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

K–5 Under 400

K–8 Under 700

K–8 Championship

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

Everyone will use a chess clock.

Players do not need extensive experience using a clock, but we strongly encourage them to practice before tournament day. The tournament uses a 5-second delay, not increment.

US Chess Membership

A current US Chess membership is required for all players.

If your child already has a US Chess membership, please enter their US Chess ID during registration.

If your child has never been a US Chess member, Keystone Chess Academy can help obtain their membership during registration.

If your child's membership has expired, it must be renewed before the tournament.

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

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

Maximum enrollment is 120 players.

Please make sure all registration information is accurate, especially your child’s name, grade, school, and US Chess ID. Your child's US Chess IDs can be found here: https://ratings.uschess.org/

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

Awards

Awards information will be announced shortly.