Sun Devil Winter Classic 2026

December 5–6, 2026 | Arizona State University | Tempe, Arizona

The Chess Club @ ASU is proud to present the Sun Devil Winter Classic, an inaugural two-day chess tournament hosted at Arizona State University. Open to players of all ages and skill levels, the event brings together the chess community for a competitive weekend of tournament play.

The tournament comes at an exciting time for collegiate chess in Arizona, as Tempe is also hosting the Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Championship. As ASU welcomes collegiate teams from across the Americas, the Sun Devil Winter Classic offers the wider chess community an opportunity to participate in the excitement while supporting the university's chess program.

All proceeds from the Sun Devil Winter Classic will directly benefit the ASU Chess Club. With ASU hosting the Pan-American Intercollegiate Championship, these funds will help support the club and its continued involvement in collegiate chess. By participating, you are not only competing in a tournament but also contributing to the growth and success of chess at Arizona State University.

Tournament Information

• Dates: December 5–6, 2026

• Location: Arizona State University, Memorial Union — MU 221 Arizona Room

• Address: 301 E Orange St., Tempe, AZ 85281

• Format: 6 rounds, 3 rounds per day

• Time Control: G/60; d30

• Rating: US Chess (USCF) rated

• Capacity: 250 players

The tournament is open to all players. You do not need to be an ASU student to participate.

Sections

• Open

• U1900

• U1600

• U1300

• U1000

• U500 / Unrated

Section placement will be determined according to applicable US Chess rating guidelines and tournament regulations.

Prizes

Open Section

• 1st Place: $300

• 2nd Place: $200

• 3rd Place: $100

All other sections: Trophies will be awarded to section winners.

Entry Fees

• $50 — Standard registration

• $60 — Registration during tournament week (Beginning Nov. 30th)

Register early to secure the lower entry fee. Registration is subject to the tournament's 250-player capacity.

Byes

A maximum of two half-point byes may be requested. Bye requests must be submitted to the tournament director in advance and are subject to tournament regulations.

Support Collegiate Chess at ASU

The Sun Devil Winter Classic is an opportunity for the chess community to come together during an important moment for collegiate chess in Tempe. Every entry directly supports the ASU Chess Club and helps fund its activities as ASU hosts the Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Championship.

We appreciate your participation and support, and look forward to welcoming you to Tempe!

Contact & Organization

Organized by Paris Prestia, President of the ASU Chess Club. All proceeds benefit the ASU Chess Club.

Email: pprestia2006@gmail.com
Phone: 631-469-2886

Tournament Director: Miguel Cruz