The II Torneo Internacional de Ajedrez José Celso Barbosa will bring the international chess community together from July 20 to 27, 2025, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Organized by the Puerto Rico Chess Academy and supported by the Department of Education, Recreation and Sports of Bayamón, this FIDE-rated open event invites players of all levels to compete across three sections with a total prize fund of $5,000 USD. With a strong local and international presence, the event honors the legacy of Dr. José Celso Barbosa and promotes competitive chess development in Puerto Rico. Joining the excitement of the II Torneo Internacional de Ajedrez Jose Celso Barbosa is a wonderful opportunity for chess enthusiasts worldwide.

📅 Dates and Time Control

• Event Dates: July 20–27, 2025
• Group A (Open): 9 rounds, 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment
• Group B (U2000): 7 rounds, 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment
• Group C (U1600): 5 rounds, 60 minutes + 10 seconds increment
• Rated: FIDE and Puerto Rico Chess Federation

🗓️ Schedule

Group-A – Open

• Opening Ceremony: July 20 at 10:00 AM
• Rounds:

  • R1: July 20 – 11:00 AM
  • R2: July 20 – 4:00 PM
  • R3: July 21 – 7:00 PM
  • R4: July 22 – 7:00 PM
  • R5: July 23 – 7:00 PM
  • Free Day: July 24
  • R6: July 25 – 11:00 AM
  • R7: July 25 – 4:00 PM
  • R8: July 26 – 4:00 PM
  • R9: July 27 – 11:00 AM

• Closing Ceremony: July 27 at 4:00 PM

Group-B – U2000

• Rounds:

  • R1 & R2: July 20 – 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM
  • R3: July 23 – 7:00 PM
  • R4: July 25 – 11:00 AM
  • R5: July 25 – 4:00 PM
  • R6: July 26 – 4:00 PM
  • R7: July 27 – 11:00 AM

• Closing Ceremony: July 27 at 4:00 PM

Group-C – U1600

• Rounds:

  • R1 & R2: July 20 – 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM
  • R3: July 25 – 11:00 AM
  • R4: July 26 – 4:00 PM
  • R5: July 27 – 11:00 AM

• Closing Ceremony: July 27 at 4:00 PM

🏆 Prize Fund and Awards

💰 Total Prize Fund: $5,000 USD

Group-A (Open)

• 1st Place: $1,500
• 2nd Place: $1,000
• 3rd Place: $750
• 4th Place: $500
• 5th Place: $300
• 6th Place: $250
• 7th Place: $150

Group-B (U2000)

• 1st Place: $350
• 2nd Place: $200
• 3rd Place: $150
• 4th Place: $100
• 5th Place: $75

Group-C (U1600)

• 1st Place: $75
• 2nd Place: $50
• 3rd Place: $30

📝 Registration and Participation

• Group A Fee: $50
• Group B Fee: $40
• Group C Fee: $30
• Free Entry: GM, IM, WGM, WIM
• Discounts: Puerto Rican titled players receive 30% off in Group A if they register by May 31, 2025

📌 Players must confirm participation by July 15, 2025.
📌 Players using the discount must commit in writing to complete all rounds. A $15 penalty applies for non-compliance.

💳 Payment Information

Organizers accept online payments through the official Puerto Rico Chess Academy portal. Registration becomes valid only after payment confirmation. No late registrations will be accepted.

📍 Venue Information

• Venue: Centro Comunal Jardines de Caparra
• City: Bayamón, Puerto Rico

The venue offers a comfortable environment with ample space for participants and spectators.

✈️ Travel and Accommodation

✈️ Participants can fly into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, which lies within a 30-minute drive from Bayamón. The organizers recommend early hotel bookings and suggest Estancias de la Fuente in Toa Alta for nearby accommodations.

🧑‍💼 Organizer Information

• Organizer: Puerto Rico Chess Academy
• Phone: +1 787 587 3409
• Email: info@puertoricochessacademy.org
• Website: www.puertoricochessacademy.org

The academy focuses on chess education, tournament organization, and community outreach throughout Puerto Rico.

👨‍⚖️ Tournament Officials

• Tournament Director: Francisco J. Cruz Arce

  • Phone: +1 787 587 3409
  • Email: fj_007@yahoo.com

• Chief Arbiter: Cristóbal Vega Adorno

  • Phone: +1 787 531 3842
  • Email: cristobalpr@gmail.com