20th Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Girls & Boys
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The 20th anniversary edition of the Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Girls and Boys (SPFNO) brings together hundreds of young players from across the United States for an inspiring scholastic chess festival. Set in the beautiful city of Bellevue, Washington, this event combines top-level youth competition with a family-friendly atmosphere, celebrating teamwork, learning, and the future of chess.
Event Details
| 📅 Dates | 22 – 23 November 2025 (Saturday–Sunday) |
| 📍 Location | Bellevue, Washington, USA |
| 🏟️ Venue | Hilton Bellevue, 300 112th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004 |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | Scholastic National Open |
| 🧩 Tournament System | 5-round Swiss System (Championship & Scholastic) |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 5 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | Championship: G/60 + 30s • Scholastic: G/25 + 5s |
| 🎯 Ratings | Championship: USCF + NWSRS (K-12 also FIDE) • Scholastic: NWSRS (Open sections also USCF) |
| 🏅 Qualifier | All sections count as WA State Scholastic Qualifiers |
| 🧒 Invitational | Top girl in each Championship “Girls” section qualifies for the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls |
| 🏢 Organizer | Susan Polgar Foundation & Washington Chess Federation |
Prize Fund / Awards
| Category | Awards |
|---|---|
| Individual | Trophies to top scorers in every section |
| First-Time Players | Medals for those not receiving trophies |
| Teams | Trophies to top-scoring teams in each section |
| Special | Qualification to the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls (top girl in each Girls section) |
Time Control & Tournament System
- Championship (2-day): 5 rounds, G/60 + 30s, Swiss. Rated by USCF & NWSRS, with K–12 also FIDE-rated.
- Scholastic (1-day): 5 rounds, G/25 + 5s, Swiss. Rated by NWSRS, with Open sections also USCF.
- Pairings use the higher of November USCF or current NWSRS rating.
- Arbiter decisions follow USCF and FIDE rules.
Sections / Groups
- 2-Day Championship (Sat–Sun): K–5 Open • K–5 Girls • K–8 Open • K–8 Girls • K–12 Open • K–12 Girls
- 1-Day Scholastic (Sat only): K–1 U700 • 2–3 U700 • 4–6 U700 • K–3 Open • 4–6 Open • 7–12 Open
Schedule
| Event | Day | Rounds | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Championship (G/60+30) | Sat, Nov 22 | R1–R2 | 10:00 & 13:30 |
| Championship (G/60+30) | Sun, Nov 23 | R3–R5 | 10:00, 13:30, 17:00 |
| Championship Awards | Sun, Nov 23 | — | ~20:30 |
| Scholastic (G/25+5) | Sat, Nov 22 | R1–R5 | 09:00, 10:45, 12:15, 13:30, 14:45 |
| Scholastic Awards | Sat, Nov 22 | — | ~16:30 |
Registration
- 2-Day Championship: $90 by Nov 1 • $105 Nov 2–14 • $125 Nov 15 or later
- 1-Day Scholastic: $55 by Nov 1 • $70 Nov 2–14 • $90 Nov 15 or later
- Registration closes: Friday, Nov 21 at 17:00
- All participants must have a valid USCF membership.
Organizer
The Susan Polgar Foundation, in partnership with the Washington Chess Federation, ensures a well-structured scholastic festival with certified arbiters, professional staff, and engaging family activities. Their mission is to foster growth, confidence, and inclusion in youth chess across the nation.
- Email: WashingtonChessFederation@gmail.com
- Phone: +1 (206) 769-3757
Venue
Hilton Bellevue
300 112th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004
A modern venue offering a large ballroom for play, skittles areas, analysis space, and easy access to Bellevue dining and shopping. Complimentary Wi‑Fi and on-site parking are available.
Accommodation
- Hilton Bellevue special chess rate: $159/night (1 King / 2 Queen)
- Cut-off for discounted rates: October 30, 2025
- Mention the SPFNO room block when booking
How to Get There
- By Air: Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), ~25–35 minutes from Bellevue
- By Car: Accessible via I‑405 / I‑90; venue parking available
- By Public Transit: Sound Transit connections from Seattle and SEA airport
The 20th SPFNO is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of the future of chess. Two days of competition, community, and inspiration await in Bellevue. Bring your ambition, your team spirit, and your love of the game.
