Rules

Information about entry fee, ratings, rules, and regulations. The information for the main event is the same for all sections.

Click here to Register for the Main Event

Main Event Entry Fees

For all sections!

  • $105 online or postmarked by 2/16/2026
  • $160 online or postmarked by 3/2/2026
  • $235 online ONLY by 3/16/2026
  • $360 online ONLY by 3/27/2026
  • $400 on-site until 10am Friday 3/28/2026 – See Scholastic Regulations for details on required byes for on-site entries.
  • $40 for section changes requested after 2/23/2026
  • $40 for any roster changes made after 2/23/2026
  • NO registrations by phone.
  • NO mailed registrations postmarked after 2/16/2026 will be accepted.
  • 100% Entry refunds available if notified by email to  Click here to show email address by 2/23/2026. Refunds requested after 2/23/2026 or in person at Chess Control by 11 a.m. CT on 3/26/2026 will incur a $40 service charge. No refunds after 11am 3/26/2026.

BADGING - US Chess will issue badges to all participants. Badges will be required to enter the defined playing area.  Please click here to read about the Badging process.

Main event information

  • Time Control and Schedule for this event:
    • Championship, Under 1900, Under 1600 sections will play all 7 rounds at G/90;d10
    • Under 1200, Under 800, and Unrated sections will play Rounds 1-3 on Friday at G/60;d5 followed by Rounds 4-7 on Saturday and Sunday at G/90;d10.  See the Schedule page for details.
  • US Chess reviews complete rating history for all players, per the Scholastic Regulations.
  • Please bring clocks. Players are responsible for knowing how to set and operate their clock.
  • Chess sets and score sheets provided.
  • US Chess membership through March 2026 is required.
  • Up to two 1/2 point byes available any round if requested before round 1.
  • A half-point bye in round 1 must be requested at the time of registration, or on-site before 11 AM Friday.
  • A half-point bye request for rounds 2-7 not requested in advance must be requested two hours before the scheduled start of round 2.
  • The March 2026 rating supplement will be used in compliance with the Scholastic Regulations.

General Questions, including withdrawals and refunds: contact [email protected].

 

Registration for other events

Click here for info about the Blitz HS National (K-12) Championship.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Click here for info about the Special Guest GM Simul Exhibition.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Click here for info about the HS Nationals Friends & Family Tournament. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Click here for info about the Bughouse HS National (K-12) Championship. Registration is on-site only at Chess Control.