3rd Annual B-Town Blizzard Scholastic & Open 2027
The 3rd Annual B-Town Blizzard Scholastic & Open 2027 will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2027, at Faith Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Indiana, United States. Organized by Hoosier Chess Academy, this one-day chess tournament brings together scholastic competitors and adult players for four rounds of US Chess-rated competition, with seven playing sections and a $1,000 projected cash prize fund for the Open divisions.
The tournament offers two distinct playing formats. Scholastic participants compete at G/45+10, while players entering the Open sections receive G/70+10. Three scholastic divisions accommodate students through 12th grade, while four Open divisions provide rating-based competition from novice level to master and expert strength. Moreover, cash awards, trophies, and gift-card prizes recognize achievements across different categories.
The 2027 edition is also part of a broader weekend of chess festivities. Hoosier Chess Academy has announced a special guest Grandmaster, complimentary pizza, and opportunities for game analysis. These additional activities create a welcoming atmosphere for players, parents, coaches, and chess enthusiasts throughout the Bloomington community.
♟️ Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Saturday, February 20, 2027 |
| 🌎 Country | United States |
| 📍 City | Bloomington, Indiana |
| 🏨 Venue | Faith Lutheran Church |
| 🏛️ Organizer | Hoosier Chess Academy |
| ♟️ Tournament Format | 4-round Swiss system |
| ⏱️ Scholastic Time Control | G/45+10 |
| ⏱️ Open Time Control | G/70+10 |
| 🧩 Playing Sections | 3 Scholastic + 4 Open |
| ✅ US Chess Rated | Yes |
| 🏆 Projected Cash Prizes | $1,000 across the Open sections |
| 🎖️ Scholastic Awards | Trophies and gift cards |
| 🕘 Open First Round | 9:00 AM |
| 🕤 Scholastic First Round | 9:30 AM |
| 🌟 Special Activities | Guest GM, free pizza, game analysis |
| 📝 Registration | https://register.hcachess.org/ |
| 📋 Entry List | https://onlineregistration.cc/tournaments/advance_entry_list.php?tid=nKSmnQ%3D%3D |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The championship consists of four Swiss-system rounds in each playing section. However, the scholastic and Open divisions use different time controls.
| Playing Format | Rounds | Time Control |
|---|---|---|
| Scholastic Sections | 4 | G/45+10 |
| Open Sections | 4 | G/70+10 |
Scholastic Playing Format
Scholastic participants receive 45 minutes per player with a 10-second increment per move.
The increment adds 10 seconds to the player’s clock after every completed move, providing additional thinking time throughout the game.
This format supports students who are developing calculation, strategic planning, and time-management skills. Additionally, the four-round structure gives participants several opportunities to apply what they learn during the competition.
Open Playing Format
Players competing in the four Open divisions receive 70 minutes per player with a 10-second increment per move.
This longer time control allows participants to examine critical positions carefully and develop more detailed plans.
The Open divisions are designed for competitors across several rating levels, including experienced masters, experts, club players, and developing tournament participants.
Pairings & Ratings
Games are organized under US Chess tournament rules and submitted for national rating calculation.
Players should confirm their current US Chess rating before selecting an Open section. Meanwhile, scholastic players should verify their school-grade eligibility.
Participants should also check the organizer’s final instructions for any special procedures involving byes, withdrawals, or pairing adjustments.
🏆 Prize Fund
The 3rd Annual B-Town Blizzard Scholastic & Open 2027 advertises a $1,000 projected cash prize fund across four Open divisions.
These amounts represent projected section prize allocations, not an unconditional guaranteed prize fund.
💰 Open Section Cash Prizes
| Open Section | Projected Prize Allocation |
|---|---|
| 🥇 Master/Expert Open (2000+) | $350 |
| 🥈 Upper Open (1500–1999) | $300 |
| 🥉 Lower Open (1000–1499) | $200 |
| ♟️ Novice Open (below 1000) | $150 |
| Total Projected Cash Prizes | $1,000 |
The highest projected allocation belongs to the Master/Expert Open, followed by the Upper Open, Lower Open, and Novice Open.
