Event Overview
5th Annual Jai Jagannath Chess Tournament
FIDE Standard & US Chess Rated • 7-Round Swiss System
December 18–20, 2026
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento NE Cal Expo, 2224 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821
Sections
| Section | Eligibility | Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| 2100+ | 2100 and above | 7 |
| 1800–2099 | 1800–2099 | 7 |
| 1500–1799 | 1500–1799 | 7 |
| U1500 | Below 1500 / Unrated | 7 |
| Senior U1800 (Age 50+) | Below 1800 and age 50+ as of Dec. 1, 2026 | 7 |
| Section eligibility is based on the higher of the December published US Chess Regular rating or FIDE Standard rating. Play-up fee: $30. | ||
Format & Combined Schedule — All Sections
All five sections use the same seven-round schedule. Players may choose the 3-day or 2-day schedule. Both schedules merge beginning with Round 4.
| Schedule | Round | Date | Time | Time Control / Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Schedule | Round 1 | Friday, Dec. 18 | 6:30 PM | G/90 +30 FIDE Standard & US Chess rated |
| Round 2 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 9:00 AM | ||
| Round 3 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 1:30 PM | ||
| Round 4 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 6:30 PM | ||
| Round 5 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 8:30 AM | ||
| Round 6 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 1:00 PM | ||
| Round 7 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 5:30 PM | ||
| 2-Day Schedule | Round 1 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 9:00 AM | Rounds 1–3: G/60 +5 US Chess rated only |
| Round 2 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 11:30 AM | ||
| Round 3 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 2:00 PM | ||
| Round 4 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 6:30 PM | Rounds 4–7: G/90 +30 FIDE Standard & US Chess rated | |
| Round 5 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 8:30 AM | ||
| Round 6 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 1:00 PM | ||
| Round 7 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 5:30 PM |
Merge rule: The 2-day and 3-day schedules merge at Round 4, Saturday at 6:30 PM. Rounds 1–3 of the 2-day schedule are US Chess rated only and are excluded from the FIDE rating report. All 3-day games and merged Rounds 4–7 are FIDE Standard and US Chess rated.
Prizes — $10,000 (Based on 150 Paid Entries)
2100+ — $4,250: 1st $2,000, 2nd $800, 3rd $450, 4th $250, 5th $200, 6th $150, 7th–10th $100 each.
1800–2099 — $2,200: 1st $800, 2nd $400, 3rd $250, 4th $200, 5th $150, 6th–7th $100 each, 8th–9th $75 each, 10th $50.
1500–1799 — $1,600: 1st $500, 2nd $300, 3rd $200, 4th $150, 5th $100, 6th–9th $75 each, 10th $50.
U1500 — $1,150: 1st $300, 2nd $200, 3rd $150, 4th $100, 5th $75, 6th–10th $50 each, Top U1000 $75.
Senior U1800 (Age 50+) — $800: 1st $300, 2nd $150, 3rd $100, 4th $75, 5th $50, 6th–10th $25 each.
Trophy: The first-place finisher in each section receives a trophy.
All advertised cash prizes are prorated by paid entries / 150. Prizes are not increased above the advertised amount if attendance exceeds 150. Cash prizes are divided equally among tied players. One cash prize per player; Top U1000 may not be combined with another cash prize.
Entry Fees
| Tier | Dates | 2100+ / 1800–2099 | 1500–1799 | U1500 / Senior U1800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early | Through Nov. 30 | $150 | $120 | $100 |
| Regular | Dec. 1–17 | $180 | $150 | $130 |
| Late / On-site | Dec. 18 for 3-day; Dec. 19 for 2-day | $200 | $170 | $150 |
After Nov. 30, fees increase by $30. On the player’s first tournament day, fees increase by an additional $20. Play-up fee: $30.
Registration & Eligibility
- Current US Chess membership is required.
- Players must have a FIDE ID before playing a FIDE-rated round.
- Senior section eligibility: below 1800 and born on or before December 1, 1976.
- GM, WGM, IM and WIM: Entry fee waived in the 2100+ section; $150 deducted from any prize won. Advance registration required.
- Payment: Zelle or PayPal to [email protected].
- Players should bring a chess set and chess clock.
Contacts
Email: Click here to show mail address | Brahma Mohanty: 916-612-9711 | Madhusmita Rout: 916-467-0742
FIDE-related questions: FA Scott Mason — Click here to show mail address
Accommodation
| Hotel | Address | Tournament Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento NE Cal Expo | 2224 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821 | Learning Pawn Tournament Rate Discount Code: LPT Book Hotel / View Discounted Rate |
Policies
- Default time: 30 minutes after the scheduled start.
- Byes: Bye policy and deadlines will be posted before registration opens.
- Devices: FIDE Laws apply to FIDE-rated rounds; phones and smartwatches must be switched off and stored as directed.
- Learning Pawn reserves the right to correct section placement, combine sections when necessary, and make operational adjustments consistent with US Chess and FIDE rules.
2224 Auburn Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95821
United States