33rd Annual Western Class Championships
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The Western Class Championships celebrates its 33rd edition in Los Angeles with deep class sections, big prizes, and multiple schedules.
A West Coast pillar by CCA at Hilton LAX, it draws a wide rating spectrum under professional conditions.
Event Details
| 📅 Dates | 12 – 16 March 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| 🏟️ Venue | Hilton Los Angeles Airport (LAX) |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | US Chess & FIDE rated |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss System |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | Open 9; class sections 7 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 40/100, SD/30 + 30s |
| 💰 Prize Fund | $25,000 guaranteed |
Prize Fund
| Section | Awards |
|---|---|
| Open (FIDE) | Top + U2400 prizes |
| U2200 | Top + class prizes |
| U1900 | Top + class prizes |
| U1600 | Top + class prizes |
| U1300 | Top + class prizes |
| U1000/Unrated | Trophies & awards |
Time Control & Tournament System
- Swiss; 5‑day, 4‑day, 3‑day schedules
- Time control: 40/100, SD/30, +30s
- US Chess & FIDE tiebreaks as posted
Sections / Groups
- Open (FIDE)
- U2200
- U1900
- U1600
- U1300
- U1000/Unrated
Schedule
| Date | Event / Round | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Mar 12 | Registration & Early Round | Evening |
| Fri–Sun, Mar 13–15 | Rounds by schedule | All day |
| Mon, Mar 16 | Final rounds & Awards | Daytime |
Registration
Online via CCA; variable fees by section/date. US Chess required; FIDE ID for Open.
Organizer
Continental Chess Association (CCA) — organizer of major national events for decades.
- Email: director@chessaction.com
- Website: chessaction.com
Venue
Hilton Los Angeles Airport — expansive ballrooms, airport shuttle, and dining options.
Accommodation
Chess rate at Hilton LAX; nearby hotels in the LAX corridor.
How to Get There
- By Air: LAX (free hotel shuttle)
- By Transit: Metro & bus connections to LAX area
- By Car: Paid parking on site
From master‑level fights to class‑prize thrills, the Western Class is a spring mainstay of West Coast chess.