Do you have a K-12 student who is interested in participating in a low-stakes and fun chess tournament? Chess Club Coffee's monthly Scholastic (K-12) series is a great way to have fun, gain tournament experience, and engage with a community of like-minded chess enthusiasts. This event is free to enter, and the winner will receive Chess Club Coffee merchandise.

Choose the section that best fits the student

• K-12 Open – For developing or experienced tournament players ready for a Swiss-style over-the-board event. Open to grades K–12.

• Introductory Quads – For students new to tournament or over-the-board chess, grouped with players of similar ability. Open to grades K–12.

Tournament Details

• Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026

• Location: Chess Club Coffee, 3144 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618

• Format:

  • 3-round Swiss – K-12 Open

  • 3-round quads – Introductory Quads

• Check-in: 9:00 – 9:45am (late arrivals will not be paired for round 1)

• Round times:

  • K-12 Open: 10:00am – 1:00pm

  • Introductory Quads: 10:00am – 12:00pm

• Entry fee: FREE (Online registration closes Friday, September 25 at 11:59pm. Limited entry onsite–please register online if possible.)

• Time control:

  • K-12 Open: G/25 minutes + 10-second increment

  • Introductory Quads: G/15 minutes + 10-second increment

• Prizes: Chess Club Coffee hat for 1st place in the K-12 Open and 1st place in each quad of the Introductory Quads.

• Rating & membership: This event is unrated and no membership is required to participate.

• Byes: One half-point bye may be requested before round 1.

• Have a question? Feel free to email sam@chessclubcoffeeco.com or call Chess Club Coffee at (773) 654-3162 (phone only available during business hours).