2027 Shorewood Hills Sharks Chess Championship
The 2027 Shorewood Hills Sharks Chess Championship will take place on Sunday, February 7, 2027, at Shorewood Hills Elementary School in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. This welcoming scholastic chess tournament offers three playing sections, individual and team trophies, and competitive opportunities for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The championship is designed to accommodate both beginners and experienced young chess players. The K–12 Rated section features four US Chess-rated games, while the K–8 and K–5 Non-Rated sections feature five games each. All sections follow a G/30; d5 time-control framework, although most games in the non-rated divisions are played without chess clocks.
Every participant can complete their scheduled games because the tournament does not use an elimination format. Furthermore, trophies are awarded to the top ten individuals and top five teams in each section. Additional small prizes encourage positive playing habits, including chess notation and castling. With a family-friendly schedule and on-site concessions, the event provides an excellent introduction to organized tournament chess in the Madison area.
♟️ Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Sunday, February 7, 2027 |
| 🌎 Country | United States |
| 📍 Location | Madison, Wisconsin |
| 🏫 Venue | Shorewood Hills Elementary School |
| 🏛️ Organizer | Alex Betaneli |
| ♟️ Format | Scholastic tournament, no elimination |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/30; d5 |
| 🧩 Sections | K–12 Rated, K–8 Non-Rated, K–5 Non-Rated |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 4 rated / 5 non-rated |
| ✅ US Chess Rated | K–12 section only |
| 🌐 FIDE Rated | No |
| 🏆 Awards | Top 10 individuals and top 5 teams per section |
| 🕙 First Round | 10:00 AM |
| 🏁 Expected Finish | By 4:00 PM |
| 💵 Entry Fees | $35 early / $45 regular / $50 late |
| 📝 Registration | https://www.kingregistration.com/register/Shorewood2027 |
| 📋 Entry List | https://www.kingregistration.com/entrylist/Shorewood2027 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The championship uses a G/30; d5 time-control framework, providing up to 30 minutes per player and a five-second delay before the clock starts counting down after each move.
However, the number of games and the use of chess clocks differ between the rated and non-rated sections.
| Section | Games | Clock Requirements | Rating Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| K–12 Rated | 4 | Chess clocks used in every game | US Chess rated |
| K–8 Non-Rated | 5 | Most games played without clocks | Non-rated |
| K–5 Non-Rated | 5 | Most games played without clocks | Non-rated |
K–12 Rated Playing Conditions
All players entering the K–12 section compete in four games using official chess clocks.
Each player receives 30 minutes for the game, together with a five-second delay per move.
Because this section is US Chess rated, an active US Chess membership is mandatory. Tournament results contribute to the participating players’ national rating records.
Experienced scholastic competitors are encouraged to enter this division.
K–8 and K–5 Non-Rated Playing Conditions
The K–8 and K–5 divisions each include five games.
These sections are designed to be accessible to players who may be unfamiliar with competitive chess clocks or formal rating procedures.
Most games are expected to proceed without chess clocks. Nevertheless, the published G/30; d5 framework applies when clocks are used.
A US Chess membership is not required for these non-rated sections.
No-Elimination Format
Players are not eliminated after losing a game.
Every registered participant can continue through the scheduled rounds in their section. This approach gives developing players repeated opportunities to practice their skills and gain tournament experience.
Half-Point Byes
Participants may request up to two half-point byes if they need to miss one or two rounds because of other commitments.
The organizer must receive these requests before the tournament begins.
| Bye Condition | Rule |
|---|---|
| Maximum Half-Point Byes | 2 |
| Points per Approved Bye | ½ point |
| Request Deadline | Before the tournament begins |
| Additional Bye Requests | Confirm with organizer |
Parents should indicate any necessary byes during registration or contact the tournament staff before the first round.
🏆 Prizes & Awards
The 2027 Shorewood Hills Sharks Chess Championship offers a broad range of individual and team trophies.
The top ten individuals and top five teams in every section receive trophies.
The organizer also recognizes players tied for a trophy-winning position, ensuring that qualifying students are not excluded solely because of an equal final score.
