The ICA FIDE Championship runs April 18-19, 2026 in Glen Rock, New Jersey, USA, offering a focused two-day event that rates games for both FIDE and US Chess. The tournament uses a four-round Swiss format with two rounds each day, and it targets established tournament players through a published minimum rating requirement. The organizers base pairings on FIDE ratings and keep the schedule tight with fixed round start times across the weekend.

The event features $2,000 in total cash prizes and awards both overall and category prizes, including FIDE rating classes plus junior and senior age categories. The venue provides dedicated waiting space for parents and caregivers, and the organizers set clear registration windows, bye rules, and equipment requirements to keep the event running on time. If you want a short, serious standard-play tournament with dual rating and a meaningful prize pool, this championship fits the weekend perfectly.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The tournament follows standard US Chess prize distribution rules.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The championship runs a four-round Swiss with G110 d10 and bases pairings on FIDE ratings. The event requires every participant to hold a valid FIDE ID. If you need a USA-flagged FIDE ID, request it here: https://tinyurl.com/nebafd36

The tournament allows two half-point byes for any rounds when you request them before the start of Round 2, and you must request each bye at least 15 minutes before the round start time. The organizers apply US Chess rules to handle late arrivals.

📂 Sections / Groups

The event runs one Open section for players who meet the published minimum rating requirement.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Register online and pay through the official entry page to secure your spot in the field: https://ica.jumbula.com/ICATournaments2026/ICAFIDEChampionshipApril18April19

The organizers offer early bird pricing through April 11, 2026 at 11:59pm, then apply the regular entry fee. The organizers close online registration at 10:00am on the first day of the tournament and may close entries earlier if the event reaches capacity. Request any refund by email no later than 11:59pm on the night before the tournament.

👥 Organizer

International Chess Academy runs the ICA FIDE Championship as a dual-rated weekend event built around a single Open section, published eligibility thresholds, and a fixed two-rounds-per-day schedule. The organizer team supports titled-player entries through a coupon process and provides an on-site environment that accommodates both competitive players and families.

• Email: chessdirector@icanj.net

• Phone: 201-797-0330

• Website: https://icanj.net/

• Tournament page: https://new.uschess.org/ica-fide-championship-2

🏨 Venue

Community Church of Glen Rock Education Building, 354 Rock Rd, Glen Rock, NJ 07452, USA
The tournament plays inside the church’s education building in Glen Rock. The venue provides a designated waiting area where parents and caregivers can remain nearby while young players compete. The organizers direct participants to use the parking lot entrance on Hamilton Avenue and then enter through the door marked with an “International Chess Academy” sign before heading to the second floor.

🚗 How to Get There

Train: Use NJ Transit to reach either Glen Rock – Main Line station or Glen Rock – Boro Hall station, then walk to the venue.
Bus: Take 164, 164B, 164E, or 175B to Rock Road at Central Avenue; the stops sit directly in front of ICA.
Car: Enter via the parking lot entrance on Hamilton Avenue, park behind the church, and follow the ICA-marked entrance to reach the playing area.

Bring your best weekend readiness and convert four serious rounds into a dual-rated performance result in one of New Jersey’s most established chess hubs.

🧾 Other

Bring your own chess clock to play, and rely on the organizer for boards and sets. The event does not offer FIDE norms.