Arizona Independence Day Classic

Rising Star Chess
presents the

1st Annual

Arizona Independence Day Classic

Jul 4-6, 2025  Fri, Sat, Sun

Location:

Mesa DoubleTree by Hilton
1011 West Holmes Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210

Format: 6-round Swiss Style tournament

Time Controls:
     3-day Schedule: G/90;+30 for all rounds
     2-day Schedule: G/30;+5 for rounds 1-3, G/90;+30 for rounds 4-6

Four Sections:
     Premier (1800 and Up)
     U1800 (1400-1799)
     U1500 (1000-1499)
     U1200 (1199 and under)
     Players rated 1700-1799 may play up into the Premier Section for an additional $50.
     Players within 100 pts of the rating floor of lower sections may play up for an additional $25.
 

Important:
     • USCF Regular ratings apply for all sections.
     • USCF membership is required (may be purchased or renewed on site)
     • July 2025 USCF ratings will be used for section eligibility, pairings, and prizes.
       Other ratings may be used if higher. The decision of the Chief Tournament Director regarding
       eligibility, rating adjustments, conversions, unofficial ratings, or other rating issues is final.
     • A maximum of three half-point byes are available. Half-point byes must be requested no later than
       30 minutes before the round starts for Rds 1-3. Half-point byes for Rds 4-6 must be requested
       before the start of Round 3 and may not be revoked after Round 3 starts.
     • Boards, sets, AND clocks will be provided for all sections.
     • Special Side Event: Arizona Independence Day U800, Saturday, Jul 5 @ 10:00 am
     • Special Side Event: Arizona Independence Day Blitz, Saturday, Jul 5 @ 7:30 pm

Prizes: $4500 Total Prize Fund (based on 100 paid entries):
       Premier: $1000/$500/$250, 1st U2000: $150, 1st Female: $125
       U1800: $750/$375/$200, 1st U1650: $100, 1st Female: $100
       U1500: $450/$250/$100, 1st U1350: $50, 1st Female: $50
       U1200: $300/$150/$75, 1st U800: $25, 1st Female: $25
 

Schedule:
     3-Day Rounds: 10:00 am and 3:00 pm  Fri, Sat, & Sun
     2-Day Rounds:
           Sat:  Rd 1  10:00 am, Rd 2 11:30 pm, Rd 3 1:00 pm, Rd 4* 3:00 pm
           Sun: Rd 5  10:00 am, Rd 6   3:00 pm
          *Merges with 3-day Schedule on Saturday in Rd 4 at 3:00 pm
 

Entry Fees:
     Free entry for any GM/WGM/IM/WIM/FM/WFM
       No prize deduction if entered on or before June 20, 2025
       $120 deducted from prize winnings if entered after June 20, 2025
     Premier Section: $120 early, $140 late, $150 on site.
     U2000 Section:   $100 early, $120 late, $130 on site.
     U1500 Section:    $80 early,  $100 late, $110 on site.
     U1200 Section:    $60 early,   $80 late,   $90 on site.
 

Re-entries: 3-day players may re-enter into the 2-day schedule before 9:15 am on Saturday for a $40 re-entry fee

Online Registration: Arizona Independence Day Classic Registration
Early online registration is available through Jun 20 for the 3-day or Jun 21 for the 2-day
Late online registration is available through Jul 3 for the 3-day or Jul 4 for the 2-day.
On-site registration is available on or before 9:30 am on Jul 4 for 3-day or 9:30 am on Jul 5 for 2-day
Late on-site registration is available with half-point byes for any preceding rounds that are missed.
 

Hotel: Mesa DoubleTree by Hilton, 1011 W Holmes Ave, Mesa, AZ, 85210 
Group rate: TBD/night + tax for single or double occupancy. $15/night for each additional adult. Free parking and internet.
Reservations: DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix/Mesa or call (480) 833-5555 Group code: "TBD"
Click here for the link for doing a reservation online
 

Refunds: Refunds may be requested until one hour before the start of Round 1. No refunds will be given after that time. All refunds will incur a 5% processing fee.

Contact: Richard Smouse: Text/Voice: (480) 390-9528; Email: rick_smouse@yahoo.com