5th Annual Jai Jagannath Chess Tournament
FIDE Standard & US Chess Rated • 7-Round Swiss System
December 18–20, 2026 • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento NE Cal Expo, 2224 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821
Sections
| Section | Eligibility | Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| 2100+ | 2100 and above | 7 |
| 1800–2099 | 1800–2099 | 7 |
| 1500–1799 | 1500–1799 | 7 |
| U1500 | Below 1500 / Unrated | 7 |
| Senior U1800 (Age 50+) | Below 1800 and age 50+ as of Dec. 1, 2026 | 7 |
| Section eligibility is based on the higher of the current published US Chess Regular rating or FIDE Standard rating. Play-up fee: $30. | ||
Format & Combined Schedule — All Sections
All five sections use the same seven-round schedule. Players may choose the 3-day or 2-day schedule. Both schedules merge beginning with Round 4.
| Schedule | Round | Date | Time | Time Control / Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Schedule | Round 1 | Friday, Dec. 18 | 6:30 PM | G/90 +30 FIDE Standard & US Chess rated |
| Round 2 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 9:00 AM | ||
| Round 3 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 1:30 PM | ||
| Round 4 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 6:30 PM | ||
| Round 5 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 8:30 AM | ||
| Round 6 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 1:00 PM | ||
| Round 7 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 5:30 PM | ||
| 2-Day Schedule | Round 1 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 9:00 AM | Rounds 1–3: G/60 +5 US Chess rated only |
| Round 2 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 11:30 AM | ||
| Round 3 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 2:00 PM | ||
| Round 4 | Saturday, Dec. 19 | 6:30 PM | Rounds 4–7: G/90 +30 FIDE Standard & US Chess rated |
|
| Round 5 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 8:30 AM | ||
| Round 6 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 1:00 PM | ||
| Round 7 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 5:30 PM |
Merge rule: The 2-day and 3-day schedules merge at Round 4, Saturday at 6:30 PM. Rounds 1–3 of the 2-day schedule are US Chess rated only and are excluded from the FIDE rating report. All 3-day games and merged Rounds 4–7 are FIDE Standard and US Chess rated.
Prizes — $10,000 (Based on 150 Paid Entries)
2100+ — $4,250: 1st $2,000, 2nd $800, 3rd $450, 4th $250, 5th $200, 6th $150, 7th–10th $100 each.
1800–2099 — $2,200: 1st $800, 2nd $400, 3rd $250, 4th $200, 5th $150, 6th–7th $100 each, 8th–9th $75 each, 10th $50.
1500–1799 — $1,600: 1st $500, 2nd $300, 3rd $200, 4th $150, 5th $100, 6th–9th $75 each, 10th $50.
U1500 — $1,150: 1st $300, 2nd $200, 3rd $150, 4th $100, 5th $75, 6th–10th $50 each, Top U1000 $75.
Senior U1800 (Age 50+) — $800: 1st $300, 2nd $150, 3rd $100, 4th $75, 5th $50, 6th–10th $25 each.
Trophy: The first-place finisher in each section receives a trophy.
All advertised cash prizes are prorated by paid entries / 150. Prizes are not increased above the advertised amount if attendance exceeds 150. Cash prizes are divided equally among tied players. One cash prize per player; Top U1000 may not be combined with another cash prize.
Entry Fees
| Tier | Dates | 2100+ / 1800–2099 | 1500–1799 | U1500 / Senior U1800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early | Through Nov. 30 | $150 | $120 | $100 |
| Regular | Dec. 1–17 | $180 | $150 | $130 |
| Late / On-site | Dec. 18 for 3-day; Dec. 19 for 2-day | $200 | $170 | $150 |
After Nov. 30, fees increase by $30. On the player’s first tournament day, fees increase by an additional $20. Play-up fee: $30.
Registration & Eligibility
- Current US Chess membership is required.
- Players must have a FIDE ID before playing a FIDE-rated round.
- Senior section eligibility: below 1800 and born on or before December 1, 1976.
- GM, WGM, IM and WIM: Entry fee waived in the 2100+ section; $150 deducted from any prize won. Advance registration required.
- Payment: Zelle or PayPal to learningpawn@gmail.com.
- Players should bring a chess set and chess clock.
Contacts
Email: learningpawn@gmail.com
| Brahma Mohanty: 916-612-9711
| Madhusmita Rout: 916-467-0742
FIDE-related questions: FA Scott Mason — SCOTT-MASON@OUTLOOK.COM
Accommodation
| Hotel | Address | Tournament Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento NE Cal Expo | 2224 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821 | Discounted participant rate — booking details coming soon |
Policies
- Default time: 30 minutes after the scheduled start.
- Byes: Bye policy and deadlines will be posted before registration opens.
- Devices: FIDE Laws apply to FIDE-rated rounds; phones and smartwatches must be switched off and stored as directed.
- Learning Pawn reserves the right to correct section placement, combine sections when necessary, and make operational adjustments consistent with US Chess and FIDE rules.
Registration
Advance Entries
| Name | USCF ID | USCF Rating | FIDE ID | Section | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pairings & Standings
Our Sponsors
Thank you to our partners for supporting the 5th Annual Jai Jagannath Chess Tournament.