The organizer’s public flyer does not provide a complete first-, second-, and third-place cash breakdown. Therefore, participants should review the registration materials or request further details before entering.
🏅 Scholastic Awards
The three scholastic divisions provide awards suited to different school levels.
| Scholastic Section | Published Awards |
|---|---|
| 3rd Grade & Under | Trophy prizes |
| 6th Grade & Under | Trophy prizes |
| 12th Grade & Under | Gift-card prizes |
The youngest participants compete for trophies in the 3rd Grade & Under division. Additionally, the 6th Grade & Under section offers trophy awards for eligible students.
The 12th Grade & Under section uses gift cards rather than trophies as its published prize category.
Exact award quantities, gift-card values, and placement distributions have not been specified in the public flyer.
Understanding the Prize Structure
Open cash awards and scholastic awards are separate.
The $1,000 projected fund refers to the four Open sections. It should not be interpreted as a cash prize fund for the scholastic divisions.
Likewise, the organizer has not published a guaranteed minimum payout for each Open section. Final prize conditions should be confirmed through the official registration system.
🧩 Sections / Groups
The tournament offers seven playing sections, consisting of three scholastic divisions and four rating-based Open divisions.
🎓 Scholastic Sections
| Section | Eligibility | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Grade & Under | Students through Grade 3 | Trophies |
| 6th Grade & Under | Students through Grade 6 | Trophies |
| 12th Grade & Under | Students through Grade 12 | Gift cards |
3rd Grade & Under Scholastic
The 3rd Grade & Under section welcomes young students beginning their competitive chess journeys.
Participants can gain experience in US Chess-rated games while practicing opening principles, tactical calculation, and tournament procedures. In addition, trophy awards recognize successful performances.
6th Grade & Under Scholastic
The 6th Grade & Under section provides competition for elementary and middle-school-age students who satisfy the published grade limit.
Its separate division allows players to compete in an age-appropriate group while pursuing individual trophy awards.
12th Grade & Under Scholastic
The 12th Grade & Under section welcomes eligible students through their final year of high school.
This category offers a broader scholastic field, giving older and more experienced students opportunities to compete with peers from different school levels.
The organizer advertises gift-card prizes for this section.
♟️ Open Sections
| Section | US Chess Rating Range | Projected Prizes |
|---|---|---|
| Master/Expert Open | 2000+ | $350 |
| Upper Open | 1500–1999 | $300 |
| Lower Open | 1000–1499 | $200 |
| Novice Open | Below 1000 | $150 |
Master/Expert Open — 2000+
The Master/Expert Open is the strongest rating division, intended for players with US Chess ratings of 2000 or higher.
The section offers a projected $350 in cash prizes and provides an opportunity for strong competitors to play serious chess with the longer G/70+10 time control.
Upper Open — 1500–1999
The Upper Open accommodates established club players rated between 1500 and 1999.
With a projected $300 prize allocation, the section provides competitive opportunities for players working toward expert strength.
Lower Open — 1000–1499
The Lower Open is designed for developing competitors rated between 1000 and 1499.
Its projected $200 cash allocation offers an additional incentive for players seeking to improve their tournament performance and national ratings.
Novice Open — Below 1000
The Novice Open welcomes lower-rated and newer competitive players.
The organizer advertises a projected $150 prize allocation for the section. It also gives developing competitors access to the same four-round Open format used by the stronger divisions.
Choosing the Correct Section
Scholastic players should select their division according to their current school grade. Open participants should use their eligible US Chess rating.
Players with unrated status, ratings near a section boundary, or questions about playing in a stronger section should contact Hoosier Chess Academy before registering.
📅 Schedule
The tournament takes place on Saturday, February 20, 2027.
All times are local Bloomington time (Eastern Standard Time).
Scholastic Tournament Schedule
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Arrival & Check-In | 8:00–9:15 AM |
| Round 1 | 9:30 AM |
| Round 2 | 12:00 PM |
| Round 3 | As soon as possible after Round 2 |
| Round 4 | As soon as possible after Round 3 |
The first scholastic round begins at 9:30 AM. Players should arrive before 9:15 AM to allow time for check-in and preparation.
