The Right Move – Riverbank State Park – March 2027
The The Right Move – Riverbank State Park – March 2027 chess tournament will take place on Sunday, March 7, 2027, at Riverbank State Park in Manhattan, New York City. Organized by The Right Move Chess Foundation, this free, US Chess-rated event gives young players an opportunity to develop their skills, gain tournament experience, and compete for trophies and medals.
The tournament is part of The Right Move’s long-running “Free Chess for Youth” program, which has supported scholastic chess in New York since 1990. The foundation organizes accessible competitions in partnership with New York State Parks, helping children participate in competitive chess without paying a tournament entry fee. Moreover, the event includes a section welcoming adult participants.
Players will compete in four Swiss-system rounds with a time control of G/25; d5. The tournament offers rating-based divisions, team recognition, and individual awards. Registration opens on February 16, 2027, while all participants must complete on-site check-in before 9:30 AM on tournament day.
♟️ Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Sunday, March 7, 2027 |
| 📍 Location | Manhattan, New York City, USA |
| 🏨 Venue | Riverbank State Park Theater/Auditorium |
| 🏛️ Organizer | The Right Move Chess Foundation |
| 🔢 Rounds | 4 |
| ♟️ Format | Swiss system |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/25; d5 |
| 🧩 Sections | 7 advertised; 6 named divisions published |
| ✅ US Chess Rated | Yes |
| 🌐 FIDE Rated | No |
| 💵 Entry Fee | Free |
| 🏆 Awards | Trophies, medals, team certificates |
| 📝 Registration Opens | February 16, 2027 |
| 🌐 Official Website | https://chesstrm.org/NYC/ |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament consists of four Swiss-system rounds using the G/25; d5 time control. Each player receives 25 minutes for the game, with a five-second delay on every move.
All games are US Chess rated. The format is suitable for younger competitors who want to gain rated experience while completing a full tournament in one day.
Pairings are organized within the published rating divisions. However, tournament directors may combine sections with insufficient participation or approve requests to play in a stronger section.
Sections with fewer than six registered players by Friday at 6:00 PM may be combined. Therefore, the final section structure can depend on registration numbers.
The tournament director has final discretion over requests to play above a player’s normal rating category.
🏆 Awards & Trophies
The Right Move offers trophies, medals, and team certificates rather than cash prizes. The number of trophies awarded in each section depends on participation.
Individual Trophies
| Players in Section | Trophies Awarded |
|---|---|
| 6–11 | 2 |
| 12–29 | 3 |
| 30–44 | 5 |
| 45–60 | 7 |
Participation-Based Medals
Players who score 2.5 points or more during the four-round event earn a medal.
This recognition gives developing players an additional achievement to pursue, even when they do not finish among the highest-ranked competitors.
Best Team Certificates
The event also recognizes outstanding school teams.
The Best Team Certificate goes to the school or team with the strongest combined score from its four highest-scoring players in the relevant section.
🧩 Sections / Groups
The March 2027 announcement advertises seven sections but identifies six divisions by name. Players should review the final registration information for any additional division or changes to rating eligibility.
| Section | Rating / Eligibility |
|---|---|
| AWE | Adults welcome |
| King | US Chess rating above 1300 |
| Queen | US Chess 900–1299 |
| Rook | US Chess 500–899 |
| Knight | US Chess under 500 |
| Pawn | Grade 3 or below; US Chess under 300 |
AWE — Adults Welcome
The AWE section provides an opportunity for adults to participate in the tournament. Unlike the strictly scholastic categories, it welcomes adult competitors alongside eligible younger players.
King, Queen & Rook
These divisions provide rated competition for players with different levels of tournament experience.
The King section accommodates stronger competitors, while Queen and Rook give developing players a chance to face opponents within a more suitable rating range.
Knight & Pawn
The Knight section is designed for players rated below 500. Meanwhile, the Pawn section is specifically reserved for younger children in Grade 3 or below with ratings under 300.
