2026 Keystone Fall Scholastic Championship

2026 Keystone Fall Scholastic Championship

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Exton Hotel & Conference Center

815 N. Pottstown Pike, Exton, PA 19341

The 2026 Keystone Fall Scholastic Championship is open to students in grades K–8 with and without prior tournament experience. First-time tournament players are welcome.

Players will compete in a four-round US Chess-rated Swiss tournament. All players participate in all four rounds; this is not an elimination tournament.

Planned Sections

K–3 Under 200 — Grades K–3, unrated or rated below 200

K–5 Under 400 — Grades K–5, rated 200–399

K–8 Under 700 — Grades K–8, rated 400–699

K–8 Championship — Grades K–8, rated 700+

Sections may be adjusted based on registration. Keystone Chess Academy and the tournament director will place players in the appropriate section based on grade, US Chess rating, and tournament experience.

Time Control

All games will be played at G/25; d5 — each player receives 25 minutes for the game with a 5-second delay before the clock begins counting down on each move.

The tournament is dual-rated by US Chess, so games count toward both Regular and Quick ratings.

First Tournament?

That’s completely fine. Many players in the lower sections may be competing in their first US Chess-rated tournament.

Players should know how the chess pieces move and be able to play a complete game independently. Tournament staff will explain procedures before play begins.

Chess Clocks

Chess clocks will be used as appropriate. Players in the higher sections should expect to use a clock, while some beginner games may begin without one.

Players do not need extensive experience using a clock, but we encourage them to practice before tournament day. When clocks are used, the tournament uses a 5-second delay, not increment.

US Chess Membership

A current US Chess membership is required for all players.

Already a US Chess member? Please enter your child’s US Chess ID during registration.

Need a new membership or renewal? Add a one-year youth US Chess membership during registration for $24 and Keystone will take care of it for you.  

Not sure of your child’s US Chess ID? You can look it up here: https://ratings.uschess.org/

Schedule

Exact round times will be announced before the tournament.

Registered families will receive final check-in and tournament-day information by email before November 14.

Registration

Early-Bird Entry Fee: $45 through October 31

Entry Fee beginning November 1: $55  

A new or renewed youth US Chess membership may be added for an additional $24.

Advance registration is required. No on-site registration will be available.

Registration closes Thursday, November 12 at 11:59 PM, or earlier if the tournament reaches its 120-player capacity.

Please make sure all registration information is accurate, especially your child’s name, grade, school, and US Chess ID.

Byes and Withdrawals

If your child knows in advance that they will miss a round, please contact Keystone Chess Academy at info@keystonechess.com before the tournament to request a bye. Bye requests are subject to the Tournament Director’s approval and tournament rules.

If your child needs to withdraw after registering, please notify Keystone Chess Academy as soon as possible. Players who leave the tournament early must notify the tournament director before departing so they are not paired in later rounds.

Awards

Individual and school team trophies will be awarded in each section.