Chess for Cure SOCAL Open
benefiting gynecologic cancer research at

4 Sections (Open, U2000, U1400, U1000)
Open and U2000 sections FIDE Rated

September 20 - 21, 2025

New Location!

DoubleTree by Hilton Monrovia-Pasadena Area
924 W Huntington Dr, Monrovia, CA 91016

Hotel Rate: $164 per night.
Call hotel to reserve 626-357-1900. Mention City of Hope rate. (instead of pressing any extension, wait until you reach a front desk agent to book).
Breakfast $10 if added at the time of booking.

$10,000 in prizes based on 190 paid entries
(U1000 entries count as half paid entry)
(recognizing top woman player in each section)

"Chess for Cure" is a nonprofit initiative that promotes awareness and raises funds for women's gynecologic cancer research and also empowers female chess players. To commemorate Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in September, and World Gynecologic Oncology Day (September 20), a portion of the tournament proceeds will support City of Hope's gynecologic cancer research as well as U.S. Women in Chess programs.

You can also support the cause by joining the fundraiser to directly benefit City of Hope's gynecologic cancer research.

To join the fundraiser: https://ourhope.cityofhope.org/chessforcure 

Volunteer Sign-Up

Prizes (based on 190):

• Open (FIDE rated): $1,600 (Plaque) - 1000 - 800 - 400; U2200: $400 - $200; Top Woman: $600 and plaque
• Under 2000 (FIDE rated): $1000 - 600 - 400 - 300; U1600: $300; Top Woman: $400
• Under 1400: $600 - 400 - 200; Top U1200: $200; Top Woman: $200
• Under 1000 (Sat only): $200 - 100 - 50; Top Girl: $50; Trophy to top 5, top U800, top unrated

 Format/Time Control:

• Open, Under 2000, Under 1400: 5 rounds (Round 1 G/60;d5; Rounds 2-5 G/90;+30); Round 1 is not FIDE rated in Open and U2000
• Under 1000: Saturday only - 5 rounds G/30;d5

Rounds Times:

• Opening ceremony begins at 9:45 a.m.
• Open, Under 2000, Under 1400: Saturday 10:00 a.m. (G/60;d5), Saturday (G/90;+30) 1:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. Sunday (G/90;+30) 9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.
• Under 1000: Saturday 10:00 a.m., subsequent rounds ASAP.

Entry Fee:

• Open: $110 by 8/24, $125 by 9/18, $150 after or on-site. Minimum rating 1900 to play up into Open section.
• Under 2000: $110 by 8/24, $125 by 9/18, $150 after or on-site. Minimum rating 1300 to play up into U2000 section.
• Under 1400: $110 by 8/24, $125 by 9/18, $150 after or on-site.
• Under 1000: $55 by 8/24, $65 by 9/18, $80 after or on-site.
• Re-entry $80 in U2000 & U1400 only.
• On-site registration closes 1 hour prior to the start of Round 1.

Byes: 2-half point byes allowed in all sections. Byes must be requested before the start of round 3.

Default time is 1 hour.

Please bring your own chess set and clock. Boards and sets are not provided. 

Organized by Chess for Cure

Contact: ChessforCureSoCal@gmail.com