Round 2 begins at noon. The remaining two rounds will start as soon as possible, depending on the progress of earlier games and pairing preparations.
Open Tournament Schedule
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Arrival & Check-In | 8:00–8:45 AM |
| Round 1 | 9:00 AM |
| Round 2 | 12:00 PM |
| Round 3 | As soon as possible after Round 2 |
| Round 4 | As soon as possible after Round 3 |
The Open tournament begins 30 minutes earlier than the scholastic competition.
Open players must arrive by 8:45 AM, with the first round starting at 9:00 AM.
The second round begins at noon, while the final two rounds follow as soon as practical.
Planning Your Tournament Day
Because all seven sections complete four rounds, players and accompanying visitors should plan for a full day at the venue.
The precise finish time depends on game duration and the pairing schedule. Therefore, visitors should avoid making time-sensitive departure arrangements immediately after the expected final games.
📝 Registration
Tournament registration is managed through Hoosier Chess Academy’s dedicated online system.
Official Registration Portal:
https://register.hcachess.org/
Choose 3rd Annual B-Town Blizzard Scholastic & Open (February 20) from the available tournaments.
Official Advance Entry List:
https://onlineregistration.cc/tournaments/advance_entry_list.php?tid=nKSmnQ%3D%3D
How to Register
Hoosier Chess Academy uses OnlineRegistration.CC for event registration and payment processing.
Players and families should open the registration portal, select the tournament, and choose the appropriate playing section.
The system requests participant details and any required chess membership information. After entering the required details and completing payment, registrants receive an email confirmation.
Parents registering children should enter the player’s name, rather than the parent’s name, in the participant field. This ensures the correct name appears on the advance entry list.
Entry Fees
The organizer’s public flyer does not display a complete entry-fee schedule. Players should consult the official registration portal for the applicable section fee and any registration-period discounts.
US Chess Membership
The tournament offers US Chess-rated competition. Players must satisfy the applicable US Chess identification and membership requirements.
Participants who need a new membership or renewal may arrange it through the registration platform or directly with US Chess.
US Chess Membership:
https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess
Families entering a scholastic competition should check whether any youth membership arrangements are available through the organizer.
Confirming Your Registration
After completing the online entry, players should retain their payment confirmation and verify that their information appears on the official advance entry list.
Anyone needing assistance with payment, section selection, or membership details can contact Hoosier Chess Academy directly.
👤 Organizer
Organizer Name: Hoosier Chess Academy
Contact Person: Ben Foley (President & Director)
Email: info@hcachess.org
Phone: +1 812-318-2875
Hoosier Chess Academy is a Bloomington-based chess education and tournament organization serving students, families, and adult players in southern Indiana.
The academy operates school chess programs, instructional activities, competitive tournaments, and community chess events. Its programs include Prodigy-in-Training meetings, Hoosier Chess Circuit competitions, and annual open and scholastic tournaments.
Ben Foley serves as the organization’s President and Director. Through its broader educational and competitive program, the academy works to make chess accessible while helping participants develop analytical thinking, confidence, and competitive skills.
📍 Venue
Faith Lutheran Church – 2200 South High Street, Bloomington, IN 47401, United States.
The 3rd Annual B-Town Blizzard will take place at Faith Lutheran Church in the southeastern part of Bloomington.
The church serves as a regular venue for Hoosier Chess Academy’s public programs and chess tournaments. Its location provides a familiar setting for players participating in the academy’s scholastic and community events.
Arrival & Check-In
Participants should enter the venue during the appropriate check-in period.
Open players: 8:00–8:45 AM.
Scholastic players: 8:00–9:15 AM.
Players should follow posted tournament signs and organizer instructions to find their assigned rooms and playing sections.
Food & Refreshments
The organizer advertises free pizza as part of the tournament activities.
Families should nevertheless plan for additional food and refreshments if needed, especially for participants remaining at the venue throughout all four rounds.
Tournament Environment
The competition combines scholastic and adult Open divisions within the same venue.
Parents, players, and coaches should respect playing-room rules and maintain a quiet environment while games are in progress.
Venue Address:
2200 S High St, Bloomington, IN 47401
Hoosier Chess Academy:
https://www.hcachess.org/
🚆 How to Get There
By Air
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is the most practical major commercial airport for visitors traveling to Bloomington.
