Upcoming Southern California Events
The events listed below are upcoming events in the southern California area that meet the following criteria: the event has a TLA in USCF's Chess Life, masters are eligible to play, the event requires SCCF membership or offers a discount to SCCF member. For questions about these rules write here. To submit a SCCF TLA, email here.
SCCF's Clearinghouse of events is here.
USCF's list of Tournament Life Announcements (TLAs) by state are here.
SCCF's calendar of scholastic events and TLAs is here.
TLAs
Nov. 3-5
12th Annual LA Open
Van Nuys. TLA here
October 5
Super Gambito No. 900
San Diego. Flyer here
Nov. 7
Southern California Online Open & State Championship
Starts: 9 am PST
Where: www.Chess.com
Ratings: US Chess Rated
EF: $100
Time Control: G/15 + 5
Rounds: 6 rounds, one day event
Webcam: No camera needed
How to register: Here
Sections & Prizes:
Prize Fund = 50% of Entry Fees, Guaranteed by Section
Open – Elo 2000 Minimum (Prizes to U2400 & U2200), 40% of Prize Fund
Class Championships – Class A, B, C, D :: 30% of Prize Fund
U1200/Unrated – 10% of Prize Fund
10% of Prize Fund to State Women’s Champion & 10% to State Senior’s Champion
Top Finisher with Active SCCF Membership AND California Residence Declared State Champion of California
Aug. 3-4
San Diego County Championships
San Diego. Show/hide TLA...
Format: 5-round Swiss in 3 sections. G/100, d5
Site: The San Diego Chess Club, 2225 Sixth Ave, San Diego 92101
Prizes and Sections: $3,500 prize fund (based on 70 players)
OPEN SECTION: 1st $500, 2nd $250
U2400 $200, 2nd $50; U2300 $200, 2nd $50
U2200 $200, 2nd $50; U2100 $200, 2nd $50
RESERVE SECTION: (UNDER 2000):
1st $300, 2nd $150; U1900 $200, 2nd $50
U1800 $200, 2nd $50; U1700 $200, 2nd $50
BOOSTER SECTION: (UNDER 1600):
1st $180, 2nd $75; U1500 $100, 2nd $50; 1400 $75, 2nd $25
Plus $15 Best Game Prize for each section, Unrated players eligible for book prize only.
Byes: One ½ point bye available in any round, but last round bye must be requested before round 2 and is irrevocable.
Forfeits: $25 fine for forfeits.
Registration: 9 AM - 9:45 AM, Rounds: 10 AM, 2 PM & 6 PM on Saturday, 10 AM and 2 PM on Sunday
Time Control: G/100 with 5 second delay for all 5 rounds
Entry Fee: $50 in advance (paid by 8/02), or $60 on day of event
Special rate if rated U1400 (or unr) & paid in advance: $25, or $30 at door
Info: (619) 752-4377; sandiegochessclub.com, or email Chuck Ensey at chucnglo@aol.com or you can text or call my cell 858-432-8006
SCCF: SCCF Membership required for all So Cal residents: $20
Ent: You can email Chuck to secure $50 rate if you are a frequent player at our club
Or Mail Entries to: San Diego Chess Club, P O Box 120162, San Diego, CA 92112. Flyer here.
April 1-5
IM norm round-robin
Arcadia
SCCF is one of the sponsors of an IM norm round-robin to be held in Arcadia, April 1-5, 2023. IA Randy Hough will direct. Interested players with FIDE ratings over 2200 should contact Shirley Chen, sunnytravel88@yahoo.com for details.
Mar. 1-3
Western Class Championships
Irvine. TLA here
March 30-31
2024 Junior / Senior Open
San Diego.
TLA, Online Entry, & Advance Entries here
Flyer here
May 25-27
44th Annual Lina Grumette Memorial Day Classic
80 Grand Prix Points
Van Nuys.
Show/hide TLA...
Format: 6-SS, 3-day 40/80, SD/30, inc/30 2-day rds. 1-3 G/60, d/2 then merges.
Site: Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406
Sections & Prizes: $17,000 in six sections:
Open: FIDE Rated, Winner gets Trophy and spot in State Invitational+$$1700-900-500-200, U2250 $700-350-300.
Under 2000: $1200-700-350-300.
Under 1800: $1200-700-350-300.
Under 1600: $1200-700-350-300.
Under 1400: $1200-700-350-300
U1200: $1000-600-350-200.
