♟️ About the Organizer

Rising Star Chess is a United States chess tournament organizer based in the Mesa, Arizona chess scene. The organizer runs regular over-the-board events and gives players a clear calendar of weekend tournaments throughout the year. Its events usually take place at DoubleTree by Hilton Mesa, a practical hotel venue with easy road access for players from the Phoenix metro area and nearby cities.

Rising Star Chess focuses on US Chess-rated competition with structured sections, published schedules, online registration, and clear tournament policies. Richard Smouse leads the organizer’s activity and serves as the main contact for players. His long experience in Arizona chess gives the events a practical and familiar tournament style.

🏆 Chess Events and Activities

Rising Star Chess runs a busy annual program that includes monthly Rising Star Grand Prix events and several larger Classic tournaments. The 2026 schedule includes Grand Prix events across the year, plus holiday weekend events such as President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving tournaments.

The organizer offers several formats for different player levels. Events include regular-rated Swiss tournaments, blitz events, U800 sections, and larger multi-day Classic tournaments. In many events, players compete in rating-based sections, which helps create balanced pairings and realistic prize opportunities. In addition, titled players may receive special entry conditions in selected events.

The Rising Star Grand Prix Series gives regular players a season-long target. Players earn points by joining Grand Prix events and can add bonus points through prize finishes. At the end of the series, the highest point scorers receive cash awards. This gives Arizona players a strong reason to return throughout the season.

🌍 Player Experience and Community

Players can expect a clear and practical tournament experience from Rising Star Chess. Registration usually runs through King Registration, while the organizer publishes section rules, time controls, re-entry options, playing-up rules, refund policies, and round schedules before each event. Therefore, players can plan their tournament day with fewer surprises.

The events also suit a wide range of players. Stronger competitors can play in Open or Premier sections, while club players can choose rating-limited sections. Newer players can enter lower-rated or U800 events, which gives them a smoother start in rated chess. Moreover, blitz side events add a faster and more social option during larger tournament weekends.

Rising Star Chess gives the Mesa area a steady tournament hub. Its regular calendar supports local players, traveling competitors, juniors, families, and adult improvers who want reliable over-the-board chess in Arizona.