The airport provides domestic airline connections and is located northwest of Bloomington.
| Airport | IATA | Travel Options |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis International Airport | IND | Rental car, scheduled transfer, taxi |
| Monroe County Airport | BMG | Primarily general aviation |
Monroe County Airport is closer to Bloomington but is not a regular commercial passenger airport.
International visitors can generally connect through major US airports before traveling onward to Indianapolis.
By Car
Bloomington is connected to the regional highway system through Interstate 69 and State Road 37.
Drivers arriving from Indianapolis can travel south toward Bloomington and continue through local streets to South High Street.
The tournament venue is located at 2200 South High Street, southeast of the downtown and Indiana University areas.
Participants should allow extra travel time for the morning arrival period.
By Public Transportation
Bloomington Transit operates local bus services across the city, including neighborhoods surrounding Indiana University and southern Bloomington.
Visitors should check the current Saturday routes and operating schedules before traveling.
A local taxi or rideshare service may provide a convenient final connection, particularly for families with younger players.
Bloomington Transit:
https://bloomingtontransit.com/
By Intercity Transportation
Visitors traveling from Indianapolis or other regional destinations should review current coach and airport-transfer services to Bloomington.
Service times and weekend availability may vary. Therefore, travelers should confirm their onward transportation before booking a return flight.
ℹ️ Other Information
🌟 Special Guest Grandmaster
The organizer has announced that a special guest Grandmaster will participate in the weekend’s chess festivities.
The published flyer does not identify the Grandmaster by name or provide a complete schedule of guest activities.
Players should follow Hoosier Chess Academy’s official announcements for further information.
♟️ Game Analysis
The tournament program includes opportunities for game analysis.
This activity gives participants a chance to review critical positions, discuss mistakes, and learn from their games.
For scholastic competitors in particular, reviewing tournament games can reinforce calculation skills and improve practical understanding.
🍕 Free Pizza
Complimentary pizza is included among the advertised tournament activities.
This provides a convenient refreshment option for players and families during the competition day.
School & Community Participation
The B-Town Blizzard welcomes students from different school levels as well as adult Open participants.
Its seven-section structure encourages participation by players with varied levels of competitive experience.
The tournament also forms part of Hoosier Chess Academy’s ongoing effort to develop a welcoming chess community in Bloomington.
Tournament Ratings & Results
Rated-game results will be submitted through the US Chess tournament rating system.
After the event, players can review their official US Chess rating records and tournament performance.
The registration platform also provides access to the event’s advance entry information.
Additional Hoosier Chess Academy Events
Hoosier Chess Academy organizes other tournaments and chess programs during the academic year.
These include regular club competitions, instructional meetings, and special annual events for scholastic and adult players.
Official Organizer Website:
https://www.hcachess.org/
Tournament Information:
https://www.hcachess.org/tournaments
Online Registration:
https://register.hcachess.org/
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $1,000
Organizer
♟️ About Hoosier Chess Academy
Hoosier Chess Academy is a community-focused chess education and tournament organization based in Bloomington, Indiana, United States. Established in 2024, the academy works to make chess accessible to children and families throughout Southern Indiana. Its programme combines chess instruction, school enrichment, regular competitive play, summer camps, community events, and US Chess-rated tournaments.
The organization places particular emphasis on using chess as an educational tool. Students learn much more than openings and tactics. Through structured chess activity, Hoosier Chess Academy encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, concentration, patience, resilience, sportsmanship, and independent decision-making. At the same time, its programmes are designed to create a welcoming community where beginners can learn alongside experienced scholastic competitors.
Ben Foley serves as President & Director of Hoosier Chess Academy and leads the organization’s educational and tournament activities. He works with a team of instructors, volunteers, and community partners to provide regular chess opportunities in Bloomington and surrounding communities. The academy has expanded rapidly since its establishment and now reaches hundreds of students through school programmes, public chess activities, tournaments, and camps.
