Desert Open & Scholastics

Desert Open & Scholastics

Celebrate National Chess Day!

October 11-12, 2025

Location:     

Tucson Woman’s Club, 6245 E. Bellevue St., Tucson, AZ 85712, 520-296-3142.

FLYER

Sections:     

Premier (1900+), U1900, U1500, U1100: 5/SS - Only 2-day schedule is available.

Scholastic (K-6 U800): Two separate 1-day tournaments (Sat/Sun); 5/SS.

Ratings based on October Supplement.

Unrated players must register for the Premier section. If you would like to play in a lower section, please email [email protected] for section review.

Unrated scholastic (K-6) players may register for the Scholastic (K-6 U800) section.

Equipment:

Chess sets & boards provided for tournament play. Chess clocks provided for Premier & U1900 only. Scoresheets/pencils/pens are not provided.

Entry Fees:  

Premier (1900+): $60 (+$25 if 1800-1899), U1900: $50 (+$25 if 1500-1600),
U1500: $40 (+$20 if 1100-1200), U1100: $30, Scholastic (K6 U800): $25 each day or $40 for both days.

Early Bird: $10 off by 9/22 ($5 off for Scholastic); Late Fee: +$10 after 10/5, +$20 on site.

GM, IM, FM, WGM, WIM, WFM Free Entry!
Current USCF 2200+ entry fee returned if schedule completed, no deduction from prize.

Registration closes at 7pm on Friday, October 10.

There will be a $10 processing fee for any refunds (must be requested before 8 pm Friday, 10/10).
Re-entries: $40 Premier, $30 U1900, $20 U1500, $20 U1100.
 

Register:     

US Chess membership is required for all sections. Players that cannot show proof of paid membership before the 1st round will not be paired.

Registration is: online at KingRegistration, postal mail (postmarked by 10/1, entry form below), or on site.

On Site Registration: Sat. & Sun. (10/11 & 10/12) 8:15 - 9a.

Schedule:    

Premier, U1900, U1500, U1100: Sat. 9:30a, 1:00p, 4:30 pm; Sun. 9:30a, 1:00pm  

Time control: G/60 + 30 inc.

Scholastic: Round 1 at 10am, then as available for Rounds 2-5. Time control: G/40; d/5.

Please arrive by 9:15 am for pairings and announcements. There is no tournament check-in.
Byes: ½ point byes (2 max.) are available for all rounds if requested prior to start of round two.

Prizes:          

Premier ($$Gtd.): $300, $200, $100; ($$b/4) Top X, A/below $100 each.
$40 SACA gift certificate to Top Junior (U18) and Senior (age 50+).

U1900: ($$b/20): $200, $100 ($$b/4) Top B and C/below $75 each.
$25 SACA gift certificate to Top Unrated, Top Junior (U14), and Senior (age 50+).

U1500: ($$b/16): $150 - $75; ($$b/4) Top D and E/below $40 each.

U1100: Trophy to 1st + $50 SACA gift certificate, Trophy to 2nd - 5th Place, Top U800/Unr.

Scholastic: Trophy to 1st – 5th (each day). Top score over both days receives $25 SACA gift certificate.

Contact: Michelle Martinez, Click here to show mail address Phone: (Please text) (520) 615-1308, sazchess.org

SACA 25-26 One-Day Tournament Schedule