The August ICEA Scholastic Chess Tournament is a USCF-rated event held on August 29, 2026, in Cupertino, open to players of all skill levels from beginners to advanced. Featuring a 4-round Swiss system with sections for various ratings and a non-rated Rising Stars division, it offers competitive play and rating improvement opportunities. Participants compete for trophies and medals in a well-organized setting, with a modest entry fee and flexible cancellation policy. This tournament provides a supportive environment for scholastic players to test and enhance their chess skills.
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♟ Test Your Skills at the August ICEA Scholastic Chess Tournament!
Compete in a USCF-rated tournament, earn trophies, improve your rating, and enjoy a full day of exciting chess competition in Cupertino. Players of all levels are welcome!
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Leadways, 20900 McClellan Road, Cupertino, CA 95014
Join us for a fun and competitive USCF-rated scholastic chess tournament! Whether you’re an experienced tournament player or just getting started, we have a section for you.
Format: 4-Round Swiss System
Time Control: G/25 +5 (25 minutes per player with a 5-second increment)
Entry Fee: $25 (Registration closes August 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM)
Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 2 hours before the tournament to receive 100% account credit.
(Active US Chess membership required)
Open
U1200
U600
(No US Chess membership required)
Players without a valid USCF ID will automatically be placed in the Rising Stars section.
Note: Sections with fewer than six players may be combined with the closest appropriate section.
Round
Start Time
Round 1
9:00 AM
Round 2
10:15 AM
Round 3
12:00 PM
Round 4
1:15 PM
Rounds 2–4 may begin earlier if previous rounds finish ahead of schedule.
One half-point bye is available.
The awards ceremony will begin immediately after all games have concluded.
🏆 Trophies for the Top 3 players in each section.
🥇 Medals for all Rising Stars and unrated players who do not receive a trophy.
Chess sets will be provided.
Please bring your own chess clock.
Rated sections are USCF-rated.
An active US Chess membership is required for all rated sections.
After registering, please check the Entry List to confirm your registration. Only players listed on the Entry List will be eligible to compete.
Your tournament section will be determined by your published US Chess rating or your highest published rating within the last six months.
Open: No rating limit
U1200: Maximum rating 1200
U600: Maximum rating 600
Rising Stars: Non-rated section
Challenge yourself, gain tournament experience, meet fellow chess players, and compete for trophies in a welcoming scholastic environment.
Register before August 28, 2026, to reserve your spot! Player Registration Form: Click Here.
Interested in joining as a student leader and planner for this event? Visit the Passion Project Category: Northern California Chess Leadership Project
Talk it through with a general counselor. They can help you decide if this program fits and what to do next.
