Day & Knight September Open 2026

Join us for a full day of USCF- and FIDE-rated chess featuring a $600 projected prize fund, trophies, and a player raffle!

Date and Location

Saturday, September 26, 2026
Crossroads Christian Church – Chapel
2380 Fullerton Avenue, Corona, CA 92881

Enter through the gate on the elementary school side and continue to the chapel at the end. Free parking is available on-site.

Entry Fees

Early Bird — Through September 6

  • Non-Member: $30

  • Community Member: $15

  • Premium Member: FREE

Standard — After September 6

  • Non-Member: $45

  • Community Member: $30

  • Premium Member: $15

Membership information: dayknightchess.org/membership

Sections and Schedule

All sections are USCF rated. Players must bring their own board, pieces, and chess clock.

Open – G/80; d10

FIDE Classical Rated
Recommended for players rated 1500+ or with a FIDE Classical rating. A FIDE ID is required.

Check-in: 8:30 AM
Rounds: 9:00 AM, 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM

U1600, U1200 and U800 – G/45; d5

Check-in: 9:30 AM
Rounds: 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM

Rating ranges:

  • U1600: 1100–1599

  • U1200: 700–1199

  • U800: 0–799 and unrated

Tournament staff may place unrated players in the appropriate section based on known playing strength.

$600 Projected Prize Fund

Based on 80 paid entries, with 50% guaranteed.

  • Open: $125 / $85 / $60

  • U1600: $50 / $35 / $25

  • U1200: $50 / $35 / $25

  • U800: $50 / $35 / $25

Prizes are listed in 1st/2nd/3rd-place order. The prize fund may be adjusted proportionally based on paid entries but will not be reduced below $300. Cash prizes are divided equally among tied players.

Trophies will also be awarded to the top three players in every section.

Player Raffle

Every registered player will automatically be entered into the tournament raffle.

Pizza and Drinks

Lunch is not included. Players and families may preorder a $6 pizza combo, which includes two pizza slices and one drink.

Preordering guarantees availability:

Preorder Pizza and Drinks

Additional combos, individual slices, and drinks may be purchased at the tournament while supplies last.

Requirements

  • Current US Chess membership required

  • FIDE ID required for the Open Section

  • Request a FIDE ID

  • Bring your own board, pieces, and clock

  • No refunds for same-day withdrawals or cancellations

Contact

Tournament questions, entries, withdrawals and pairings:
Jake Nemeth — (949) 554-4539
judgementdaystaff@gmail.com

General questions:
Edwin Ruiz — (951) 283-2092
edwin@dayknightchess.org