The ICA Glen Rock Quads — June 5, 2027 is a US Chess-rated, in-person chess tournament held in Glen Rock, New Jersey, United States. Organized by the International Chess Academy (ICA), the event provides an opportunity for players of different strengths to compete against opponents with similar ratings in a compact, three-round tournament.
The Glen Rock Quads form part of ICA’s regular Saturday tournament program. Most participants compete in four-player round-robin groups, allowing each player to face three opponents during the afternoon. However, the tournament director may organize small Swiss-system sections when participation numbers or rating differences make that more appropriate.
Each tournament offers a $30 entry fee, a $60 prize to the winner of each quad, and two possible time controls based on the average rating of the section. The first round begins at 1:30 PM Eastern Time, with subsequent rounds starting as soon as possible after the previous games finish.
♟️ Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Tournament Date | June 5, 2027 |
| 🌍 Country | United States |
| 📍 City | Glen Rock, New Jersey |
| 🏛️ Venue | Community Church of Glen Rock, Education Building |
| 👤 Organizer | International Chess Academy |
| ♟️ Format | Quad Round Robin / Small Swiss |
| 🔢 Rounds | 3 |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess-rated; not FIDE-rated |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/30; d5 or G/45; d5 |
| 💵 Entry Fee | $30 |
| 🏆 Prize | $60 to the winner of each quad |
| 🕜 First Round | 1:30 PM Eastern Time |
| 👥 Maximum Capacity | 80 players |
| 🌐 Official Website | https://icanj.net/ |
| 📝 Registration Directory | https://ica.jumbula.com/ica-tournaments |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses two time controls, depending on the average US Chess rating of the participants in each section.
| Section Average Rating | Time Control |
|---|---|
| Below 1000 | G/30; d5 |
| Above 1000 | G/45; d5 |
G/30; d5 gives each player 30 minutes for the game, with a five-second delay per move.
G/45; d5 provides 45 minutes per player, with a five-second delay per move.
Most sections follow a four-player round-robin format. Therefore, each participant plays three games against the other members of the quad.
However, the tournament director may use the Swiss pairing system in selected sections. This flexibility helps accommodate additional players or avoid large rating differences within a quad.
The tournament is rated by US Chess, and all competitors must have a current US Chess membership. These events are not advertised as FIDE-rated tournaments.
🏆 Prize Fund
The International Chess Academy awards $60 to the winner of each quad.
| Prize Category | Award |
|---|---|
| 🥇 Winner of each quad | $60 |
| 🥈 Second place in sections with more than four players | Additional prize may be available |
The total prize fund depends on the number of quads and the final section structure. Consequently, the advertised $60 is a per-quad first prize rather than the total prize fund for the entire event.
The organizer may award a second-place prize when a section contains more than four players. Participants should confirm the applicable distribution and tie arrangements with the tournament director.
🧩 Sections / Groups
♟️ Rating-Based Quads
Players are normally grouped into sections of four based on their US Chess ratings.
This approach allows competitors to face opponents of comparable playing strength. As a result, the tournament can be suitable for developing junior players, adult club competitors, and more experienced rated players.
In a standard four-player quad, each competitor plays three games, one against every other member of the group.
♟️ Small Swiss Sections
The tournament director may organize a small Swiss-system section when participation numbers or significant rating differences make a standard quad less suitable.
The exact section structure is determined by the organizer based on the registered players.
Therefore, participants should understand that their final group and playing format may differ from the initial registration category.
📅 Schedule
All times are local Glen Rock time, Eastern Time (ET).
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| On-site Registration Opens | 10:00 AM |
| Online Registration Closes | 12:00 PM |
| On-site Registration Closes | 12:30 PM |
| Round 1 | 1:30 PM |
| Round 2 | As soon as possible after Round 1 |
| Round 3 | As soon as possible after Round 2 |
The remaining rounds begin as soon as the previous games finish and the organizer is ready to continue.
Players should arrive before the first round to complete registration and find their assigned playing area.
The tournament director reserves the right to accept additional entries after the registration deadline when doing so improves the tournament structure and the applicable entry fee has been paid.
📝 Registration
Entry Fee: $30 per player.
Players can register through the International Chess Academy’s official Jumbula registration platform.
Official Registration Directory: https://ica.jumbula.com/ica-tournaments
Each Saturday tournament has its own registration page. Participants should select June 5, 2027 when completing their entry.
Online registration normally closes at 12:00 PM on the tournament day.
On-site registration takes place from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, subject to available places. Both online and on-site registration may close early if the maximum capacity of 80 participants is reached.