🥇 Individual Trophy Awards
| Placement | K–12 Rated | K–8 Non-Rated | K–5 Non-Rated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
| 2nd Place | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
| 3rd Place | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
| 4th Place | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
| 5th Place | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
| 6th Place | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
| 7th Place | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
| 8th Place | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
| 9th Place | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
| 10th Place | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
Across the three sections, the organizer advertises 30 individual trophy placements, before accounting for tied players.
🏫 Team Trophy Awards
School and chess-club teams can also compete for separate recognition.
| Team Placement | Award |
|---|---|
| 1st Place Team | Trophy |
| 2nd Place Team | Trophy |
| 3rd Place Team | Trophy |
| 4th Place Team | Trophy |
| 5th Place Team | Trophy |
The top five teams in each section receive awards, providing 15 team trophy placements across the tournament.
Families and coaches should ensure that participating students enter the correct school or team name during registration.
Awards for Tied Players
The tournament has a particularly generous trophy policy.
If players tie for 10th place or any higher trophy position, everyone involved in that tie receives a trophy.
Therefore, the final number of individual trophies may exceed the 30 advertised placement positions.
🍫 Additional Chess Skill Prizes
The organizers also offer small prizes, including:
- Chocolate for eligible chess-related achievements.
- Fruit leather for eligible chess-related achievements.
These rewards encourage players to practice important tournament habits, particularly recording moves in chess notation and castling.
The exact distribution rules are determined by tournament staff.
Cash Prizes
No monetary prize fund has been announced.
The championship focuses on scholastic participation, individual and team trophies, and additional small rewards.
🧩 Sections / Groups
The tournament includes three sections designed for different levels of scholastic chess experience.
| Section | Grade Eligibility | Games | US Chess Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| K–12 Rated | Kindergarten through Grade 12 | 4 | Rated |
| K–8 Non-Rated | Kindergarten through Grade 8 | 5 | Non-rated |
| K–5 Non-Rated | Kindergarten through Grade 5 | 5 | Non-rated |
🥇 K–12 US Chess Rated
The K–12 division welcomes eligible students from kindergarten through high school.
This is the tournament’s only US Chess-rated section. All games use official chess clocks, and the results count toward players’ US Chess ratings.
Experienced tournament players are encouraged to compete here, regardless of their grade, provided they meet the membership requirements.
The division consists of four games.
🥈 K–8 Non-Rated
The K–8 division is open to students through eighth grade.
It provides a beginner-friendly setting for players who want structured chess competition without affecting their national rating.
Most games are played without clocks, allowing participants to become comfortable with tournament procedures.
The division consists of five games.
🥉 K–5 Non-Rated
The K–5 division is intended for elementary-school students through fifth grade.
This section is particularly suitable for younger children and players who are new to organized chess events.
The non-rated format allows students to concentrate on making legal moves, developing pieces, recognizing threats, and learning proper tournament behavior.
The division consists of five games.
Choosing the Correct Section
The K–5 and K–8 sections overlap in grade eligibility. Families should select the division that best matches the student’s school grade and competitive experience.
Students who want their games rated must enter the K–12 section and hold an active US Chess membership.
Parents who are uncertain about section selection should contact the organizers before registering.
📅 Schedule
The tournament takes place on Sunday, February 7, 2027, at Shorewood Hills Elementary School.
All times are local Madison time (Central Standard Time).
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Recommended Arrival | By 9:45 AM |
| Round 1 — All Sections | 10:00 AM |
| Lunch Break | Between Rounds 1 and 2 |
| Round 2 — All Sections | 11:30 AM |
| Round 3 | As soon as possible |
| Round 4 | As soon as possible |
| Round 5 — K–5 and K–8 only | As soon as possible |
| Awards Ceremony | Shortly after each section finishes |
| Tournament Completion | No later than 4:00 PM |
Morning Registration & Arrival
Participants should arrive by 9:45 AM to find their playing area, confirm their section, and prepare for the opening games.
Round 1 begins at 10:00 AM.
Families should allow sufficient time for parking and entering the school through the main entrance.
Lunch Break
The tournament schedules lunch between Rounds 1 and 2.
On-site concessions are available, while additional food options can be found within a short driving distance.
Families are permitted to bring their own food into the school.
Afternoon Rounds
The remaining rounds begin as soon as the preceding games and pairing preparations are completed.
