Central Indiana hosts the 2026 Indiana Chess Congress & 85th Indiana State Championship from Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. This combined state championship and congress delivers a full classical weekend with multiple sections, a large guaranteed prize fund, and flexible scheduling options designed for both traveling players and local competitors. The event crowns the official Indiana State Champion while also offering strong class prizes across the field.

The Indiana State Chess Association organizes the tournament at a hotel venue with all playing halls on site. Players can choose between a traditional three-day schedule or a compact two-day option, making the event accessible for a wide range of participants. Clear pairing rules, US Chess rating, and a substantial prize structure position this congress as one of the Midwest’s key spring tournaments.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The tournament guarantees a total prize fund of $15,000, distributed across all sections when the minimum entry threshold is reached.

The prize structure includes:

• Top cash prizes in the Indiana State Championship section

• Cash prizes in additional rating sections

• Indiana resident prizes and state title awards

• Special category prizes depending on section regulations

Prize allocation details depend on section size and eligibility rules, and players may win only one cash prize.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

All sections use a 5-round Swiss format with a classical time control of 90 minutes per player plus a 30-second increment from move one.

The organizers run pairings under US Chess rules. Players may request byes in early rounds according to the published regulations, and the tournament supports both two-day and three-day playing schedules.

📂 Sections / Groups

The event includes the following types of sections:

• Indiana State Championship – eligible Indiana residents compete for the official state title

• Congress rating sections – grouped by published US Chess rating

Non-residents may compete for cash prizes but are not eligible for Indiana state titles.

📅 Schedule

The tournament offers two scheduling formats.

Standard three-day schedule:

Two-day schedule:

📝 Registration

Players register in advance and complete payment before the start of their chosen schedule.

Key points:

• Advance registration is required to secure entry and preferred schedule

• Players must hold a valid US Chess membership

• Entry fees vary by section and registration date

On-site check-in takes place before the first scheduled round.

👥 Organizer

The Indiana State Chess Association organizes the Indiana Chess Congress and State Championship, overseeing entries, pairings, arbiting, and title certification.

Website: https://indianachess.org

🏨 Venue

All rounds take place at the La Quinta Inn & Suites Indianapolis South, 5120 Victory Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46203. The hotel venue allows players to stay on site and provides a practical layout for running multiple sections simultaneously.

🚗 How to Get There

Indianapolis offers easy access by interstate highways and air travel. Players can reach the venue from Indianapolis International Airport by car, taxi, or rideshare and arrive directly at the hotel for registration and play.

Compete for state honors, major prizes, and a full weekend of classical chess at one of Indiana’s flagship annual events.