Membership Requirement
A valid US Chess membership is required.
Players should ensure their membership remains active on the tournament date and provide their correct US Chess ID when registering.
US Chess Website: https://new.uschess.org/
Important Registration Conditions
Players should submit accurate names and rating information. The organizer uses the registration list to form quads and determine appropriate pairings.
In addition, participants should check the latest event-specific registration conditions before traveling, particularly when capacity is limited.
For registration questions, players may contact the International Chess Academy directly.
👤 Organizer
Organizer Name: International Chess Academy
Contact Person: Diana Tulman
Email: chessdirector@icanj.net
Phone Number: +1 201 797 0330
International Chess Academy is a chess education and tournament organization serving Bergen County, New Jersey.
Founded in 1996, ICA provides chess instruction, advanced training programs, scholastic competitions, and frequent US Chess-rated tournaments. Its regular Glen Rock Quads offer players opportunities to combine chess study with practical tournament experience.
The academy also organizes larger competitions, including ICA FIDE Championships, Open Championships, and memorial tournaments.
📍 Venue
Community Church of Glen Rock, Education Building – 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452, United States.
The tournament takes place in the Education Building of the Community Church of Glen Rock.
The playing rooms are located on the second floor. Participants should use the parking area accessible from Hamilton Avenue and follow the signs for International Chess Academy.
The venue is situated in a residential area of Glen Rock, close to local shops, restaurants, and public transportation connections.
🚆 How to Get There
By Air
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is a major airport serving northern New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area.
Travelers can continue to Glen Rock by rental car, taxi, airport transfer, or a combination of regional rail connections.
New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) are additional options, depending on flight availability and ground transportation requirements.
By Train
Glen Rock is served by NJ TRANSIT rail stations, including Glen Rock–Main Line and Glen Rock–Boro Hall.
Players can plan connections through the regional railway network, including services from Hoboken and other northern New Jersey stations.
The venue is accessible from the town center, although visitors should confirm walking routes and train schedules in advance.
NJ TRANSIT: https://www.njtransit.com/
By Car
Drivers should navigate to 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452.
The academy’s tournament instructions direct participants toward the church parking area from Hamilton Avenue.
Players should follow the ICA signs and allow additional time for parking and entering the Education Building.
🏨 Accommodation
Although Glen Rock Quads are one-day competitions, players traveling from other states or arriving with family members may prefer to stay overnight in Bergen County.
The following established hotels in nearby Paramus offer accommodation with convenient road access to Glen Rock.
| Hotel | Address | Approximate Price / Night |
|---|---|---|
| Courtyard by Marriott Paramus | 320 Route 17 North, Paramus, NJ 07652 | $130–220 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites Paramus | 601 From Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 | $130–200 |
| Hampton Inn Paramus | 625 From Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 | $130–210 |
The listed USD ranges are indicative accommodation-planning estimates per room per night, not confirmed rates for the individual 2027 tournament dates. Actual prices depend on occupancy, availability, taxes, and cancellation conditions.
Courtyard by Marriott Paramus
Courtyard by Marriott Paramus provides modern guest rooms, a fitness center, and on-site dining facilities.
Its Route 17 location offers convenient road connections to Glen Rock and other Bergen County destinations.
Official Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ewrcp-courtyard-paramus/overview/
Fairfield Inn & Suites Paramus
Fairfield Inn & Suites offers guest rooms and suites, complimentary breakfast, and fitness facilities.
The hotel may suit families attending regional chess tournaments, especially those seeking additional accommodation space or a longer stay in northern New Jersey.
Official Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ewrpx-fairfield-inn-and-suites-paramus/overview/
Hampton Inn Paramus
Hampton Inn Paramus offers comfortable guest rooms, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, free parking, and an indoor swimming pool.
Its location provides access to Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway, making it another practical option for tournament participants traveling by car.
Official Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lgafrhx-hampton-paramus/
ℹ️ Other Information
Playing Hall Rules
Food is not permitted inside the tournament playing room.
Players and accompanying family members should follow the organizer’s instructions concerning the playing area and other shared facilities.
Tournament Capacity
Registration is limited to a maximum of 80 players. Therefore, early registration is recommended for those who want to secure a place.
Both online and on-site registration may close before the published deadline if the tournament reaches capacity.
Tournament Equipment & Rules
Participants should follow the applicable US Chess rules and the instructions of the tournament director.
The official International Chess Academy FAQ provides additional information about tournament participation, procedures, and player expectations.
