CHESS QUEENS CROWN TABLE WOMEN'S & GIRLS WINTER BLOOM OPEN 2026

The Chess Queens Crown Table Women's & Girls Winter Bloom Open 2026 is a boutique-style, US Chess-rated community tournament created to encourage, celebrate, and elevate women and girls in competitive chess.

Following the successful inaugural Chess Queens Crown Table Women's & Girls Community Open in August 2026, the Winter Bloom Open continues CQCT's commitment to creating welcoming opportunities for women and girls to compete, connect, build confidence, and experience the joy of chess.

Hosted exclusively by Chess Queens Crown Table, this intimate community tournament brings players together in a welcoming environment where competition, connection, and community share the same table.

The Chess Queens Crown Table Women's & Girls Winter Bloom Open 2026 also offers players an opportunity to sharpen their game, gain tournament experience, and connect with fellow chess players in the days leading up to the 2026 US Chess Federation national tournament in Orlando beginning December 11th the 2026 National K-12 Grade Championships.

Whether you're preparing for Orlando, returning to tournament chess, or simply looking for a welcoming place to play, there is a seat at the table for you.

ABOUT CHESS QUEENS CROWN TABLE

Chess Queens Crown Table is a community-driven chess initiative dedicated to encouraging, supporting, and elevating women and girls through chess by creating opportunities for competition, education, mentorship, leadership, and community engagement.

Planting Seeds Through Empowered Chess.

WHEN

Sunday, December 6, 2026

WHERE

Panera Bread

1707 St. Lucie West Blvd. #174
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

REGISTRATION

Entry Fee: $25

Eligibility: Open to women and girls of all ages.

US Chess Rated: Active US Chess Federation membership is required to participate.

Advance Registration Required.

Registration is limited to the first 24 paid participants across all sections.

A waitlist will be maintained once capacity is reached.

No guaranteed on-site registration will be available.

Register online at CQCT Square Merchant Portal: https://square.link/u/2j3POiRF

IMPORTANT

After registration, participants will receive a confirmation email containing their welcome information, tournament details, venue information, check-in information, and important event updates.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

WOMEN'S OPEN

5-Round Swiss
G/35 + d/5

WOMEN'S & GIRLS UNDER 1600

5-Round Swiss
G/35 + d/5

COMMUNITY ELITE QUAD  1000+

G/45 + d/5

Limited to the first four eligible registered players.

The Elite Quad will be played as a four-player round robin, with each participant playing the other three participants.

FORMAT FLEXIBILITY

The Women's Open and Women's & Girls Under 1600 sections are planned as 5-round Swiss tournaments.

Final tournament format may be adjusted by the Tournament Director based on final registration numbers and the number of participants in each section.

CHECK-IN & PLAYER INFORMATION

On-Site Check-In

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Pre-registered players must check in by 9:45 AM.

Any unclaimed spots resulting from no-shows may be offered to waitlisted players present at check-in.

PRIZES

Women's Open

$75 + Trophy

Women's & Girls Under 1600

$40 + Trophy

Community Elite Quad

$40 + Trophy

Additional recognition and awards may be presented at the discretion of the tournament organizer.

TOURNAMENT NOTES

• Tournament format may be adjusted based on final registration numbers.
• Tournament Directors will make every effort to pair players close in rating when possible.
• Organizers reserve the right to combine sections if registration numbers warrant.
• Players who no-show without notice may not be permitted to participate in future CQCT events.
• Byes and withdrawals must be submitted to the Tournament Director at least one hour before the applicable round.
• Up to two half-point byes may be permitted in Swiss sections, subject to tournament rules and Tournament Director approval.
• Parents and spectators are welcome to support participants but may not remain in the playing area or hover around players once rounds begin.
• All tournament equipment will be provided, including boards, pieces, digital clocks, notation sheets, and pens.
• Players must use CQCT-provided tournament equipment during tournament play.
• Trophies and awards will be presented at the awards ceremony.
• Prizes will be awarded according to section standings and applicable US Chess tiebreak procedures.
• Unrated players may participate where eligible but are not eligible for rating-based class prizes.
• By registering for or attending the event, participants acknowledge that event photography and video may be used for editorial, promotional, and community purposes.
• No refunds after registration except in documented emergencies at the discretion of the organizer.

A BOUTIQUE CHESS EXPERIENCE

The Chess Queens Crown Table Women's & Girls Winter Bloom Open is intentionally designed as a small-capacity, boutique-style community tournament.

Rather than focusing solely on size, CQCT focuses on creating an experience where participants feel welcomed, recognized, respected, and connected.

From the playing environment and tournament equipment to the awards ceremony and community experience, every detail is thoughtfully designed around one simple belief:

YOU HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE!