January Championship 2026
Start the year with the $1,500 January Championship 2026, held from 2-4 January 2026 in Houston, Texas, USA at The Houston Chess Studio (250 Patton St., Suit H, Houston, TX 77009). Two sections (Championship and Challengers) welcome players with USCF or FIDE ratings, with GM/IM/WGM/WIM free entry and generous prize money based on 50 paid entries.
This three-day event offers strong competition in a club-level venue, reliable organization, and excellent value with early-bird entry fees and a play-up option. Whether you’re aiming for top prizes or rounding out your January chess calendar, this tournament delivers in a friendly and accessible environment.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 2–4 January 2026 (Fri–Sun) |
| 📍 Location | The Houston Chess Studio, 250 Patton St., Suite H, Houston, TX 77009, USA |
| ♟️ Format | Swiss system, number of rounds based on section (see below) |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess rated (FIDE rating not indicated) |
| 📂 Sections | Championship (rating 1900+) • Challengers (rating U1900) |
| 💵 Prize Fund | $1,500 (based on 50 paid entries) |
| 🎫 Entry Fees | Non-members $65 thru Dec 12; $80 thru Dec 24; $95 afterward • GMs/IMs/WGMs/WIMs free • Play-up allowed (U1900 -> Championship for +$35) |
| 📌 Eligibility & Notes | Unrated may play any section but are limited to winning $200 in Challengers or full prizes in Championship • No refunds • One ½-point bye allowed (must be declared before start of Round 2) • No last-round byes |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| Championship 1st | $600 |
| Championship 2nd | $400 |
| Challengers 1st | $300 |
| Challengers 2nd | $200 |
Note: Prize fund based on 50 paid entries in all sections combined.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
• Time control: G/90 + 30 seconds increment (all rounds in respective section).
• Swiss pairings.
• One ½-point bye available (must be declared before Round 2). No full-bye last round.
• Players subject to wanding/scanning to prevent cheating.
• Play-up: If rating <1900 but ≥1700 you may play in Championship section for +$35.
• Unrated players restrictions as above.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Championship | Rating 1900+; full prize eligibility |
| Challengers | Rating under 1900; play-up option available |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 2 | 18:00 | Round 1 |
| Fri, Jan 2 | 20:30 | Round 2 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 10:00 | Round 3 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 14:30 | Round 4 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 19:00 | Round 5 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 10:00 | Round 6 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 14:00 | Round 7 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | ~17:30 | Prize Ceremony |
(Exact times may vary slightly depending on section size.)
📝 Registration
• Online registration: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/JAN2026CHAMP
• Entry fees:
• $65 if non-member by Friday, Dec 12
• $80 if by Wednesday, Dec 24
• $95 after Dec 24
• GMs / IMs / WGMs / WIMs: Free entry
• Play-up (rating <1900 → Championship): +$35
• No refunds.
• Hotel info: Holiday Inn Express, 3401 N. Main St., Houston, TX. Phone: 832-834-6197 (use code ALDR9).
👥 Organizer
Organized by The Houston Chess Studio.
Contacts:
• Phone: 281-844-4139
• Email: edgar@houstonchessstudio.com
• Website: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/JAN2026CHAMP
🏨 Venue
The tournament is held at The Houston Chess Studio, 250 Patton St., Suite H, Houston, TX 77009. The location offers a dedicated chess playing facility with ample free parking nearby and convenient access via I-45/North Loop 610.
🛎️ Accommodation
Official nearby hotel: Holiday Inn Express, 3401 N. Main St., Houston, TX. Phone: 832-834-6197. Use code ALDR9 for a tournament discount. Additional hotel options within a mile. Free parking is available at The Houston Chess Studio venue.
🚗 How to Get There
The venue is centrally located in Houston’s North Loop area at 250 Patton St., Suite H, Houston, TX 77009. Free parking is available on-site. Arrive via I-45 or North Loop 610. The nearest major airport is George Bush Intercontinental (IAH); from there, taxi or ride-share ~20 minutes.
A strong and focused event for players rated under 1900 and above brings excellent value and competitive play to begin 2026—don’t miss your chance to compete for significant prize money in Houston!
🧾 Other
• Unrated players are eligible but capped at $200 in prizes if playing in the Challengers section.
• Membership note: Non-members of Poison Pawns Chess Club are only eligible for 75% of the cash prizes!
• Venue security: players subject to wanding and scanning.