New Year's Day 2026 Ticks (3rd Annual) Jeff Jones Memorial GP

New Year's Day 2026 Ticks (3rd Annual) Jeff Jones Memorial GP

Dragon Knight Chess Center

2000 Bearcat Way

Suite 104

Morrisville, NC 27560

(919) 422-2535

Enhanced Grand Prix

4 round Swiss System

3 sections: Open Section, Under 1800 Section, and Under 1400 Section

Prize Fund:  Open Section: $150-100-50 Guaranteed ($300 Total Guaranteed)

Under 1800 Section: $232 total b/8 entries in Under 1800 Section.

Under 1400 Section: $232 total b/8 entries in Under 1400 Section.

Registration and Entry Fee:

Register by Nov 27 pay $20.26;

Register Nov 28-Dec 11 pay $30;

Register Dec 12-18 pay $35;

Register Dec 19-25 pay $40;

Register Dec 26-30 (6pm) pay $45;

After Dec 30 pay $50.

Onsite registration 9:00-9:30 morning of tournament; mandatory 1st round half point bye likely.

Masters play for free; $30 deducted from prize.

USCF membership required.

Time Control:  All sections G/34 (2026 Ticks); 5 second increment.  Each player receives 34 minutes (2026 Ticks) plus a 5 second increment to complete each game.

Onsite registration 9:00-9:30 morning of tournament; mandatory 1st round half point bye likely.

4 round Swiss System; Round Schedule:

1st Round 10am;

2nd Round Noon;

3rd Round 2pm;

4th Round 4pm

Optional half point bye allowed for any round declared before 1pm.

Section choice guidelines:  For "playing up" in Open or Under 1800 Section, the 100 point guideline applies: minimum recommended rating to enter Open Section is 1700, and minimum recommended rating to enter Under 1800 Section is 1300.

Cash prizes in Under 1800 Section based on 8 entries in U1800:  $80-64; Top Under 1700 prize $48; Top Under 1600 prize $40

Cash prizes in Under 1400 Section based on 8 entries in U1400:  $80-64; Top Under 1200 prize $48; Top Under 1000 prize $40

USCF Regular rating used for section eligibility, pairings, and prizes (Jan 2026 rating list).

For questions, concerns, and withdrawals prior to the event email:  [email protected]

For contact during the event email (above) or text (or call) (919) 422-2535