2026 Southern California Open takes place on September 4-7, 2026, in Glendale, California, USA. The event offers a major Labor Day weekend chess tournament with seven sections, a 6-round Swiss format, and a $60,000 guaranteed prize fund.
This is a chess tournament in Glendale, California, USA, in 2026. Players can compete in a large US Chess-rated tournament, while the Open, Under 2300, and Under 2100 sections also offer FIDE-rated chess tournament play.
The tournament takes place at Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale. In addition, the event includes a Monday blitz side tournament, mixed doubles prizes, college team prizes, and several special award categories.
♟️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Tournament | 2026 Southern California Open |
| 📅 Dates | September 4-7, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Glendale, California, USA |
| 🏛️ Venue | Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale, 100 West Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91202 |
| ♟️ Format | 6-round Swiss tournament with seven sections |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess-rated; Open, Under 2300, and Under 2100 are FIDE-rated |
| 🏅 Status | US Chess Grand Prix event |
| 🔢 Rounds | 6 rounds |
| ⏱️ Time control | G/90 + 30 seconds; 3-day schedule starts with G/55; d5 |
| 💰 Prize fund | $60,000 guaranteed |
| 📝 Registration | https://www.kingregistration.com/event/2026_SoCal_Open |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The 2026 Southern California Open uses a 6-round Swiss system. The main time control is G/90 with a 30-second increment from move one.
The 4-day schedule uses the main time control for all rounds. Meanwhile, the 3-day schedule starts with two faster rounds at G/55 with a 5-second delay. After that, 3-day players merge into the main schedule for Round 3.
The Open, Under 2300, and Under 2100 sections count for FIDE rating. Therefore, these sections give players both national and international rating value.
Players may request up to two half-point byes. However, players must declare bye intentions according to US Chess rules before the relevant round.
💰 Prize Fund
The confirmed prize fund is $60,000 guaranteed.
Section Prizes
| Section | Prize distribution |
|---|---|
| Open | $6,000, $3,000, $1,500, $1,000, $500, $300 |
| Under 2300 | $5,000, $2,500, $1,250, $600, $300, $300 |
| Under 2100 | $4,000, $2,000, $1,000, $500, $300, $300 |
| Under 1900 | $3,000, $1,500, $1,000, $500, $300, $300 |
| Under 1700 | $3,000, $1,500, $1,000, $500, $300, $300 |
| Under 1500 | $3,000, $1,500, $1,000, $500, $300, $300 |
| Under 1300 | $2,000, $1,000, $500, $500, $300, $300 |
Additional Prizes
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| Best unrated player 1900+ | $300 |
| Best unrated player in Under 1900 through Under 1300 sections | $300 |
| Best player aged 65+ | $300 |
| Best player under 10 | $300 |
| Best college team | $1,000 |
Best Woman Result Prizes
| Section | Prize |
|---|---|
| Open | $400 |
| Under 2300 | $300 |
| Under 2100 | $200 |
| Under 1900 | $200 |
| Under 1700 | $200 |
| Under 1500 | $150 |
| Under 1300 | $100 |
Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st team | $1,000 |
| 2nd team | $500 |
| 3rd team | $300 |
| 4th team | $200 |
Mixed doubles prizes use the combined score of one male and one female player across rounds 1–6. The team average must stay below 2200.
🧩 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating status |
|---|---|
| Open | US Chess-rated and FIDE-rated |
| Under 2300 | US Chess-rated and FIDE-rated |
| Under 2100 | US Chess-rated and FIDE-rated |
| Under 1900 | US Chess-rated |
| Under 1700 | US Chess-rated |
| Under 1500 | US Chess-rated |
| Under 1300 | US Chess-rated |
Players rated 1900–2100 by FIDE may enter the Open section by paying the additional listed play-up fee. In addition, all players must hold active US Chess membership.
Southern California residents also need SCCF membership. Regular membership costs $25, while junior membership for players under 18 costs $20.
