Hilton Irvine / Orange County Airport
18800 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine, CA 92612

OPEN • U1800 • U1400
6 Rounds • G/60+30

U700
6 Double Rounds • 12 Games • G/25+5


REGISTRATION

$50 Early Entry through December 11, 2026
$60 Entry beginning December 12, 2026

GM / IM / WGM / FM — FREE ENTRY if under 2400 FIDE Classical

Registration Deadline: Saturday at 9:00 AM

Register by 9:00 AM to be paired for Round 1. Registrations after 9:00 AM will receive a ½-point bye for Round 1.

MAIN EVENT & BLITZ REGISTRATION


SECTIONS

RATING ELIGIBILITY

Playing Up: Players may use their highest USCF Regular or USCF Online Regular rating achieved between August 23, 2026, and the tournament date.


OPEN — 1700+

FIDE & USCF Rated • G/60+30

Open to players rated 1700+.

Players must be under 2400 FIDE Classical. There is no USCF maximum.


U1800 — UNDER 1800

FIDE & USCF Rated • G/60+30

Open to players rated 1300–1799.

Players under 1400 with a FIDE Classical rating must play in U1800.


U1400 — UNDER 1400 & UNRATED

USCF Rated Only • G/60+30

Open to players rated under 1400 and unrated players.

Players with a FIDE Classical rating are not eligible.

Players under 700 may choose to play in U1400.


U700 — UNDER 700 & UNRATED

USCF Rated Only • G/25+5

6 Double Rounds • 12 Games

Open to players rated under 700 and unrated players.

Each scheduled round includes 2 games against the same opponent, with colors reversed.

Players under 700 and unrated players may choose to play in U1400.


SCHEDULE

Open • U1800 • U1400: 1 game per round
U700: 2 games per round (Double Round)

SATURDAY — DECEMBER 19

Round 1 — 10:00 AM

Round 2 — 1:30 PM

Round 3 — 5:00 PM

SUNDAY — DECEMBER 20

Round 4 — 10:00 AM

Round 5 — 1:30 PM

Round 6 — 5:00 PM


PLAYER INFORMATION

Players must bring their own board, pieces, and digital chess clock.

Scoresheets are provided. U1400 and U700 players may bring their own scoresheets if preferred.

Players in FIDE-rated sections must submit the WHITE COPY after each game.


BYES & WITHDRAWALS

Byes: Up to 3 half-point byes may be requested. Requests must be made before pairings are posted.

Withdrawals: Notify the Tournament Director before the next round is paired.


NEED A USA FIDE ID?

FIDE ID FORM


REFUNDS

Refunds are available through December 18, 2026, with a $25 administrative fee.

No refunds beginning December 19, 2026.


SATURDAY & SUNDAY NIGHT BLITZ

MAIN EVENT & BLITZ REGISTRATION

SATURDAY — FREE ENTRY
SUNDAY — $5 ENTRY

Main Event participation is not required.

G/3+2 • 5 Double Rounds • 10 Games

BOTH NIGHTS

Registration Deadline — 8:00 PM
Required Check-In — By 8:15 PM
Round 1 Starts — 8:30 PM

Players must check in by 8:15 PM to be paired.

Game 1 starts at the scheduled time. Game 2 starts as soon as possible after Game 1.

Players rated under 1400 and unrated players may choose to play in either the U1400 or Open section.

OPEN

FIDE & USCF Rated • All Ratings

No maximum rating.

U1400

USCF Rated Only • Under 1400 & Unrated


BEST GAME

Submit a Main Event classical game.

One submission per player.

TOP 3 GAMES

The Top 3 Games will each receive a:

1-Month Diamond Membership

SUBMIT YOUR GAME


HOTEL & PARKING

Hilton Irvine / Orange County Airport
18800 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine, CA 92612

BOOK HILTON IRVINE — SAVE 10%

Parking — $15/day • No in-and-out privileges

Parking stickers are available at the TD table.


CONTACT

Tournament Director: Jake Nemeth

judgementdaystaff@gmail.com
(949) 554-4539