Unrated prize limits: Unrated may enter any section, prize limits:
U1200: $100, Under 1400: $200, Under 1600: $300, Under 1800: $300, Under 2000: $400, balance to next highest scorer.
Provisionally rated players limited to 50% of prize except in Open section.
EF: $140 by 5/1, $150 by 5/23, after $160.
1200 section EF: $100 by 5/1, $110 by 5/23, $120 after 5/23.
GMs Free Entry.
Players rated under 2000: entry + $20 if in Open.
Re-Entry: $60, not allowed in Open.
Reg.: ends 9:30 am 5/25, 8:30 am 5/26
Rds:
3-day: 10-4:30, 10-4:30, 9:30-4:30
2-day: 9-11:30-2 (G/60, d/2), then merges with 3-day at 4:30.
All: SCCF membership required for SoCal residents (Adults: $20, Under 18: $15)
Byes: 2 half-point byes allowed, round 6 must be requested with entry.
HR: $119, Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818-997-7676) request Chess Rate.
Info: randallhough@gmail.com
On-line entry: www.scchess.com
May 26, Sunday
MDC Blitz
Format: 5-SS, G/5, d/2. Approx 9 pm
Site: Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406.
Prizes: Prize fund will be entries minus expenses.
Info: randallhough@gmail.com
EF: $20, On site registration only.
May 27-29
44th Annual Lina Grumette Memorial Day Classic
80 Grand Prix Points
Van Nuys.
Show/hide TLA...
Format: 6-SS, 3-day 40/80, SD/30, Inc/30 2-day rds. 1-3 G/60 d/2 then merges.
Site: Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406.
Sections & Prizes: $$17,000 in six sections:
Open: FIDE Rated $$T+1700- 900-500-200, U2250 700-350-300.
Under 2000: $1200-700-350-300.
Under 1800: $1200-700-350-300.
Under 1600: $1200-700-350-300.
Under 1400: $1200-700-350-300
U1200 1000-600-350- 200.
Unrated may enter any section, prize limits U1200: $100, Under 1400: $200, Under 1600:$300, Under 1800: $300, Under 2000: $400, balance to next highest scorer.)
Provisionally rated players limited to 50% of prize except in Open section.
EF: $140 by 5/1, $150 by 5/25, after $160. U1200 section EF: $100 by 5/1, $110 by 5/25, $120 after 5/25.
GM: Free Entry Under 2000. Players: entry + $20 if in Open.
Re-Entry: $60, not allowed in Open
Reg.: Registration ends 9:30am 5/27, 8:30 a.m., 5/28
Rds:
3-day: 10-4:30, 10-4:30, 9:30-4:30
2-day: 9-11:30-2 (G/60, d/2), then merges with 3-day at 4:30.
All: SCCF membership req. So Cal residents (Adults: $20, Under 18: $15).
Phones: No phones allowed on players’ person during games.
Ratings: CCA minimum ratings and TD discretion used.
Byes: 2 byes allowed, round 6 must be requested with entry.
HR: $119, Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave, Van Nuys, CA (818-997-7676) request Chess Rate, code CHESS1. Reservation link here.
Parking: $8/day
Info: Gregg5075@earthlink.net
Flyer here.
On-line entry: www.scchess.com
May 28, Sunday
MDC Blitz
Format: 5-SS, G/5, d/2. 10 PM
Site: Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406
Prizes: Prize fund will be entries minus expenses.
Info: Gregg5075@earthlink.net
EF: $20, On site registration only.
July 5-7
Pacific Southwest Open
A Heritage Event
Irvine. Show/hide TLA...
Site: Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport 18800 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine CA 92612, phone 949-833-9999
Format: 8-Round Swiss, 5 Sections; No 2-day Option, but 3 byes allowed!
Prizes & Sections: $$13,000 PRIZE FUND (100% Guaranteed)
1. OPEN: $1,600-$1,200-$600-$300-$200-$100;
plus BU2300:$600-$300
2. U2200: $800-400-200-100; plus U2000: $800-400-200-100
3. U1800: $800-400-200-100; plus U1600: $800-400-200-100
4. U1400: $400-200-100, plus BU1200: $400-200-100
5. U1000: $400-200-100
Unrated players are not eligible for any cash prizes; there are book or clock prizes for the best unrated in each section.
GMs, WGMs, IMs & WIMs play for free (but $100 deducted from any prize).
Provisional players (less than 26 games) can win only 50% of any prize, the balance goes to the remaining prize winners.
Onsite Registration: 8:30 to 9:30 AM Friday, or book online see below
Rounds: Rounds and Time Controls are different for each day, pay attention!
