23rd Annual Turkey Bowl
The 23rd Annual Turkey Bowl takes place on November 14–16, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offering players a dynamic 5-round open event at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott North. With both 3-day and 2-day scheduling options, dual-rating in top sections, and a guaranteed prize fund of $12,000, this tournament has become a staple of the Florida chess calendar.
From championship-level battles to class prizes and youth medals, the Turkey Bowl delivers opportunities for every competitor. Enhanced US Chess Grand Prix points, special awards, and a blitz side-event add even more excitement to this well-organised weekend of chess.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | Friday, November 14 – Sunday, November 16, 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Fort Lauderdale Marriott North, 6650 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 5-Round Swiss (top sections FIDE-rated) |
| 💵 Entry Fee | $124 by November 9 for main sections; $49 for U1150 by November 9; higher late/on-site fees |
| ⭐ Rating | Top 2 sections FIDE & USCF rated; others USCF rated |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all USCF members; Premier section minimum rating of 1850 required |
| 🎯 Prize Fund | $12,000 guaranteed (minimum 70% payout if entries below target) |
| 🔧 Additional | Enhanced Grand Prix points: 50 • Blitz side-event Saturday evening |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Section | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th / Class Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier | $1,200 | $700 | $600 | — | — |
| U2300 (within Premier) | $500 | $400 | — | — | — |
| U2050 | $1,100 | Trophy | $600 | $500 | — |
| U1900 | $400 | $300 | — | — | — |
| U1800 | $1,000 | Trophy | $600 | $500 | — |
| U1650 | $300 | $200 | — | — | — |
| U1450 / Unrated | $1,000 | Trophy | $600 | $500 | — |
| U1300 / Unrated | $300 | $200 | — | — | — |
| U1150 | Trophies only: 1st U900, 1st U700/unrated, medals to all others | ||||
| Senior Bonus | $125 in each cash-prize section (age 60+) |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Standard time control: Game/90 minutes + 30-second increment.
3-day schedule: Fri 7:00 PM; Sat 10:30 AM & 4:30 PM; Sun 9:30 AM & 2:30 PM.
2-day option (for most sections): Sat 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM; Sun 9:30 AM & 2:30 PM.
U1150: 2-day only, with adjusted rounds and trophy/medal awards.
Pairings: Swiss system; sections may merge after Round 2.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Premier | USCF or FIDE rating 1850+ required (exceptions by approval) |
| U2050 | Rated under 2050 |
| U1900 | Rated under 1900 |
| U1800 | Rated under 1800 |
| U1650 | Rated under 1650 |
| U1450 / Unrated | Rated under 1450 or unrated |
| U1300 / Unrated | Rated under 1300 or unrated |
| U1150 | Rated under 1150 — trophies/medals only |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Nov 14 | 7:00 PM | Round 1 (3-day schedule) |
| Sat, Nov 15 | 10:30 AM | Round 2 |
| Sat, Nov 15 | 4:30 PM | Round 3 |
| Sun, Nov 16 | 9:30 AM | Round 4 |
| Sun, Nov 16 | 2:30 PM | Round 5 |
(2-day schedule adjusts Round 1–3 on Saturday.)
📝 Registration
Early entry fee: $124 by November 9 for most sections; $49 for U1150.
Higher fees apply for late or on-site entries.
Re-entry permitted in cash-prize sections ($60 fee).
Unrated players may enter U1450 or U1150 only, with prize caps.
Byes: up to 2 half-point byes if requested before Round 2.
👥 Organizer
Organised by the Boca Raton Chess Club.
Email: jon@bocachess.com
Phone: +1 561-302-4377
Website: https://www.bocachess.com
🏨 Venue
The tournament will be hosted at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott North, 6650 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, USA. On-site parking is available.
🛎️ Accommodation
Special chess-rate rooms are available at the Marriott. Breakfast discount coupons and meal packages may be provided to players booking under the group block.
🚗 How to Get There
Nearest airport: Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL), about 20 minutes away.
Driving: Use I-95 North, take the Andrews Ave exit, and follow signs to Marriott North.
Public transit and ride-share options are available throughout the Fort Lauderdale metro area.
Make the most of your November weekend — test your skills, fight for prizes, and enjoy competitive chess at the Turkey Bowl in sunny Florida!