Because non-rated games are often shorter, the K–5 and K–8 sections may finish their five rounds before the rated K–12 section completes its four rounds.
Players should follow announcements from the tournament directors rather than rely on fixed start times after Round 2.
Awards Ceremonies
Awards are presented shortly after each section finishes its games.
The K–5 and K–8 award ceremonies may take place earlier than the K–12 ceremony.
The organizer states that all tournament activities will finish by 4:00 PM, although some participants may be able to leave much earlier.
📝 Registration
Advance registration is available through King Registration.
Official Tournament Information:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/Shorewood2027
Direct Online Registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/register/Shorewood2027
Registered Players / Entry List:
https://www.kingregistration.com/entrylist/Shorewood2027
Entry Fees
The organizer offers three registration periods.
| Registration Deadline | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Through January 12, 2027 | $35 |
| Through February 2, 2027 | $45 |
| Through February 7, 2027, at 8:00 AM | $50 |
The $35 early-entry fee is available to players who register by January 12.
From January 13 through February 2, the entry fee is $45. The late-entry fee of $50 applies after February 2, with the published deadline of 8:00 AM on tournament morning.
Late Registration
Players attempting to register after 8:00 AM on February 7 may receive a half-point bye in the first round rather than being paired normally.
Families who want to play every scheduled game should complete registration before the stated deadline.
How to Register
The online registration form requests the player’s information, school grade, and school or team details.
Players must select one of the following:
| Registration Section | Published Option |
|---|---|
| K–12 | Rated |
| K–8 | Non-rated |
| K–5 | Non-rated |
The registration system also allows participants to indicate requested byes.
However, families must follow the tournament’s official limit of two half-point byes, even if the online interface displays additional rounds.
US Chess Membership
An active US Chess membership is required only for the K–12 Rated section.
Students entering the K–5 or K–8 Non-Rated sections do not need a US Chess membership.
Families can join or renew US Chess memberships through the federation’s official website.
US Chess Membership:
https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess
Registration Confirmation
After registering, families can review the official advance entry list to confirm the player’s section and school or team information.
Any corrections should be requested before tournament day whenever possible.
👤 Organizer
Organizer Name: Alex Betaneli
Contact Person: Alex Betaneli
Email: abetaneli@hotmail.com
Phone: +1 608-334-2574
📍 Venue
Shorewood Hills Elementary School – 1105 Shorewood Boulevard, Madison, WI 53705, United States.
The championship will be held at Shorewood Hills Elementary School, part of the Madison Metropolitan School District.
The school is located in the Shorewood Hills community, near the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus and the western shore of Lake Mendota.
Its setting provides a convenient location for families traveling from Madison, Middleton, and other communities in Dane County.
Entrance & Parking
The organizers confirm that plenty of street parking is available around the school.
Participants should enter through the front door, where tournament staff will direct players to their assigned playing rooms.
Families should arrive early enough to park, enter the building, and find their sections before the 10:00 AM opening round.
Food & Refreshments
On-site concessions will be available during the event.
Additionally, families may bring their own food into the school. This can be helpful for younger participants with particular dietary needs or limited time between rounds.
Restaurants, cafés, and grocery options are also available within a short drive of the venue.
Accessibility
The tournament is listed by US Chess as taking place at a handicap-accessible venue.
Families requiring specific accessibility arrangements or assistance with entering the building should contact the organizers in advance.
School Website:
https://shorewood.madison.k12.wi.us/
🚆 How to Get There
By Air
Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) is the nearest commercial passenger airport for visitors traveling to Madison.
The airport serves the Madison metropolitan area and offers scheduled domestic airline connections.
| Airport | IATA | Travel Options |
|---|---|---|
| Dane County Regional Airport | MSN | Rental car, taxi, rideshare |
| Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport | MKE | Rental car, longer regional transfer |
| Chicago O’Hare International Airport | ORD | Rental car, intercity transportation |
Dane County Regional Airport is the most convenient arrival point for families flying directly into Madison.
Milwaukee and Chicago O’Hare offer additional flight possibilities. However, both require a considerably longer journey to the tournament venue.
By Car
Shorewood Hills Elementary School is located at 1105 Shorewood Boulevard on the western side of the Madison area.
