26th Annual Junior Open Chess Tournament

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Scholastic Chess Association (CMSCA)

Our tournaments and events are open to all youth from Pre-K through 12th grade! Whether you're homeschooled or attend a public, private, or parochial school, you’re welcome to join us—no matter where you're from in the USA.

DATE:
Saturday - November 15, 2025TIME:
9:00 a.m. ET LOCATION: 14045 Ballantyne Corporate Pl, Charlotte, NC 28277 REGISTRATION
Online registration is preferred; registration and payment via Paypal (credit card or bank account) will be accepted through posted deadlines. Registration on site is between 8:00 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. on the date of the tournament. Registration after 8:45 a.m. will result in a 1st round bye. Cash, credit card, and checks accepted. SECTIONS:
- 21 years old and under.
- 14 years old and under.
- 10 years old and under. Note:
- Ages are as of November 1
- Sections may be combined at the discretion of the Tournament Director. ROUND TIMES:
- 21 and under: 9:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
- 14 and under: 9:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m.
- 10 and under: 9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:00 p.m. Award Ceremony to follow the approximate end time of each section. TIME CONTROLS:
- 21 and under: G/60
- 14 and under: G/45
- 10 and under: G/30 FORMAT:
Swiss System RATING SYSTEM:
Quick and Regular ENTRY FEE:
- $20.00 - Early Bird
- $25.00 - Starting Monday, October 27, 2025
- $30.00 - Starting Monday, November 3, 2025
- $35.00 - Starting Monday, November 10, 2025
- $40.00 - Onsite Registration
* Onsite registration available through first round. PRIZES:
For Groups 10 and Under:
- Top 5 Medals
- 1 Best Unrated Medal
- 1 Top Girl Medal For Groups 14 and 21 and Under:
- Top 5 Medals BYE REQUESTS:
One half-point bye is allowed, except in the last round. Registration after 8:45 a.m. uses this bye for round one. We must be notified in advance of byes. Byes will be posted for pre-registrations on the web and on the wall charts after each round; correction requests are the responsibility of the player. OTHER INFORMATION:
This tournament is open to all players 21 years old and younger. All participants must have a USCF membership valid for the duration of the tournament. Membership can be purchased at the tournament. For information on fees or to apply online, visit the USCF website.

Register Now

Register Here:
https://cmsca.org/signup_junior Preregistration List:
https://cmsca.org/preregistration_junior Note: You can confirm your registration by checking the preregistration list. To register online to this tournament, you must be a current member of the United States Chess Federation ("USCF") and a USCF Member ID.

  • Don't have a USCF Member ID? We can help you create a US Chess Membership ID on day of tournament. Please enter 00000 if you don't have a US Chess Federation Membership ID.

  • Click here to look up your USCF ID and expiration date.

  • Click here to purchase or renew USCF membership.

  • Please bring chess sets, notation sheets, and clocks (not required).

  • Chess equipment will also be available for purchase on-site at discounted prices (even cheaper than online retailers).

  • Concessions / food will be available for purchase on-site.

  • This is an excellent tournament for both beginners and experienced chess players.

© 2024 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Scholastic Chess Association (CMSCA). All rights reserved.