📅 Schedule
4-Day Schedule
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, September 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Round 1 |
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 2 |
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 4:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 4:00 PM | Round 5 |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 6 |
3-Day Schedule
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 1, G/55; d5 |
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 1:00 PM | Round 2, G/55; d5 |
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 4:00 PM | Round 3, merges with main time control |
| Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 4:00 PM | Round 5 |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 6 |
📝 Registration
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Early bird entry fee by May 31, 2026 | $195 |
| Regular entry fee by August 17, 2026 | $228 |
| Late entry fee by August 31, 2026 | $255 |
| Last-minute entry fee by September 3, 2026, 6:00 PM | $285 |
| Registration closes | September 3, 2026, 6:00 PM |
| GM and WGM players | Free entry by August 31, with $228 deducted from prizes |
| GM and WGM entry after August 31 | $228 |
| IM and WIM players | $100 less than the regular fee until August 31 |
| IM and WIM entry after August 31 | $228 |
| Open play-up fee for eligible 1900–2100 FIDE-rated players | Additional $200 |
| Refund rule | 10% service charge after 24 hours of registration |
| Payment note | Credit cards accepted; checks not accepted |
| Registration platform | https://www.kingregistration.com/event/2026_SoCal_Open |
The organizer provides chess sets. However, players must bring their own clocks.
Players may not possess phones during play. They must leave phones in a hotel room, car, or turned off or silent in a backpack by the table.
🏛️ Organizer
American Chess Academy organizes the 2026 Southern California Open in Glendale. The event gives players a large Labor Day weekend tournament with seven sections, a major guaranteed prize fund, Grand Prix status, FIDE-rated sections, and strong side-event activity.
Email: americanchessacademy@gmail.com
Phone: +1 818 640 5974
📍 Venue
Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale, 100 West Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91202, USA
The tournament takes place at Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale. The hotel venue gives players a practical playing site with on-site accommodation options and easy access to the Glendale area.
🏨 Accommodation
Players may reserve rooms directly with Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale.
Hotel reservations phone: +1 818 956 5466
Staying at the venue can help players manage the long weekend schedule, especially with early rounds, evening preparation, and the Monday final round.
🚆 How to Get There
Players should use 100 West Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91202, as the main navigation address.
Glendale sits in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Players can reach the hotel by car, taxi, rideshare, or regional transport from nearby areas and airports.
ℹ️ Other Information
The 2026 SoCal Blitz Tournament takes place on Monday, September 7, 2026, as a side event. It offers a $2,000 guaranteed prize fund and uses a 5-round double-round Swiss format for 10 total games.
The blitz side event has three sections: Open, Under 2100, and Under 1600. The time control is G/3 + 2 seconds, and the first round starts at 5:30 PM.
Players must bring their own chess sets and clocks for the blitz tournament. Registration ends at 4:30 PM, and the entry fee is $50 by 2:00 PM or $60 afterward.
Players who win larger prizes may need to provide tax documentation. Nonresident alien prize winners may also face required withholding under U.S. tax rules.
The 2026 Southern California Open offers a major Labor Day chess weekend with strong prizes, rated competition, and a full tournament atmosphere in Glendale.
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $60,000
Organizer
♟️ Organizer Identity
American Chess Academy is a chess academy and tournament organizer in Glendale, California, United States. Founded in 2008, the academy focuses on chess instruction, structured training, competitive preparation, and scholastic chess development. Its main Glendale location is on North Louise Street, and its public program also includes additional class locations in the Los Angeles area. The academy works with beginners, improving juniors, advanced students, and competitive players who want regular coaching and tournament experience. Armen Ambartsoumian leads the academy as president, founder, and head coach. He also serves as the main public contact for major ACA tournament activity in Glendale. As a result, American Chess Academy has become a recognizable chess organizer for players and families across Southern California.
🏆 Tournament Portfolio
American Chess Academy helps organize the 2026 Southern California Open in Glendale. The event runs from September 4 to 7, 2026, at Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale and offers a $60,000 guaranteed prize fund. The tournament includes seven rating sections, a major classical schedule, Grand Prix status, and a separate Southern California Blitz side event. Moreover, the tournament continues the Southern California Open’s long history and brings one of the region’s major chess weekends to Glendale. ACA has also supported large local events connected with the California State Open, Southern California Open activity, scholastic championships, and youth tournaments. Therefore, players can find both serious open competition and youth-focused chess opportunities through the same organizing network.
🌱 Scholastic Chess and Player Development
American Chess Academy supports scholastic chess and player development through group classes, private coaching, after-school programs, camps, and tournament preparation. Its training program includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups, with separate schedules for younger players and stronger students. In addition, the academy’s coaching team includes titled and experienced players who work with students preparing for state, national, and international competition. ACA also connects chess education with school programs and community activity in Glendale and nearby cities. This gives families a practical route from first chess lessons to rated tournaments and stronger competitive goals. The academy’s role in major Glendale chess events also helps students see high-level tournament chess close to home. As a result, American Chess Academy combines education, competition, and community chess in one Southern California organizer profile.
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