Location:
The University of Louisville Shelby Campus
Founders Union, Room 218
450 N. Whittington Pkwy.
Louisville, KY 40222
Format:
US Chess membership is required. Open to all players from all states.
5SS G/40;+10/ $2,100 b/70
Four Sections. The TD may combine sections if the turnout for a section is low.
Accelerated pairings will be used at the discretion of the Chief Tournament Director.
Players can play up a section if within 100 points of the floor of the next section. Email daromott@gmail.com to honor the request after registration.
This is a qualifying event for the 2026 Kentucky Closed Championship. The top Kentucky player who has not already qualified will receive an invitation to this event. More information can be found here: 2026 KY Closed Championship.
Entry Fees:
Entry Fee - $50 in advance if paid by 2/21/2026; $60 by noon on 3/21/2026. $70 on site and after 12:00 PM on 4/4/2026. Same day registrations get a first round bye to ensure that the first round starts on time.
Prizes:
$2,100 Prize Fund Based on 70 Entries
Section 1 (1900+) 1st = $500, 2nd = $200 3rd = $100
Section 2 (1899 - 1400):1st = $250, 2nd = $100 3rd = $50
Section 3 (1399 - 1000):1st = $250, 2nd = $100 3rd = $50
Section 4 (999 & Below): 1st = $250, 2nd = $100 3rd = $50 (Medals will be awarded for places 1-5)
Unrated Players Must Play in Section 4 and are limited to earning $100 in prizes.
Best Upset = $100
Schedule:
Onsite Registration and Check-In: 8:00 am - 8:40 am
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Anticipated End Time: 7:00 PM
Round 1: 9:00 AM
Round 2: 10:50 AM or ASAP
Lunch 12:40 PM - 1:10 PM
Round 3: 1:10 PM
Round 4: 3:00 PM or ASAP
Round 5: 4:50 PM or ASAP
Players must check in with the TD in-person before 8:40 am.
Players arriving after check-in and after registration will receive one half-point bye and will be paired in subsequent rounds. Half-point byes may be requested for any round during registration only (2 max).
Other:
Please bring boards, sets, and clocks.
Contact:
Tournament Organizer Daro Mott
daromott@gmail.com or (502) 608 3577
Tournament Director Daro Mott
Website: Kentucky Chess Association