Friday July 5: 10 AM, 1 PM & 4 PM, G/60 with 10 second delay
Saturday July 6: 10 AM, 2 PM & 7 PM, G/90 with 10 second delay
Sunday July 7: 9 AM and 3 PM, G/120 with 10 second delay
Entry Fee: $90 Early Bird Rate if received by 4/30/24, or regular $110 rate from May 1st to 6/13/24, late rate is $130 from 6/14 –6/30/24, but then the rate goes up to $150 if you pay on 7/01 or later. Only $90 if U1400 or unrated.
$90 Re-entry fee on day two with 3 byes is allowed for players U2300.
Players playing “up” into a section more than 200 points above their rating must pay a $100 fee that will be collected at the event.
Ratings: July Supplement will be used for official ratings, pairings and prizes.
FIDE: This event will not be FIDE rated, the Southern California Open in September will be.
Mail entries to: SDCC, PO Box 120162, San Diego CA 92112, or use to the easy online entry at the SCCF website, go to www.scchess.com.
SCCF membership is required for all SoCal residents ($20 for adults, or only $15 for players under 18 years old).
Byes: Three half point byes okay if requested at least 1 hour before the round, last round byes are ok but must be requested before round 4 and are irrevocable!
Info: Chuck Ensey at (858) 432-8006, call me if you can’t make a round.
Flyer: here
Important: $25 fine for forfeits! Please don’t do that, it leaves opponent with no one to play which is rude and will cost you! Also, $15 charge for refunds and withdrawals.
Hotel: Special rate of only $169, 1-800-445-8667 if booked by June 12; be smart, book rooms early, they often will sell out well before the deadline!
Email chucnglo@aol.com for questions or to get a link to book hotel rooms.
Blitz side event: 8-round rated Blitz event on Fri. 7/5 at 7:30 PM, G/5, d2, $20 entry fee.
Blitz Reg: To 7:15 PM at event only, no online entry, but you can text me to enter.
July 21-23
28th annual Pacific Coast Open
150 Grand Prix Points (Enhanced)
Van Nuys. TLA here
Aug 10-11
San Diego County Championships
Van Nuys. TLA here
Aug. 31 - Sept. 2
44th Annual Southern California Open
150 Grand Prix Points (enhanced)
San Diego Airport. Show/hide TLA...
Site: At the Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station (www.marriott.com/sanal) 2592 Laning Rd, San Diego CA 92106, phone 619-221-1900
Format: 6 Rd Swiss, 7 Sections; 3 day is G/100 +30 second increment
Or, for 2 day, first 3 games are G/40, w/5 second delay, then merge
Prizes and Sections: $$20,000 PRIZE FUND (100% Guaranteed)
1. OPEN SECTION: 1st $2,200, 2nd $1,400, 3rd $1,000, 4th $600, 5th $400, 6th $200; BU2300 $800, 2nd $400
2. U2200: 1st $1,400, 2nd $800, 3rd $400, 4th $200
3. U2000: 1st $1,300, 2nd $700, 3rd $400, 4th $200
4. U1800: 1st $1,300, 2nd $700, 3rd $400, 4th $200
5. U1600: 1st $1,200, 2nd $600, 3rd $300, 4th $200
6. U1400: 1st $800, 2nd $400, 3rd $200, 4th $100
7. U1200: 1st $600, 2nd $300, 3rd $200, 4th $100
Unrated players are not eligible for any cash prizes; book or clock prize for best unrated in each section.
Provisional players (less than 26 games) can win only 50% of any prize, the balance goes to the remaining prize winners.
Reg.:
3-day: 8:30 to 9:30 AM Saturday;
2-day: 8:00 to 9:00 AM Sunday
Rounds:
3-day: 10 AM & 4 PM on Sat, 10 and 4:30 on Sun, 10 & 4 Mon
2-day: 9:30 AM, 11:30, 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM on Sun; 10 AM & 4 PM Mon
Entry Fee: $110 Early Bird Rate if received by 7/31, or $130 by 8/21, $150 after 8/21 and $170 if you pay at the door. Only $90 if unrated or if playing in the U1200. If playing “up” you must pay higher rate. Extra fee of $100 if you want to “play up” 2 sections above your rating. GMs, WGMs, IMs & WIMs play for free, but $100 deducted from any prize.
Re-entry fee (3-day-to 2 day): $75, must be U2300.
Ratings:
Sept. Supplement will be used for official ratings. Open & U2200 Sections FIDE rated except for the 2-day schedule.