Unrated players should follow the organizer’s registration guidance or contact the tournament director for placement.
📅 Schedule
Sunday, March 7, 2027
All times are local New York time (Eastern Standard Time).
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Arrival and Check-In | Before 9:30 AM |
| Check-In Closes | 9:30 AM |
| Round 1 | 10:00 AM |
| Round 2 | 11:30 AM |
| Round 3 | 12:45 PM |
| Round 4 | 2:00 PM |
| Awards Ceremony | 3:30 PM |
| Event Ends | Approximately 4:00 PM |
All sections follow the same published round schedule.
Players must complete check-in before 9:30 AM to be included in Round 1 pairings. Late arrivals may miss the first round even if they have preregistered.
Pairings and playing locations will be announced at the venue. Players should check the posted information before every round.
📝 Registration
Tournament entry is completely free. However, advance registration and an active US Chess membership are required.
Registration for the March tournament is scheduled to open on February 16, 2027.
Official Organizer Website:
https://chesstrm.org/NYC/
Registration Instructions:
https://chesstrm.org/NYC/tournaments-2/register-for-a-tournament/
To register, visit the organizer’s website and select the “Register Here” link when registration for the March 7 event opens.
US Chess Membership
Every participant must have a valid US Chess membership.
Scholastic players aged 19 or younger may join or renew their membership on-site for $12 for one year.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tournament Entry | Free |
| Scholastic US Chess Membership / Renewal | $12 |
| Existing Valid US Chess Membership | No additional membership payment |
Cash is required for on-site membership transactions. Credit cards are not accepted.
Players who already hold a valid membership do not need to purchase another one.
Registration Capacity
The Right Move advises that tournament places are limited. Its general registration instructions specify a capacity of 180 players at this location.
Therefore, early registration is recommended once entries open.
Participants should also check the published preregistration list to confirm that their names, ratings, and sections have been recorded correctly.
👤 Organizer
Organizer Name: The Right Move Chess Foundation
Contact Person: Hector Rodriguez
Email: therightmovetd@gmail.com
Website: https://chesstrm.org/NYC/
The Right Move Chess Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides free chess tournaments and educational opportunities for young players in New York.
Through its long-running tournament program, the foundation promotes competitive experience, sportsmanship, and community participation.
Hector Rodriguez serves as the organization’s president and is the published contact for tournament-related questions and corrections.
📍 Venue
Riverbank State Park Theater/Auditorium – 679 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10031, United States.
The tournament takes place at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, a major public recreation and cultural complex overlooking the Hudson River in Upper Manhattan.
The organizer identifies the park’s Theater/Auditorium as its Riverbank tournament location. The park’s Cultural Complex includes an indoor theater and facilities for community activities, including chess.
The venue is near West 145th Street and Riverside Drive, with pedestrian access from the main park entrance.
Participants should follow the organizer’s directions to the designated chess playing area after entering the park.
Official Park Website:
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/riverbank-state-park-denny-farrell-riverbank-state-park
🚆 How to Get There
By Subway
New York City’s subway system provides convenient access to Riverbank State Park.
| Subway Lines | Station | Access |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 145th Street / Broadway | Short walk west |
| A, B, C, D | 145th Street / St. Nicholas Avenue | Walk west toward Riverside Drive |
The 1 train to 145th Street is the most convenient subway option for reaching the main park entrance.
From Broadway, walk west along West 145th Street toward Riverside Drive. The entrance to Riverbank State Park is located across the roadway from the surrounding neighborhood.
By Bus
The following MTA bus routes provide access to the park:
| Bus Route | Connection |
|---|---|
| M11 | Manhattan service to Riverbank State Park |
| Bx19 | Crosstown service connecting the Bronx and Manhattan |
Both services provide convenient alternatives for families and players who prefer to avoid a longer walk.
