California Blitz Cup

$7,000 PRIZE FUND — FIDE-RATED BLITZ CHESS TOURNAMENT!

TOURNAMENT DETAILS

• Date: Saturday, January 23, 2027
• Location: Elk's Lodge, 120 E Colorado St, Glendale, CA 91205 (FREE PARKING)
• Format: 9-Round Swiss System, 1 section
• Time Control: Blitz G/3+2
• Rating: FIDE Rated
• Prize Fund: $7,000 guaranteed based on 90 paid entries

SCHEDULE

• 11:00 AM: Player arrival and opening ceremony
• 11:30 AM: Round 1 begins
• Subsequent rounds begin as soon as pairings are completed.
• After Round 5: 30-minute break
• We expect to finish around 3 p.m.

⚠️ Please arrive by 11:00 AM! Late arrival may result in losing points.

CASH PRIZES

Main Prizes 

🥇 1st Place — $1,500
🥈 2nd Place — $1,200
🥉 3rd Place — $800
      4th Place — $550
      5th Place — $350

Under 2100 (Within Main Section)

• 1st Place — $500
• 2nd Place — $300

Under 1800 (Within Main Section)

• 1st Place — $500
• 2nd Place — $300

Under 1500 (Within Main Section)

• 1st Place — $500
• 2nd Place — $300

Trophies for the best U12, U10, and U8 players and Main Section Champion!

Players may win both a cash prize and a trophy if eligible. Tied trophy positions will be decided by tiebreaks.

ENTRY FEES

• $95 — By November 30, 2026
• $115 — By January 5, 2027
• $135 — After January 5 and on-site

♟️ GMs and WGMs play for free! A $100 deduction from the prize applies if applicable.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• USCF and FIDE blitz ratings will be affected by this tournament.
• Pairings will be based on regular (classical) ratings, NOT blitz ratings.
• Cash prizes for rating sections will also be determined using regular ratings.
• Chessboards will be provided. BRING YOUR OWN CLOCK!
• A $10 fee applies to withdrawals.
• The $7,000 prize fund is guaranteed based on 90 paid entries and may be reduced if fewer than 90 players register.

BYE POLICY: One half-point bye is allowed per player and must be requested before the tournament begins. No byes will be available once the tournament has started.

ORGANIZER & CONTACT

Organizer: Seryozha Gasparyan

Email: Click here to show mail address
 

One Tournament!!!! One Unforgettable Day!!!!!

Join us in Glendale for an incredible day of blitz chess, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments!!!!