event Venue) | 2224 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821 | (2 Queen Bed $129, 1 King Bed $109) / night + tax | Dec 05, 2025 |
Reservation link: Click to book | Group code: LEARNING PAWN | Parking: Free for hotel guests | Breakfast: Included (if applicable)
For group blocks / changes, contact the hotel front desk and mention the tournament name.
GMs: Free hotel accommodation is available—please coordinate with the organizer.
Policies
- Default time (forfeit): 30 minutes after scheduled start.
- Byes: ½-point byes Rounds 1–5; must request before Round 2 starts. Round-6 bye irrevocable after Round 2 begins.
- Device policy: FIDE Laws enforced (phones/smartwatches off & stored; penalties may apply).
Learning Pawn reserves the right to update tournament details to ensure the best experience for all players.
2224 Auburn Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95821
United States