27th Annual Sacramento Chess Championship
Join us from Friday, July 4, 2025 through Sunday, July 6, 2025 at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Sacramento, California, USA for three days of intense, USCF‑rated classical Swiss action. Players of all levels—from seasoned Masters and Experts to rising Under‑1500 Challengers and spirited Seniors—will vie for trophies and cash prizes in this Grand Prix‑accredited heritage event.
As Sacramento’s premier summer chess gathering, the championship blends competitive spirit with community camaraderie at the host venue, offering on‑site amenities, wheelchair access, and a special hotel rate. Whether you chase the top boards or cheer from the sidelines under the California sun, you’ll experience seamless tournament logistics and unforgettable strategic thrills.
♟️ EVENT DETAILS
| Label | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | July 4 – 6, 2025 |
| Tournament Type | Classical (six‑round Swiss across rating/age sections) |
| Total Prize Fund | Approximately €11,500 (US $12,500) |
| Location | Sacramento, California, USA |
| Venue | Holiday Inn Express & Suites |
| Address | 2224 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95821 |
| Organizer | Sacramento Chess Club |
| Federation | United States Chess Federation (US Chess) |
| Tournament Director | John McCumiskey |
| Time Control | G/90 + 30 sec increment (3‑day); G/61 d5 for Rounds 1–3 then G/90 + 30 sec (2‑day) |
| Number of Rounds | 6 |
♟️ TIME CONTROL
Competitors choose between a three‑day format (Game 90 minutes with 30‑second increment) or a two‑day hybrid (Rounds 1–3 at Game 61 with 5‑second delay, then Rounds 4–6 at Game 90 + 30 sec). Both options balance deep play with efficient completion.
♟️ TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Three‑Day Schedule
| Day | Registration | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 | Round 5 | Round 6 |
| July 4 | 8:30–9:45 am | 10:00 am | 3:00 pm | — | — | — | — |
| July 5 | 8:00–8:45 am | 10:30 am | 4:00 pm | — | — | — | — |
| July 6 | — | 10:00 am | 3:00 pm | — | — | — | — |
Two‑Day Accelerated Schedule
| Day | Registration | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 | Round 5 | Round 6 |
| July 5 | 8:00–8:45 am | 9:00 am | 11:15 am | 1:30 pm | — | — | — |
| July 6 | — | — | — | — | 4:00 pm | 10:00 am | 3:00 pm |
♟️ PRIZE FUND
Overall Section Prizes
| Section | 1st Prize | 2nd Prize | 3rd Prize |
| Master/Expert | US $1,000 + trophy | $700 | $500 |
| Reserve | $850 + trophy | $600 | $400 |
| Challengers | $850 + trophy | $600 | $400 |
| Senior (50+) | $850 + trophy | $600 | — |
| Senior Reserve | $850 + trophy | $600 | — |
Section‑Specific Prizes
- Under 2200: 1st €375 / 2nd €275 / 3rd €200
- Under 2000: 1st €375 / 2nd €275
- Under 1750: 1st €375 / 2nd €275
- Under 1400: 1st €375 / 2nd €275
- Under 1250: 1st €375 / 2nd €275
- Under 1000: €200 top prize
- Top age categories (65+, 70+, 75+): commemorative trophies
Unrated players are ineligible for section‑specific prizes.
♟️ REGISTRATION
- Entry Fees: $134 if postmarked by June 27, 2025; $154 on‑site or late.
- Discounts: CalChess members save $5; titled IMs/GMs play free.
- Section Up‑entry: +$40 (up to 200‑point rating jump).
- Reentry (3‑day only): $75 after Round 2.
- Byes: Up to two half‑point byes; request before prior round starts.
- USCF Membership: Required for all participants.
♟️ TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Book at Holiday Inn Express & Suites (2224 Auburn Blvd) for the tournament rate of $154/night (single/double) through June 27. Call 1‑888‑465‑4329 or 1‑916‑923‑1100 (group code “SCC”).
Sacramento International Airport lies 15 minutes south; shuttle services connect to Auburn Boulevard hourly. Bus Route 84 stops adjacent to the hotel. Downtown hotels, Airbnbs, dining, and entertainment lie just a short drive away.
♟️ ORGANIZER
The Sacramento Chess Club has fostered Northern California’s chess scene since 1993, hosting weekly Swiss tournaments, rapid events, team championships, scholastic leagues, and the annual state championship.
- Email: sactochess@sbcglobal.net
- Phone: 916‑524‑9479
- Address: P.O. Box 12345, Sacramento, CA 95814
♟️ WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
Join Sacramento’s chess tradition at this celebrated summer highlight. Enjoy robust prize funds, flexible schedules, and a welcoming community. You’ll sharpen your skills, earn Grand Prix points, and forge lasting friendships. Whether you compete for the top boards or soak in the vibrant atmosphere, the 27th Annual Sacramento Chess Championship will deliver unforgettable strategic excitement.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Prize Fund - €11,500
Organizer - Sacramento Chess Club
Organizer Phone - +1 916‑524‑9479
Organizer email - sactochess@sbcglobal.net
Tournament Director - John McCumiskey
Time control - G/90 + 30 sec increment (3‑day); G/61 d5 for Rounds 1–3 then G/90 + 30 sec (2‑day)
Number of rounds - 6
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
Sacramento Chess Club has championed Northern California’s chess community since 1993. As the region’s flagship USCF affiliate, the Club organizes a full calendar of competitive and educational events, including the Annual Sacramento Chess Championship, the Weekend Swiss Series, the Senior State Championship, Team League Matches, and scholastic tournaments. Through its regular Tuesday evening club nights, quarterly Quick-Chess Nights, and simultaneous exhibitions by titled players, the Club fosters growth for all ages and ratings, from beginners learning the basics to Masters honing their opening repertoire. Its mission combines competitive excellence with community outreach—partnering with local schools, libraries, and senior centers to introduce chess as a lifelong pursuit of strategy and critical thinking.