Visitors traveling from surrounding Wisconsin communities can reach Madison through the regional highway network, including US Highway 12/14 and nearby connecting roads.
Drivers should use the full school address for navigation.
Street parking is available, and tournament staff will direct visitors to the playing rooms after entering through the front door.
By Public Transportation
Madison Metro Transit provides bus service throughout Madison and neighboring communities.
Visitors can use the transit network to reach the University of Wisconsin area and surrounding neighborhoods. However, families should confirm the available Sunday routes and stops near Shorewood Boulevard before traveling.
Madison Metro Transit:
https://www.cityofmadison.com/metro
Local Travel
Families staying in Madison or Middleton can arrange transportation by car, taxi, or rideshare.
Because the tournament begins at 10:00 AM, participants should plan to arrive before 9:45 AM.
Players using public transportation should allow additional time for Sunday service intervals.
ℹ️ Other Information
Beginner-Friendly Tournament
The Shorewood Hills Sharks Chess Championship is specifically designed to welcome younger and less experienced chess players.
The K–5 and K–8 non-rated divisions allow students to learn about tournament chess without needing to maintain a US Chess rating.
Furthermore, the absence of elimination ensures that players can participate in their scheduled games regardless of their earlier results.
Encouraging Good Chess Habits
The organizers offer chocolate and fruit leather as additional rewards for practicing useful chess skills.
These rewards include recognizing players who record moves in chess notation or castle during their games.
This creates an incentive for students to develop good habits alongside their competitive experience.
Team Participation
Students can represent their schools or chess clubs and compete for team trophies.
When registering, families should enter the correct school or team name to support accurate team standings.
Coaches registering groups of players should ensure that names and school affiliations are consistent across entries.
Additional Tournament Contact
Chris Wainscott is also listed as an official tournament contact.
Email: td@ia-chess.com
Phone / Text: +1 414-839-5232
The organizers ask participants to use email before tournament day and prefer text messages on Sunday morning.
Texting is recommended over telephone calls for time-sensitive tournament-day questions.
US Chess Ratings
Only the K–12 section is rated by US Chess.
After the tournament, eligible participants can review their submitted results and updated national ratings through the US Chess website.
The K–5 and K–8 sections do not affect US Chess ratings.
Tournament Results & Awards
Individual and team standings determine trophy recipients in each section.
Players tied for a top-ten individual position also receive trophies, and awards ceremonies take place shortly after each section’s games have finished.
Families should follow tournament staff announcements for final standings and presentation times.
Official Tournament Information:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/Shorewood2027
Online Registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/register/Shorewood2027
US Chess Listing:
https://new.uschess.org/2027-shorewood-hills-sharks-chess-championship
Organizer
♟️ About International Academy of Chess
International Academy of Chess (IAC) is a Milwaukee-area chess school and tournament organizer based in Wisconsin, United States. The organization operates formally as International Academy of Chess LLC and maintains an active US Chess affiliation under A6039363. It provides private instruction, group lessons, online coaching, training camps, school chess programs, scholastic competitions, open tournaments, and US Chess-rated events.
The academy has operated in the Milwaukee chess community for more than a decade. Public records document IAC activity from at least 2010, while by the middle of that decade the organization was already delivering weekly instruction and running tournaments for scholastic chess clubs in southeastern Wisconsin. Since then, its program has expanded substantially. Moreover, IAC now works with schools and chess communities across the Milwaukee and Madison areas while also organizing larger statewide events.
Chris Wainscott is a current co-owner of International Academy of Chess and serves as one of its principal tournament organizers and public contacts. He is also a chess journalist and an experienced tournament director. Meanwhile, Ryan Murphy plays a central role in the academy’s instructional and tournament programs. In 2026, Murphy continues to serve as Chief Tournament Director at IAC events, while Wainscott handles tournament administration, registration, and participant communication.
🎓 Chess Instruction and Player Development
Chess education remains one of IAC’s core activities. The academy provides private, group, and online lessons, while each student’s instruction is adapted to individual playing strength and development needs.
Private students begin with an evaluation lesson. Afterward, coaches prepare lessons around the player’s games, tactical weaknesses, strategic understanding, openings, and endgames rather than relying on one fixed curriculum for every student.
