The 2026 Cornerstone Chess Academy Launch, held from 2-4 January 2026 in Sunnyvale, California, is a major USCF and FIDE-rated classical tournament offering $13,500 in fully guaranteed prizes. Hosted at the Domain Hotel in the heart of Silicon Valley, the event features eight rating-based sections, classical 5-round Swiss competition, generous title-player conditions, and an exciting Sunday night Blitz event.

Organized by Cornerstone Chess Academy, the tournament is designed to bring high-quality, well-managed chess competition to players across the United States, with strong prize structures, organized logistics, and professional playing equipment provided for all participants.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Section Prizes (All Based on USCF Rating)

2200+ (FIDE Rated)
• $1,500 – $1,000 – $500
• u2300: $400 – $250

2000–2199 (FIDE Rated)
• $1,000 – $600 – $400
• u2100: $300

1800–1999 (FIDE Rated)
• $800 – $550 – $350
• u1900: $250

1600–1799 (FIDE Rated)
• $600 – $450 – $300
• u1700: $200

1400–1599
• $400 – $300 – $200
• u1500: $150

1200–1399
• $400 – $300 – $150
• u1300: $150

u1200
• $400 – $300 – $150
• u1000: $150

Prizes are guaranteed and sections are determined using USCF ratings.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

• 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1.
• 5-round Swiss across all sections.
• Up to two half-point byes allowed if requested before the start of Round 1.
• GM/IM conditions require playing all five rounds (may also require Blitz participation).
• Boards, clocks, scoresheets, and pens fully provided by the organizer.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

Classical Tournament (Main Event)

📝 Registration

• Registration link: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/ccalaunch2026
• Entry fee: $150
• Discounts:
• GM/IM/WGM – Free
• FM/WIM/WFM – $50 off

Play-Up Rules

• +$50 to play up (max 15 spots per section).
• Must be within 100 USCF points of section minimum.

Late Fees

• +$15 after Dec 15
• +$30 after Dec 28
• +$50 on-site (up to 2 hours before Round 1)

Refund Policy

• $15 processing fee until Dec 26
• 50% refund after Dec 26 until two hours before Round 1

👥 Organizer

Organized by Cornerstone Chess Academy

Contacts:
• Email: jps.cornerstone.chess@gmail.com
• Phone: 925-984-0638
• Website: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/ccalaunch2026

🏨 Venue

Domain Hotel
1085 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Chess-rate rooms available at $100 per night via the official booking link.

🛎️ Accommodation

• Official hotel booking link (chess rate):
https://be.synxis.com/?adult=2&arrive=2025-12-25&chain=11971&child=0&currency=USD&depart=2026-01-06&group=2512CORNER&hotel=63605&level=hotel&locale=en-US&productcurrency=USD&rooms=1

• Players are advised to book early, as the discounted room block is limited.
• Free parking available at the venue (street level + underground lot).

🚗 How to Get There

Sunnyvale is accessible by:
• Caltrain (Sunnyvale Station)
• VTA bus routes along El Camino Real
• Nearby highways: US-101, CA-85, and I-280
• San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 10 minutes away

A major Silicon Valley chess festival with guaranteed prizes, strong sections, excellent venue conditions, and bonus blitz events awaits you—start 2026 with competitive classical chess at its finest!

🧾 Other

Cornerstone Launch Blitz Event

• 4 double rounds (total 8 games), 3+2
• USCF blitz-rated
• Sections: 1800+ and u1800
• Prizes:
• 1800+: $300 – $200 – $150
• u1800: $150 – $100 – $50
• Largest upset prize: $50 (win required)
• Schedule (Sun, Jan 4): 8:30 PM • 9:00 PM • 9:30 PM • 10:00 PM
• Entry fees:
• Titled players free
• $25 by Jan 4
• $30 on-site
• Registration closes 7:00 PM online / 8:15 PM on-site

• USCF NMs may need to contact organizer for free entry processing.
• Running alongside the Cornerstone Holiday Norm Invitationals.