23rd Annual Turkey Bowl

Registrations have closed.

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!