Group lessons allow players of similar strength to train together. In addition, IAC provides online instruction using video conferencing and interactive chess platforms such as Lichess and Chess.com. This format allows coaches and students to analyze positions directly while preserving games and exercises for later study.
The academy also organizes day-long and week-long chess camps. Therefore, players can combine regular weekly instruction with more intensive training during school breaks.
🏫 School Chess and Scholastic Programs
School chess is a major part of the International Academy of Chess program. IAC works directly with schools and scholastic organizations to provide after-school instruction throughout the academic year.
For example, Milwaukee Public Schools has contracted International Academy of Chess LLC to provide after-school chess instruction at Milwaukee French Immersion School. Other schools and community chess programs also use IAC instructors for structured lessons.
The academy’s partnerships extend beyond Milwaukee. Programs such as the Muskego Scholastic Chess Club have used IAC instructors for advanced chess training, while other private and public schools organize their own chess clubs around academy coaching.
This educational work feeds naturally into tournament chess. Students can begin with lessons, enter non-rated scholastic events, obtain US Chess membership, and then progress into rated K-5, K-8, and K-12 competition.
🧒 Scholastic Tournament Organization
International Academy of Chess maintains one of the busiest scholastic tournament programs in Wisconsin. Its events regularly include both rated and non-rated sections, allowing beginners and experienced tournament players to participate in the same event.
During early 2026, the academy’s calendar included the Shorewood Hills Sharks Chess Championship, Muskego Melee, Spartan Open, Milwaukee German Immersion School Open, Medical College of Wisconsin Scholastic Open, Vieau School Charge into Chess, and Grace Christian Academy events.
IAC also helps administer the Wisconsin State Scholastic Chess Championship. The March 2026 championship in Middleton included individual K-5, K-8, and K-12 Junior Varsity competitions together with separate Varsity I and Varsity II team championships.
These events combine individual and team prizes. Moreover, IAC emphasizes practical tournament experience by encouraging notation, castling, proper clock use, and familiarity with US Chess tournament procedures.
The scale of the program can be substantial. Previous Wisconsin State Scholastic Championships organized with IAC involvement have attracted hundreds of young players, making scholastic chess one of the academy’s most important areas of activity.
🏆 Open and FIDE-Rated Tournament Chess
International Academy of Chess also organizes serious adult and open tournament chess. Its calendar extends beyond scholastic competition into US Chess-rated, FIDE-rated, rapid, and national championship events.
In April 2026, IAC helped organize the Great Lakes Festival in Brookfield. The five-round classical tournament used a 90-minute plus 30-second increment format and received FIDE rating. The event targeted experienced tournament players while remaining open to lower-rated competitors who met the published conditions.
The academy also operates events connected with the long-running Hales Corners Challenge series. In addition, its 2026 calendar includes the 5th Annual Daniel Perelman Memorial – National Chess Day Celebration and several other Wisconsin competitions.
At the end of 2026, IAC returns to Middleton for the North Central Open from December 25–27. The tournament offers three sections and a $3,500 prize fund, while the Premier section receives FIDE rating.
On December 26, the academy also helps administer the 2026 U.S. G/10 Championship. The national quick-chess championship offers Open and U1601 sections with an $800 guaranteed prize fund.
Consequently, IAC’s tournament portfolio now spans beginner scholastic events, state scholastic championships, traditional weekend opens, FIDE-rated classical chess, and a US national quick championship.
💻 Online Chess and Digital Community
International Academy of Chess also developed a substantial online tournament program. Its official Lichess team has more than 3,000 members, making it a significant online chess community in addition to the academy’s physical programs.
IAC has used Lichess for arena tournaments, team battles, online Swiss events, and US Chess online-rated scholastic competitions. During the pandemic period, this infrastructure allowed the organization to continue providing tournament chess when normal in-person events were unavailable.
The academy continues to maintain the online team today. Moreover, its website provides guidance for parents on creating accounts, enabling child-safety settings, joining the IAC team, and participating in digital tournaments.
This online component complements rather than replaces over-the-board chess. Students can train and compete online while continuing to attend school programs, weekend tournaments, camps, and FIDE-rated events in Wisconsin.
Hotels Near the Venue
Find nearby accommodation for this tournament location.
