33rd Annual Western Class Championships
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.
Organizer
Continental Chess Association (CCA) is a national chess events company based in Pelham, New York, United States. It has directed major American tournaments since the 1960s. Moreover, CCA is a long-standing tournament organizer on the US circuit.
CCA produces large open chess tournament weekends across the United States. In addition, it organizes the 10th Annual George Washington Open near Washington, DC. Many events include FIDE-rated tournament sections alongside US Chess-rated sections. Formats emphasize classical chess, with occasional rapid and blitz side events.
Furthermore, CCA uses streamlined online registration and publishes clear event rules. As a result, players get consistent pairings and professional tournament operations.
