66TH ANNUAL U.S. ARMED FORCES OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

66th Annual U.S. Armed Forces Open Chess Championship (USAFO)

A U.S. Chess Federation National Championship Event

At the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York

On Saturday, October 11 - Monday, October 13, 2025

FREE ENTRY: There is no tournament entry fee, but all players must be current U.S. Chess Federation members. Join or renew your membership at www.uschess.org.

Tournament Info: Go to www.vachess.org and select the link for the US Armed Forces Open. A map to the playing site will be posted there along with parking instructions, etc.

Registration: Two ways to enter

• ONLINE: Highly encouraged! Go to www.vachess.org. No entries by email, phone or text.
• ONSITE: We will accept walk-in entries on Saturday, Oct 11, 0900-0945 at the tournament site. Check-in is MANDATORY to confirm your online registration at least 15 minutes before the start of the tournament, failure to check-in will result in you not being paired for Round 1. Players arriving after the entry cut-off at 0945 will be paired for Round 2.

Player Eligibility: All players must meet at least one of the entry criteria below and shall be prepared to prove their eligibility:

• Current, retired, and former members of the U.S. Military, Coast Guard, and other uniformed federal services including the Defense Health Administration and the U.S. Merchant Marines.
• Midshipmen/Cadets attending one of the nation's military academies.
• ROTC Cadets/Midshipmen attending a college or university where they are enrolled in the ROTC program.

Two Sections: 5 Rounds, Swiss System, FIDE rated, FIDE rules. Time control is G/90 +30, which means each player has 90 minutes of thinking time plus 30 seconds additional per move completed. There is a one-hour forfeit/no-show policy.

• The Armed Forces Open: Is open to all Active Duty, Military Retirees, Midshipmen/Cadets, College ROTC, and National Guard/Reserve. Bring your Military ID card for access to the Merchant Marine Academy and to demonstrate eligibility to play.
• The Veterans Open: Is open to all Honorably Discharged Veterans / former military. Bring DD 214, VA Card, or other appropriate proof of your military service to demonstrate eligibility. A valid, unexpired REAL ID compliant government issued identification card will be required to access the Merchant Marine Academy.

Round times: Games will be played according to the following schedule.

• Saturday, Oct 11: Rounds 1 and 2 @ 1000 and 1500
• Sunday, Oct 12: Rounds 3 and 4 @ 1200 and 1800
• Monday, Oct 13: Round 5 @ 0900.
• BYE REQUESTS: One half-point bye is available for the tournament; please declare during Registration or up to 1 hour before the start of Round 2 on Saturday. Bye requests after this cutoff are zero-point byes.

Prizes: See the website (www.vachess.org) for the complete list. All prizes are trophies, plaques, and other gifts. There are no cash prizes.

Side event:

• Blitz Championship: Saturday Oct 11 at 1930. FREE FOOD. All Blitz Games are US Chess rated (G5/d0).

Group Photo: Monday Oct 13 at 0845, just before we start Round 5. Everyone is strongly requested to wear their Class A uniform or business attire.

Awards Ceremony: As soon as possible after the end of Round 5.

Prohibited Items: The following items are prohibited from being brought through the gates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy:

• Weapons/Knives
• Bags larger than a typical purse (e.g., duffle bags, backpacks, large camera bags)
• Anything considered a threat by a screener

Lodging information: Lodging arrangements are being made with local hotels. All hotels are at least 30 minutes away from the playing site. Hotel information is being posted at www.vachess.org.

Tournament Information: International Arbiter Mike Hoffpauir, Click here to show mail address, 757-846-4805 (cell or text).

Information for Cadets/Midshipmen from the Service Academies: Please Contact Dr. Kimani Stancil, Click here to show mail address. Need service academy housing requests by 9/26/2025; Food purchases available for service academy personnel through the Academy Food Service Contractor.

Playing Site: Schuyler Otis Bland Memorial Library, 2nd floor at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, 300 Steamboat Road, Kings Point, NY 11024