Phones: Players may not have cell phones on during play; please leave them off in a bag at your table.
Mail entries to: SDCC, PO Box 120162, San Diego CA 92112, or enter online at the SCCF website www.scchess.com
SCCF Membership: SCCF Membership required for all So. Cal. residents ($20, or $15 if under 18 years old).
Byes: Two half-point byes are OK if booked at least 1 hour before the round; last round byes are OK but must be requested before round 3 and are irrevocable!
Info: Chuck Ensey at (858) 432-8006, or see www.sandiegochessclub.org
Flyer here.
Forfeits: $25 Fine for forfeits, please call Chuck ASAP if you can’t make a round.
Refunds: $15 charge for refunds.
Hotel: $289, if booked by August 3, 2024, call 619-221-1900; Please book early, as the rooms will sell out before the deadline.
150 Grand Prix Points (enhanced) and a State Championship Qualifier
Sept. 22-24
2023 U.S. Class Championship
LAX. TLA here
Nov. 1-3
19th Annual Los Angeles Open
120 Grand Prix Points
Irvine. TLA here
July 30 - Aug. 7
122nd annual United States Open Chess Championship
300 Grand Prix Points (enhanced)
Rancho Mirage. TLA here
Nov. 21-26
58th Annual American Open
A Heritage Event
Garden Grove.
Open Section - 9 Rounds SS (6 days)
Other Sections - 8 Rounds SS (4-day or 3-day option)
TLA here.
Tournament site/registration here
Nov. 25-Dec.1
59th Annual American Open
A Heritage Event
Garden Grove
Concurrent with American Open Scholastic Tournament
Hyatt Regency Orange County
Info here.
Nov. 25, Saturday
American Open Blitz
Garden Grove.
Rounds start 9:30 PM
TLA here.
Nov. 26, Sunday
American Open Action
Garden Grove.
Rounds start 12 pm
TLA here.
Jan. 13-15, 2024
The Dreaming King Open
150 Grand Prix Points (enhanced)
LAX Show/hide TLA...
Format: 6 Round Swiss with 7 Sections
Time Control:
3 day time control: G/100 +30 second increment
2 day time control: First 3 games are G/40, w/5 second delay, then merges in Rd 4.
Site: Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX Hotel, 5985 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90045
Rounds:
3-day: 10 AM & 4 PM on Sat, 10 and 4:30 on Sun, 10 & 4 Mon
2-day: 9:30 AM, 11:30, 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM on Sun; 10 AM & 4 PM Mon
Byes: Two half point byes are OK if requested at least 1 hour before the round, but last round byes must be requested before round 3 and are irrevocable!
Prizes & Sections:
$$20,000 PRIZE FUND (100% Guaranteed)
1. OPEN SECTION: 1st $2,400, 2nd $1,500, 3rd $1,200, 4th $600, 5th $400, 6th $300, 7th 200; BU2300: $1,000, 2nd $600
2. U2100: 1st $1,200, 2nd $600, 3rd $400, 4th $200
3. U1900: 1st $1,200, 2nd $600, 3rd $400, 4th $200
4. U1700: 1st $1,200, 2nd $600, 3rd $400, 4th $200
5. U1500: 1st $1,000, 2nd $600, 3rd $400, 4th $200
6. U1300: 1st: $600, 2nd $300, 3rd $200, 4th $100
7. U1100: 1st $600, 2nd $300, 3rd $200, 4th $100
Provisional players (less than 26 games) can win only 50% of any prize, the balance goes to the remaining prize winners.
Unrated players are not eligible for cash prizes; there are book prizes for the best unrated player in each section.
Reg.:
3-day: 8:30 to 9:30 AM Saturday;
2-day: 8:00 to 9:00 AM Sunday
Entry Fee: $90 Early Bird Rate if received by 11/30/23, or regular $110 rate by 12/23/22, starting 12/24 the rate is $130, but then then goes up to $140 on 1/08, then $150 at door on 1/13. Only $85 if U1300 or unrated. GMs, WGMs, IMs & WIMs play for free, but $100 deducted from any prize.
Re-entry Re-entry fee (3 day to 2 day): $75, must be U2300.
Ratings: The Jan. Supplement will be used for official ratings.
FIDE: Only the Open Section is FIDE rated, except for the faster 2-day G/40 games
Equipment: Bring chess sets and clocks, none supplied; know how to set your clock! We do have equipment for sale.
Cell phones: Cell phones must be turned off.