📜 From Bloomington Scholastic Chess to Hoosier Chess Academy
Although Hoosier Chess Academy was formally established in June 2024, organized scholastic chess in Bloomington has a considerably longer history. In 2000, local chess advocate Steve Volan founded the Bloomington Indiana Community Youth Chess League, known as BICYCL. The programme introduced regularly scheduled scholastic chess meetings at the downtown public library and helped establish after-school chess enrichment at local elementary schools.
In 2009, BICYCL became the Bloomington Indiana Scholastic Chess Club (BISCC). The organization continued its focus on youth chess while placing greater emphasis on community building and outreach. This earlier work created an important foundation for the development of organized scholastic chess in Bloomington.
Hoosier Chess Academy emerged in 2024 following a successful summer chess camp and the recognition that the region needed more consistent, high-quality chess programming. The new organization expanded the earlier model significantly. Rather than operating only as a chess club, HCA developed programmes covering schools, tournaments, structured instruction, camps, rated competition, and broader community outreach.
🎓 School Chess Programs
School enrichment has become one of Hoosier Chess Academy’s largest areas of activity. During the 2026–2027 school year, the organization operates nine school programmes serving approximately 250 students in grades PK–6.
Participating schools include Binford Elementary, Grandview Elementary, Unionville Elementary, Childs Elementary, Templeton Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Summit Elementary, Seven Oaks Classical School, and University Elementary. The academy works directly with schools and families to make chess instruction accessible to students with different levels of previous experience.
Accessibility is an important part of the programme. Hoosier Chess Academy does not charge schools or school districts for providing its services, while many public-school programmes are free to families. Scholarships are also available when registration fees apply.
The educational programme combines instruction with practical play. Students learn chess notation, clock use, tournament etiquette, tactics, strategy, and responsible decision-making. In addition, players receive opportunities to participate in rated events and statewide scholastic competition as their skills develop.
🧠 Prodigy-in-Training Program
The Prodigy-in-Training (PIT) Meets provide a structured development pathway for students who want to strengthen their chess skills outside the school programme. The sessions take place on the first Sunday of each month at Faith Lutheran Church in Bloomington and primarily serve students in grades 2–8.
Unlike a tournament, PIT Meets focus on instruction and player development. Students participate in differentiated lessons, tactical exercises, guided games, game analysis, notation practice, and interactive chess activities. Players are divided into appropriate learning groups so beginners and more advanced students can progress at a suitable pace.
Hoosier Chess Academy refers to PIT participants as Apprentices. Players progress through chess-themed ranks beginning with Pawn and continuing through Knight, Bishop, Rook, Queen/King, and higher levels. Advancement reflects demonstrated chess understanding rather than tournament results alone.
The programme therefore creates a bridge between learning the game and entering formal competition. Students can develop their skills in a lower-pressure environment before moving into rated matches and larger tournaments.
♟️ Hoosier Chess Circuit
The Hoosier Chess Circuit provides regular competitive experience for young players throughout the year. Circuit meetings are normally held on the third Sunday of every month at Faith Lutheran Church.
The programme is open to students from preschool through Grade 12 and welcomes both beginning players and experienced tournament competitors. Each monthly session includes four games, with both US Chess-rated and unrated sections available.
Players compete in smaller age or grade groups, including 3rd Grade & Under, 6th Grade & Under, 12th Grade & Under, and an unrated PK–12 section. This structure allows students to enter competitive chess without immediately facing opponents far beyond their level.
An important feature of the Circuit is immediate learning after competition. Coaches are available to analyze games with players between rounds. Therefore, tournament experience becomes part of the instructional process rather than simply a final score or rating result.
🌟 HCA Player Development System
Hoosier Chess Academy has developed its own participation and achievement system alongside regular US Chess ratings. Students earn HCA points by taking part in tournaments, Circuit matches, instructional programmes, camps, game notation, and post-game analysis.
The system rewards consistent participation and learning rather than focusing exclusively on wins and losses. Players can earn recognition for attending activities, analyzing their own games, learning new concepts, and remaining involved in the academy’s programmes throughout the year.
Milestones bring additional recognition and benefits. The academy also maintains a separate apprentice ranking system for instructional progress, allowing children to see development in both competitive and educational terms.
