12th Annual Phoenix Open

September 05 - 07, 2026

Register  Entry List

Unity Chess presents the

12th Annual

Phoenix Open Chess Tournament

Sep 5th - Sep 7th, 2025 (Sat, Sun, Mon)

 
 
This highly anticipated event, promises an exciting and competitive environment for chess enthusiasts. With a focus on both intermediate and advanced players, the tournament will offer a series of USCF-rated matches, featuring state-of-the-art facilities. Join us in this celebration of strategic mastery and skillful play at one of the premier chess events of the year.
 

Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa, 200 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 

Format: 6-round Swiss System

Time Controls:
     3-day Schedule: G/90+30 all rounds
     2-day Schedule: G/45+5 rds 1-3, G/90+30 rds 4-6

Four Sections:
  • Premier (1800+)
  • U1800 (1400 – 1799)
  • U1400 (1000 - 1399)
  • U1000 (UNR - 999)

Players rated 1700-1799 may play up into the Premier Section for an additional $50.
Players within 100 pts of the rating floor of lower sections may play up for an additional $25.

Schedule:
     3-Day Rounds: 10am & 3pm, Sat, Sun, & Mon
     2-Day Rounds:
          Sun: Rd1 9:00am. Rd2 11:00am, Rd3 1:00pm, Rd4* 3:00pm
          Mon: Rd5 10:00am, Rd6 3:00pm
          *Merge with 3-day Schedule

Important:
  • USCF regular ratings apply for all sections.
  • USCF membership required (may be purchased or renewed at registration or on site)
  • August 2025 US Chess ratings will be used for section eligibility, pairings, and prize eligibility. Other ratings may be used if higher. The decision of the Chief Tournament Director regarding eligibility, rating adjustments, conversions, unofficial ratings, or other rating issues is final.
  • A maximum of three half-point byes are available. Half-point byes must be requested before the start of Round 3 and may not be canceled after Round 3 starts.
  • Boards, sets and clocks will be provided for tournament play.

 

Prizes:$6000 Total Prize Fund (based on 100 entries)

  • Premier: $1200/$600/$350, Top U2000: $125, Top Female: $125
  • U1800 : $900/$450/$250, Top U1600: $100, Top Female: $100
  • U1400 : $500/$250/$150, Top U1200: $50, Top Female: $50
  • U1000 : $300/$150/$75, Trophies for 4th - 10th place

 

Entry Fees:
     Free entry for GM/WGM/IM/WIM/FM/WFM ($100EF deducted from prizes.)
     Premier Section: $120 by Aug 16, $140 by Sep 04, $150 on site
     U1800 Section: $100 by Aug 16, $120 by Sep 04, $130 on site
     U1400 Section: $80 by Aug 16, $100 by Sep 04, $110 on site
     U1000 Section: $60 by Aug 16, $80 by Sep 04, $90 on site

     $40 fee to re-enter for 2-day schedule (must be by 8:15am Sun)

Online Registration: Registration Link
     3-day Schedule: until midnight MST Fri, Sep 04
     2-day Schedule: until midnight MST Sat, Sep 05

Re-entries: 3-day players may re-enter into the 2-day schedule before 8:15 am on Sunday for a $40 re-entry fee

Hotel: 

Hotel: Delta Hotel by Marriott, 200 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201
Group rate: 109/night + tax for single or double occupancy. $15/night for each additional adult. Free parking and internet.
Reservations: Delta Hotel by Marriott or call (480) 898-8300

Refunds: Refunds may be requested until two hours before the start of Round 1. No refunds will be given after that time.

All refunds will incur a 5% processing fee.

Contact: unitychessevents@gmail.com


BUGHOUSE EVENT: 12th Annual Phoenix Open - Bughouse

BLITZ EVENT: 12th Annual Phoenix Open - Blitz