Fines: Forfeits and withdrawing without notice are subject to possible $25 fine; cheating and bad sportsmanship may also lead to expulsion by the TD.
Withdrawals: $15 charge for withdrawals before event starts.
Mail entries to: SDCC, PO Box 120162, San Diego CA 92112
Online entry Online entry at the SCCF website www.scchess.com
SCCF Membership: SCCF Membership required for all So. Cal. residents ($20 adults, $15 if under 18 years old).
Info: Chuck Ensey at (858) 432-8006, or email chucnglo@aol.com
Hotel: Special rate of only $139, 1-800-766-3782, by 12/15/23. Ask for Dreaming King Open rate or use code G11324DKCA.
Parking: Parking is $16 per day, or $26 for in/out privileges or overnight; valet parking is $30.
Jan. 18-20, 2025
The Dreaming King Open
150 Grand Prix Points (enhanced)
LAX Show/hide TLA...
Format & Time Controls:
6 Rd Swiss, 7 Sections
3-day time control is G/100 +30 second increment
Or for 2-day, first 3 games are G/40, w/5 second delay, then merges in Rd 4
Site: Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX Hotel, 5985 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90045
Prizes & Sections: $$20,000 PRIZE FUND (100% Guaranteed)
1. Elite Section: 1st $2,400, 2nd $1,500, 3rd $1,200, 4th $600, 5th $400, 6th $300, 7th 200; BU2300: $1,000, 2nd $600
You can pay a $100 extra fee to “play up” for sections 2, 3 and 4. No restrictions for sections 5-7.
2. U2100: 1st $1,200, 2nd $600, 3rd $400, 4th $200; must be 1700+
3. U1900: 1st $1,200, 2nd $600, 3rd $400, 4th $200; must be 1500+
4. U1700: 1st $1,200, 2nd $600, 3rd $400, 4th $200; must be 1300+
5. U1500: 1st $1,000, 2nd $600, 3rd $400, 4th $200
6. U1300: 1st: $600, 2nd $300, 3rd $200, 4th $100
7. U1100: 1st $600, 2nd $300, 3rd $200, 4th $100
Must be 1700 or higher to play in the U2100 section or pay a $100 extra fee to “play up”. No playing up in Elite Section. For the U1700 section you must be 1300 or higher; for U1500 must be at least 1100, or pay $100 extra fee at the event. There are no restrictions for the U1300 section, other than being U1300.
Unrated players are not eligible for cash prizes; there are book prizes for the best unrated player in each section.
Provisional players (less than 26 games) can win only 50% of any prize, the balance goes to the remaining prize winners.
Reg.:
3-day: 8:30 to 9:30 AM Saturday
2-day: 8:00 to 9:00 AM Sunday
Rounds:
3-day: 10 AM & 4 PM on Sat, 10 and 4:30 on Sun, 10 & 4 Mon
2-day: 9:30 AM, 11:30, 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM on Sun; 10 AM & 4 PM Mon
Byes: Two half point byes are OK if requested at least 1 hour before the round, but last round byes must be requested before round 3 and are irrevocable!
Entry Fee: Entry Fee: $110 Early Bird Rate if received by 11/30/24, or regular $130 rate by 12/23/24, starting 12/24 the rate is $150, but then then goes up to $160 on 1/08, then $170 at door on 1/18. Only $100 if U1300 or unrated. GMs, WGMs, IMs & WIMs play for free, but $100 deducted from any prize.
Re-entry: Re-entry fee (3 day to 2 day): $75, must be U2300
FIDE: Only the Open Section is FIDE rated, except for the faster 2-day G/40 games
Ratings: We will go by the January USCF supplement to determine ratings.
Cell Phones: Cell phones are not allowed for players in the Open Section, other must keep them turned off.
Fines: $25 for forfeits at TD discretion, $5 cell phone fine if it rings during play.
Withdrawals: $15 charge for withdrawals before event starts
Equipment: Bring chess sets and clocks
Mail entries to: SDCC, PO Box 120162, San Diego CA 92112
Online entry: or enter online at the SCCF website here.
SCCF Membership: SCCF Membership required for all So. Cal. residents ($20 adults, $15 if under 18 years old)
Info: Chuck Ensey at (858) 432-8006, or email chucnglo@aol.com. Flyer here
Hotel: Special rate of only $179, 1-800-766-3782, by 12/15/24
Parking: Parking is $16 per day, or $26 for in/out privileges or overnight; valet parking is $30.
Mar. 29 & 30, 2025
2025 SuperStates Senior (50+) State Championship
Los Angeles. Info here