Together, these systems are intended to keep students motivated over the long term. A beginner can therefore see meaningful progress even before achieving a high US Chess rating.
🏆 Tournament Program
Tournament organization is another major part of Hoosier Chess Academy’s work. HCA runs events for both children and adults, combining scholastic sections with Open competition whenever appropriate.
The academy’s recurring calendar includes the B-Town Blizzard Scholastic & Open, the Ben Harris Scholastic & Open, Hoosier Chess Circuit competitions, and other rated and unrated events. In addition, tournament players receive access to game analysis and educational support that reflects the academy’s broader teaching mission.
The Ben Harris Scholastic & Open is held in connection with National Chess Day and provides another major annual tournament opportunity in Bloomington. Meanwhile, the B-Town Blizzard has developed into a winter chess event combining scholastic competition with stronger Open sections.
Most of Hoosier Chess Academy’s public chess programmes take place at Faith Lutheran Church, 2200 S High Street, Bloomington, Indiana. The location serves as the academy’s principal public programme and tournament venue.
❄️ B-Town Blizzard Scholastic & Open
The B-Town Blizzard Scholastic & Open has become one of Hoosier Chess Academy’s principal annual tournaments. The event combines separate scholastic competitions with rating-based Open sections, allowing young beginners, established junior competitors, adult club players, and stronger tournament players to participate during the same chess day.
Previous editions have also incorporated special activities with guest Grandmasters. This gives local students opportunities not only to compete but also to interact with high-level chess players and experience a broader chess festival atmosphere.
The 3rd Annual B-Town Blizzard Scholastic & Open is scheduled for February 20, 2027 at Faith Lutheran Church in Bloomington. The tournament includes scholastic divisions for 3rd Grade & Under, 6th Grade & Under, and 12th Grade & Under. The Open competition is divided into Master/Expert, Upper, Lower, and Novice rating groups.
The 2027 edition advertises a projected $1,000 cash prize fund for the Open competition. Free pizza and game analysis are also included as part of the tournament experience, while a special guest Grandmaster forms part of the wider event programme.
🏕️ Summer Chess Camps
Summer chess camps form another important part of Hoosier Chess Academy’s educational programme. The camps combine structured lessons, chess activities, competitive play, and opportunities for students to develop friendships within the local chess community.
Across the 2025 and 2026 summer programmes, 45 campers participated. The academy uses these sessions to provide more intensive chess instruction than is normally possible during a short club meeting or school enrichment session.
Summer camps also played an important historical role for the organization itself. The success of a summer chess camp in 2024 helped demonstrate the need for a permanent organization providing year-round chess opportunities in Bloomington and ultimately led to the formation of Hoosier Chess Academy.
🌱 Community Growth & Impact
Hoosier Chess Academy has expanded quickly since its establishment. During the 2025–2026 season, around 60 students participated in club meetings, while the school programme subsequently grew to approximately 250 students for 2026–2027.
The organization’s long-term vision extends beyond Bloomington. HCA has identified communities including Ellettsville, Martinsville, Bedford, Spencer, and Columbus as potential areas for further school and community chess development.
Its mission also extends beyond traditional chess clubs. Hoosier Chess Academy aims to build partnerships with schools, community organizations, public-service organizations, shelters, assisted-living facilities, and other groups that can use chess as an educational and social activity.
By combining school programmes, tournaments, camps, monthly instruction, rated competition, and community outreach, the academy is developing a broader chess ecosystem for Southern Indiana rather than focusing on a single tournament or player group.
👥 Organization & Leadership
Ben Foley serves as President & Director of Hoosier Chess Academy. He leads the academy’s educational programme, tournament activity, partnerships, and overall organizational development.
The leadership and instructional team also includes Rebecca Harris, Secretary, together with instructors and programme staff including Jimmy Brown, Vedanta Das, Jake Elwell, Adrian Polit, Shashank Badrinarayanan, James Fitzpatrick, and other members of the academy’s teaching community.
The organization also relies on volunteers to support school activities, Prodigy-in-Training Meets, Hoosier Chess Circuit competitions, tournaments, and other programmes. This combination of professional instruction and community involvement allows HCA to maintain a broad calendar while keeping accessibility central to its mission.
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