2026 Ira Lee Riddle Memorial Pennsylvania State Championship & Pennsylvania Collegiate Championship
Pennsylvania’s top weekend title event returns with the 2026 Ira Lee Riddle Memorial Pennsylvania State Championship & Pennsylvania Collegiate Championship from Saturday, March 7 to Sunday, March 8, 2026 in Harrisburg, United States. This 5-round Swiss championship takes place at the Red Lion Hotel Harrisburg Hershey and delivers a full classical schedule across two days. Players can compete for state prestige while college players also fight for individual and team trophies across all sections.
Organizers run three sections-Open, U1800, and U1400-and use February 2026 ratings for section eligibility and pairings. The tournament awards an $1,875 guaranteed prize fund plus collegiate trophies, and it keeps the format practical with a Saturday triple-round and a Sunday double-round finish.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | March 7-8, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States |
| 🏨 Venue | Red Lion Hotel Harrisburg Hershey, 4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111, United States |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss system |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess-rated (February 2026 ratings used) |
| ⏱️ Time control | G/90 with 5-second delay |
| 📂 Sections | Open; U1800; U1400 |
| 💳 Entry fee | $40 received by February 16; $50 after; PSCF required $5 OSA |
| 💰 Prize fund | $1,875 guaranteed |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | On-site registration Saturday 08:45–09:30; one bye max (request by Round 2) |
🏆 Prize Fund
Open Section:
| Place / Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $350 |
| 2nd | $150 |
| U2200 | $125 |
| U2000 | $100 |
U1800 Section:
| Place / Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $200 |
| 2nd | $150 |
| U1650 | $125 |
| U1500 | $100 |
U1400 Section:
| Place / Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $200 |
| 2nd | $150 |
| U1200 | $90 |
| U1000 | $75 |
| Unrated | $60 |
College trophies:
• 1st–2nd individual in each section
• 1st–2nd team (top 4 player scores combined over all sections)
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament runs a 5-round Swiss with G/90 and 5-second delay. The organizers use February 2026 ratings for section eligibility and pairings.
Bye rule:
• Players may request one bye maximum and must request it by Round 2.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Open to all eligible players | Cash prizes plus college trophies |
| U1800 | Under 1800 | Section prizes plus college trophies |
| U1400 | Under 1400 | Section prizes plus college trophies |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 7, 2026 | Saturday | 08:45–09:30 | On-site registration |
| March 7, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 | Round 1 |
| March 7, 2026 | Saturday | 14:00 | Round 2 |
| March 7, 2026 | Saturday | 17:30 | Round 3 |
| March 8, 2026 | Sunday | 09:00 | Round 4 |
| March 8, 2026 | Sunday | 13:00 | Round 5 |
📝 Registration
Players enter by mail with payment.
Entry fee rules:
• $40 received by February 16, 2026
• $50 received after February 16
• PSCF required $5 OSA
Mail entry and checks payable to:
PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak
25 Freeport St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245
United States
👥 Organizer
Tom Martinak organizes the event for the Pennsylvania State Chess Federation and manages entries, pairings, and tournament operations.
Email: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com
Phone: 412-908-0286
Website: http://pscfchess.org/pascholasticchamp/
🏨 Venue
The tournament takes place at the Red Lion Hotel Harrisburg Hershey, 4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111, United States. The hotel setting supports a full two-day classical schedule and keeps players on site for both play and lodging.
🛎️ Accommodation
The organizer offers a hotel rate at the tournament site.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Red Lion Hotel Harrisburg Hershey |
| Rate | $125 per room (1–4 per room) |
| Booking deadline | February 19, 2026 |
| Group code | PAST0305 |
| Phone | 717-939-7841 |
| Booking link | https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=37110&Chain=13325&group=PAST0305 |
🚗 How to Get There
Harrisburg sits in central Pennsylvania with practical access by regional highways and local roads. You can reach the Red Lion Hotel Harrisburg Hershey by car and arrive in time for Saturday morning registration, while travelers who stay on site can walk directly to the playing hall.
Bring your best classical preparation and chase state and collegiate honors in a focused weekend championship setting.
🧾 Other
• The tournament awards 10 Grand Prix points.
• The organizer limits the event to three sections: Open, U1800, and U1400.
