CLASSIC CITY CHESSATHON | 2026

CLASSIC CITY CHESSATHON | 2026

Saturday, November 7, 2026 @11:00 AM–2:00 PM | 101 College Avenue Athens, GA 30606
FORMAT - 10+d2 • UNRATED/CASUAL EVENT • USCF RULES APPLY

Chess & Community invites players, teams, families, and chess enthusiasts to the return of the Classic City Chessathon - our unique multi-location chess race experience that transforms downtown Athens into a giant chessboard. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Participants may engage in activities like live music, face paitning, participate in casual chess activities, and explore participating Athens businesses featured on our Taste of Athens Bingo Card.

Players who wish to compete for the Chessathon Championship, Athlena Award and prize money are encouraged to make a donation during registration. A verified donation provides Champion Access, including eligibility for the competitive sections, championship bracket, and prize awards. Your donation supports Chess & Community's youth chess programs, events, mentorship, and community engagement initiatives.

However, competitive tournament slots are limited to approximately 30 - 40 players.

🏆 CHAMPION ACCESS

The Classic City Chessathon is more than a traditional tournament, so competitive seeking players will have the opportunity to play chess at designated locations throughout downtown Athens while spectators, families, and non-competitive participants are welcome to enjoy chess at and visit any participating businesses throughout the event. Therefore, players with verified Champion Access will be eligible to participate in the official Chessathon Race, the competitive portion of the event featuring players and teams traveling between designated Athens locations. The event combines chess competition with movement throughout downtown Athens. Players and teams may be assigned to stationary or participating business locations and must arrive at their scheduled location by the designated round time.

SECTION I — INDIVIDUAL OPEN

4-Round Swiss Qualifier → Top 4 Championship

1. Format | 10+d2 — 10 minutes per player with a 2-second increment
2. Four-round Swiss qualifying stage
3. Top 4 players advance to a single-elimination championship
4. Semifinals and Final take place during the final hour

Individual Prize Pool:

• 1st — $125 w/Athlena Award and Trophy
• 2nd — $75 w/Athlena Certificate
• 3rd — $40 w/Athlena Certificate
• 4th — $25 + CFA gift card

SECTION II — 3-PLAYER TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

4-Round Team Swiss Qualifier → Top 4 Team Championship

Teams consist of exactly three players, competing simultaneously on Boards A1-A6, B2-B7, and C3-C8. The Team Championship requires a minimum of 6 registered teams to operate as a dedicated section. If the minimum is not reached by the registration deadline: The Team Championship will be dissolved, all registered team players will be transferred into the Individual Open. The team prize funds will be merged into the Individual Open prize pool and players should therefore be prepared to compete individually if the team section does not reach the required participation.

1. Teams represent a school, club, organization, or community group
2. Four-round team Swiss qualifying stage
3. Top 4 teams advance to the championship knockout

Dedicated Team Prize Pool

• 1st — $150 w/Athlena Award, Gold Medal, Trophy & CFA Card
• 2nd — $90 w/Athlena Award Silver Medals, Certificates & CFA Card
• 3rd — $60 w/Athlena Award Bronze Medals & CFA Card
  - CFA gift cards provided and redeemable by Chick-fil-A Downtown Athens

REGISTRATION & CHAMPION ACCESS

Registration Deadline: November 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Competitive Capacity: Approximately 30–50 players

Register online to reserve your place:

Online Registration: EVENTBRITE | REGISTER HERE

After registration, competitive participants will receive instructions for obtaining their personalized QR code and event wristband. Admission is free. Donations are strongly encouraged and help provide Champion Access and support the event's competitive prize fund.

EQUIPMENT & PLAYER INFORMATION

Players are encouraged to bring:

• Chess clock (physical or mobile)
• Personal chess board and pieces
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Comfortable, properly fitted shoes

Players should arrive early for check-in and verification. Byes must be requested before the applicable round. Due to the multi-location format, participants should be prepared for movement between locations and should arrive at assigned locations by the scheduled round time. The event will operate under applicable USCF tournament rules. All proceeds and donations support Chess & Community's youth chess programs, mentorship initiatives, tournaments, educational programming, and community engagement throughout the region.

Come play. Come compete. Explore Athens. Support youth chess.
 

THINK BEFORE YOU MOVE.

Chess & Community
David Matthews, Director of Chess Education & Engagement
Click here to show mail address
(706) 540 - 3499 (Office) | 762-334-4369 (Chess Dept.)