Tournament Information: https://ica.jumbula.com/ica-tournaments
Organizer Website: https://icanj.net/
Organizer
♟️ About International Chess Academy
International Chess Academy (ICA) is a privately owned chess school and tournament organizer serving Bergen County, New Jersey, USA, with permanent locations in Glen Rock and Teaneck. The academy was founded in 1996 by Diana Tulman and WGM Irina Levitina, initially operating as the Chess School of Teaneck before adopting its present name as the program expanded. ICA provides structured chess education from beginner through master level while also organizing US Chess- and FIDE-rated competitions.
ICA combines weekly instruction with Future Masters and Masters programs, private coaching, after-school chess, online classes, scholastic camps, Grandmaster camps, and a large tournament program. Its recurring competitions include the ICA FIDE Championship, ICA Open Championship, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Championships, and frequent Glen Rock Quads. The academy serves hundreds of students each season and also offers virtual programs, allowing players outside New Jersey to join its training system.
Diana Tulman remains Co-Founder and Director of International Chess Academy and is the principal operational contact for the organization. Co-founder WGM Irina Levitina, a former Women’s World Championship challenger and three-time U.S. Women’s Champion, continues to teach advanced students, while GM Alexander Stripunsky leads important master-level programs. ICA remained extremely active throughout 2026, with weekly tournaments, FIDE Championships in April and July, Open Championships, summer camps, and new in-person and virtual classes scheduled for the fall 2026 semester.
📜 History and Development
ICA began in 1996, when Diana Tulman and Irina Levitina started chess programs in Teaneck after arriving in the United States from the former Soviet Union.
The original program began with a small group of students. Levitina developed its advanced Future Masters and Masters instruction, while Tulman managed the academy’s broader educational program.
As enrollment and the coaching staff expanded, the Chess School of Teaneck evolved into the International Chess Academy. The organization subsequently added another permanent location in Glen Rock, along with online teaching, camps, mathematics programs, and a substantially larger tournament calendar.
The academy marked roughly 30 years of activity in 2026, while continuing the educational model established by its founders.
🎓 Chess Training and Development
ICA offers training for players ranging from complete beginners to nationally ranked juniors and advanced tournament competitors.
Its teaching staff includes titled players and experienced coaches. WGM Irina Levitina remains closely connected with the Masters program, while GM Alexander Stripunsky is a leading instructor for advanced players.
The 2026 GM Summer Camp, headed by Stripunsky, was designed for strong juniors with established US Chess or FIDE ratings. Seven training weeks were scheduled between late June and mid-August, combining intensive chess instruction with practical competition and physical activities.
Alongside advanced training, ICA operates scholastic camps for children aged approximately 6–16, in-person courses in Glen Rock and Teaneck, private instruction, and virtual semesters.
🏆 ICA Tournament Program
Tournament chess is a major part of the academy’s year-round activity. ICA organizes competitions for beginners, juniors, adult club players, masters, and FIDE-rated competitors.
The Glen Rock Quads are among its most frequent events and were staged repeatedly throughout the first eight months of 2026. ICA also runs its Open Championships on a recurring basis, generally alternating stronger open competition with rating-restricted events.
Another established series is the Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Championships, which provides several rating sections and opportunities for younger players to transition into longer tournament formats.
This regular competition schedule allows students to combine lessons with practical tournament experience rather than treating training and competitive chess as separate activities.
🌟 ICA FIDE Championship
The ICA FIDE Championship is the academy’s principal tournament for advanced competitors. In 2026, entry was aimed at players rated approximately 1800+ FIDE or 1900+ US Chess, making it the strongest regular event on ICA’s calendar.
The first 2026 edition took place on April 18–19 in Glen Rock. The four-round tournament attracted a field led by GM Bryce Tiglon, who shared first place with Mark Leo Kogan on 3.5/4. FM Aditeya Das was among the players finishing on three points.
A second ICA FIDE Championship followed on July 18–19, 2026. Five players — Priyansh Garg, Aaryan Mummidi, Yefim Treger, Anvith Reddy Marri, and Melanie Liang — finished level on 3/4.
Both events demonstrate ICA’s ability to provide serious FIDE-rated classical competition alongside its larger scholastic program.
🌟 Irina Levitina and Advanced Chess
ICA’s coaching identity is closely connected with co-founder WGM Irina Levitina. Before establishing the academy, Levitina was one of the strongest women players in the world, challenged for the Women’s World Championship, and won the U.S. Women’s Championship in 1991, 1992, and 1993.
She later concentrated much of her chess work on teaching the next generation through ICA’s advanced programs.
In 2024, Levitina was inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame. She continues to appear on ICA’s current coaching team, linking the academy’s educational program with a distinguished international competitive career.
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