148th Annual New York State Championship takes place on September 4-7, 2026, in Albany, New York, USA. The event is America’s oldest annual chess tournament and returns as a US Chess Heritage Event at the Albany Marriott Hotel.

This is a chess tournament in Albany, New York, USA, in 2026. Players can compete in a major US Chess-rated tournament with five sections, a guaranteed $18,000 prize fund, and multiple Grand Prix titles.

The Championship and Under 2100 sections also offer FIDE-rated chess tournament play. In addition, the event welcomes out-of-state players, while the top eligible New York resident earns the state championship title and bonus.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The 148th Annual New York State Championship uses a 6-round Swiss system. The main time control is 40 moves in 80 minutes, then 30 minutes to finish the game, with a 30-second delay.

The 2-day schedule is available only in the Under 2100 and lower sections. It starts with three faster rounds at G/40 with a 10-second delay, then merges into the main schedule.

The Championship section and the Under 2100 section count for FIDE rating. Therefore, players in those sections get both national and international rating value.

Players may request up to two half-point byes. However, they must commit to all byes before Round 3.

💰 Prize Fund

The confirmed prize fund is $18,000 guaranteed.

Championship Section Prizes

Under-2100 Prizes

Under-1800 Prizes

Under-1500 Prizes

Under-1200 Prizes

Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes

Mixed doubles teams may include players from different sections and schedules. The team’s average rating must stay under 2200, and both players must register the team before they begin Round 2.

🧩 Sections / Groups

Players cannot play below their USCF Online Regular rating minus 100 points. The September official rating list applies. However, unofficial or Online Regular ratings usually apply if a player has no regular official rating.

Players who scored 8 or more points in the 2026 World Open Under 2200 or lower sections must enter a higher section than they played there.

Unrated prize limits apply in lower sections. The limit is $150 in Under 1200, $250 in Under 1500, and $400 in Under 1800.

📅 Schedule

4-Day Schedule

3-Day Schedule

2-Day Schedule

The 2-day schedule is not available in the Championship section.

📝 Registration

Players may enter at the site until one hour before their first round. In addition, players who want the NYSCA online discount may join NYSCA with their tournament entry.

Credit cards are accepted. Checks are not accepted.

🏛️ Organizer

Continental Chess organizes the 148th Annual New York State Championship. The event continues one of the most historic tournament traditions in American chess and brings players to Albany for state titles, Grand Prix points, FIDE-rated sections, and a major guaranteed prize fund.

Email: director@chess.us

📍 Venue

Albany Marriott Hotel, 189 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12205, USA

The tournament takes place at the Albany Marriott Hotel near Wolf Road. The venue offers free parking, wireless internet, airport shuttle service, and nearby restaurants.

The hotel also provides an accessible playing environment for participants who need practical venue access.

🏨 Accommodation

Albany Marriott Hotel

Players should reserve by August 21, 2026. After that date, the room rate may increase.

Participants can book through the tournament hotel reservation link or call the hotel and mention chess.

🚆 How to Get There

Players driving to the venue can use NY Thruway Exit 24, then take I-87 North to Wolf Road, Exit 4.

Albany International Airport is close to the hotel area. Players arriving by air can use the hotel airport shuttle, taxi, rideshare, or rental car.

The venue address, 189 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12205, gives players a clear navigation point for the tournament weekend.

ℹ️ Other Information

The NYSCA Annual Membership Meeting takes place on Sunday at 9:00 AM.

Players should bring a chess set, board, and clock if possible, since equipment is not supplied.

The New York State Blitz Championship takes place on Sunday evening at 10:30 PM. On-site blitz entry runs from 8:30 PM to 10:10 PM.

Prizes not claimed at the site are usually paid by PayPal after the event. This process may take about three weeks.

The 148th Annual New York State Championship offers a historic Labor Day weekend chess experience with state titles, guaranteed prizes, and strong competition in Albany.