The Rising Star June Grand Prix 2027 takes place in Mesa, Arizona, United States, on June 5, 2027. Its advertised $1,000 cash-prize fund is based on 80 paid entries, rather than guaranteed. Rising Star Chess organizes this one-day tournament.

Players compete in six independently paired sections across four Swiss-system rounds. Every game uses 45 minutes plus a ten-second increment per move. All sections are US Chess dual-rated for Regular and Quick ratings, with June 2027 Regular ratings determining section eligibility.

The official event registration page accepts online entries through June 4 at 11:59 PM Arizona time. Entry fees range from $30 in advance to $45 on site; active US Chess membership is required. On-site registration before the first round closes at 8:30 AM.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

All six sections play a four-round Swiss tournament at G/45 + 10-second increment. Each player starts with 45 minutes and receives ten additional seconds after every move. All games affect both US Chess Regular and Quick ratings; this is not a FIDE-rated event.

The organizer uses the official June 2027 US Chess Regular rating list for section placement, pairings, and prize eligibility. Higher unofficial ratings may be considered for playing up or other purposes. A player within 100 rating points of a higher section’s minimum may request to play up for an additional $5.

Half-Point Byes

Each player may request up to two half-point byes. For Rounds 1 and 2, request the bye at least 30 minutes before the affected round. For Rounds 3 and 4, request it before Round 2 starts; once Round 2 begins, these requests cannot be revoked.

🏆 Prize Fund

The tournament advertises a $1,000 cash-prize fund based on 80 paid entries. This is a conditional total, not a guaranteed payout. The following awards reproduce the complete published distribution by section.

Open — $300

Class A — $190

Class B — $135

Class C — $135

Class D — $135

Under 1200 — $105

The listed section totals add up to $1,000. Because the organizer bases this amount on 80 paid entries, the final payout can depend on participation. The announced rules also contain a prize deduction for certain late-registering FIDE-titled players; see Registration.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The Grand Prix has six separate playing sections, each with its own rating range, pairings, and awards. Official June 2027 US Chess Regular ratings determine standard eligibility.

Players within 100 points below the rating floor of a higher section may play up upon payment of the $5 surcharge. Higher unofficial ratings may also influence a playing-up decision under the organizer’s published rules.

📅 Schedule

All four rounds take place on Saturday, June 5, 2027, at the DoubleTree in Mesa. Times below are local Mountain Standard Time; Arizona does not observe daylight saving time. Players registering in person should finish before the 8:30 AM cutoff.

📝 Registration

Register through the official Rising Star June Grand Prix event page. Online registration ends at 11:59 PM on Friday, June 4, 2027, Arizona time. On-site registration for the first round closes at 8:30 AM on Saturday, June 5. Late on-site entries after Round 1 begins may receive half-point byes for missed rounds.

Players must hold a current US Chess membership; membership can be obtained or renewed through US Chess or on site. Refund requests are accepted until one hour before Round 1 and incur a 5% processing fee; no refunds are available after that cutoff.

🏛️ Organizer

Rising Star Chess runs a series of US Chess-rated tournaments in Mesa and the Phoenix area. Its Grand Prix events include separate rating sections and cash prizes for developing and experienced players. Richard Smouse is the tournament contact for registration questions and event information.

📍 Venue

The tournament takes place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa, 1011 West Holmes Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210, United States. The hotel provides meeting and event space for competitions, along with an on-site restaurant, coffee bar, and guest rooms. The official registration lists this hotel as the playing venue; no specific ballroom is identified.

🏨 Accommodation

These five hotel options are in Mesa near the playing venue, including the DoubleTree itself. The links are set for June 4 check-in and June 6 check-out; players can adjust dates when checking availability. Prices and cancellation terms vary by booking.

The official organizer also mentions a possible group room rate, but its code has not yet been announced. Special group discounts may require coordinating directly with the organizer before check-in and might not apply to third-party bookings.

🍽️ Nearby Restaurants & Cafés

The playing hotel has its own restaurant and coffee counter. Several additional cafés and restaurants are located around Alma School Road and West Iron Avenue in Mesa. Check Saturday opening hours and allow enough time to return for the next round.

🚆 How to Get There

The playing hotel is in Mesa, east of Phoenix, near the US 60 corridor. Use the full hotel address, 1011 West Holmes Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210, when arranging transportation.

✈️ By Air

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport are each listed at approximately 12 miles from the hotel in Hilton’s directions. The DoubleTree does not offer an airport shuttle. Arrange a rental car, taxi, or rideshare for the final journey.

🚗 By Car & Parking

Follow regional connections to US 60 and Alma School Road, then use local roads to West Holmes Avenue. The hotel offers on-site parking and electric-vehicle charging; parking fees may apply, so check current terms before traveling.

🚆 By Public Transport

The Valley Metro network serves Phoenix and Mesa. Use its official route planner for an up-to-date connection and verify the final leg to the hotel before tournament day.

ℹ️ Other Information

The organizer will provide boards, chess sets, clocks, and pens for all sections. Players may re-enter after the first or second round under the published conditions, while entry and refund rules are detailed above. The event is a US Chess dual-rated over-the-board competition.

Useful Official Links