By Air
Visitors traveling from outside New York can consider the city’s three major airports.
| Airport | IATA |
|---|---|
| LaGuardia Airport | LGA |
| John F. Kennedy International Airport | JFK |
| Newark Liberty International Airport | EWR |
LaGuardia is generally the nearest of these airports to Upper Manhattan. However, the most convenient airport will depend on flight availability and the player’s onward transportation.
Public transportation, taxis, and rideshare services connect the airports with Manhattan.
By Car & Parking
Riverbank State Park is accessible from Riverside Drive near West 145th Street.
The park has a lower-level parking area, but parking is controlled and subject to availability. Drivers should stop at the security or reception booth near the West 145th Street entrance to ask about parking authorization and directions.
Because parking is limited, public transportation is often the easier option for tournament participants.
ℹ️ Other Information
Tournament Rules & Sportsmanship
Players must follow The Right Move’s published tournament rules and the instructions of the tournament directors.
Participants should arrive promptly, check their pairings, and be ready to begin play at the scheduled times.
The touch-move rule applies. In addition, players should keep the playing area quiet and report disputes to a tournament director.
Cellphones and other electronic devices may not be used during play without a director’s permission.
Tournament Check-In
Preregistered players must still check in on the morning of the tournament.
After checking in, participants should locate their designated section, pairing chart, and playing area. Pairings are normally posted shortly before each round begins.
When a game finishes, players should ensure that the result has been recorded correctly before resetting the pieces and leaving the playing area.
Supporting Youth Chess
The Right Move’s tournaments help children gain US Chess ratings and develop their competitive skills without the financial barrier of a tournament entry fee.
In addition, the events bring together families, schools, and chess communities from across New York City.
Official Tournament Information:
https://chesstrm.org/NYC/
Organizer
♟️ About The Right Move Chess Foundation
The Right Move Chess Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit chess organization serving young players in New York City and the Greater Capital District of Albany, New York. Founded in 1990, the organization uses chess as an educational tool to help young people develop concentration, discipline, decision-making skills, and confidence through regular competitive play.
The foundation is particularly known for its “Free Chess for Youth” programme. It organizes a continuing series of free tournaments during the school year, removing entry-fee barriers that can prevent young players from gaining regular tournament experience. Events welcome players across multiple skill and rating levels, while selected sections also allow adult participation.
Hector Rodriguez serves as President of The Right Move and is a principal contact for its New York City tournament programme. The organization works in partnership with public institutions and community venues to provide accessible chess opportunities throughout New York.
🏆 Tournaments & Activities
The Right Move organizes frequent US Chess-rated tournaments throughout the school year. Its New York City programme regularly holds events at Riverbank State Park, Roberto Clemente State Park, and other community venues.
The tournaments generally feature multiple sections based on age, grade, and US Chess rating. These include sections for beginners and developing scholastic players as well as stronger rated competitors. Consequently, young players can progress through increasingly competitive groups as their playing strength develops.
Most events use a rapid time control and four-round Swiss-system format. Although tournament entry is normally free, participants competing in rated sections must maintain an appropriate US Chess membership.
The organization also recognizes achievement with trophies, medals, and team awards. In addition to individual results, school and club teams can compete for recognition based on the combined performances of their players.
📜 History & Achievements
The Right Move has provided free competitive chess opportunities for young players since 1990. Over more than three decades, its tournament programme has grown into a long-running series of rated scholastic events in New York.
Its New York City tournament series has passed 370 individual events, demonstrating exceptional continuity. Regular tournaments at Riverbank State Park and Roberto Clemente State Park provide young players with repeated opportunities to gain tournament experience and develop official US Chess ratings.
A central feature of the organization is its educational mission. The Right Move promotes chess mastery together with parental and educational involvement, viewing competitive chess as part of broader youth development rather than simply as a sporting activity.
The foundation continues to cooperate with the New York State Department of Parks and local venues to make organized chess accessible to families throughout the city. Its recurring free events have created a sustainable pathway from introductory scholastic chess to regular rated competition.
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