01/24/2026
Train Depot, West Room
430 N Main St El Dorado, KS 67042
This tournament is going to be held regardless of the weather as long as I can make it to the venue. I *should* be able to make it since I live in El Dorado. However, due to weather cutting attendance short, I have modified the format of the tournament. It is now an open tournament with only four prizes instead of the previous 10. The prize guarantee is also 25%. These modifications are made with guidance of the US Chess Weather and Evacuation Policy for inclement weather. See section 12 https://new.uschess.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/inclement_weather_evacuation_policy-with-events-added-final-1-23-2036.pdf
No late fees for on-site registration, and anyone can register for $10 if they don't want to pay $35 to compete for the prizes.
Format: 4-round Swiss (no eliminations).
Time Control: g/45; d5.
Registration: 8:30 - 9:15. Rounds: 9:30 - 12:00 - 1:45 - 3:30.
Players who register in advance do not need to arrive early.
One 1/2-point bye may be requested at any time before round 2 pairings. No changes to requested byes allowed after round 2 pairings.
Everyone can register as Scholastic at a discount if they wish to do so.
Scholastic players will not be eligible for cash prizes.
All games will be rated by the United States Chess Federation. (Regular and Quick)
All players must be members of the United States Chess Federation.
KCA membership not required.
Normal Entry Fee: $35 by 1/21 at midnight or $35 on-site.
Scholastic Entry Fee: $10 by 1/21 at midnight or $10 after or on-site.
On-site registration is cash-only.
Players that wish to change their section may do so only during registration before round 1. Players that registered in advanced for prizes may change to no-prizes for a refund of the difference.
There will be 2 sections available to register in, but all scholastic sections will be merged into their non-scholastic counterpart for a total of 1 sections:
Open (Anyone)
Scholastic Open
TD reserves the right to merge sections or move select players up or down a section if deemed necessary for pairings.
TD also reserves rights to use accelerate pairings if deemed necessary.
Sections will be based on supplemental ratings from January 2026. (see Fine Print below) *
$1000 Prize Fund (b/40 Normal entries, 25% guaranteed):
Biggest upset: $200 (see Fine Print below) **
Open:
1st: $400
2nd: $225
3rd: $175
Players must bring their own board, pieces and clocks. There are very few clocks for the TD to loan.
TD may be too busy to assist players in setting their clocks. It is advised that players set their own clocks before the event.
Coffee: Great coffee shop (Dilly Deli) within a short walk
Food: Mexican restaurant within a short walk, Casey's, Taco Bell, Wendy's, and Arby's within a short drive. We have a refrigerator to keep food and drinks in, and a microwave to cook it.
Parking: Free, on-site.
Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have.
Email: kansasrookies@gmail.com
Phone (Text only): (316) 350-7354
* Any rating changes between registration and the tournament day that disqualifies you from playing in your registered section will have you moved up one section. Does not apply to players registered for the Open section. Example, Amateur player rated 1150 gains 60 points and becomes 1210 according to January supplements. This player would be moved to Reserve before round 1 pairings.
** Unrated players will be considered to be 1400 for biggest upset calculations. The prize will be awarded to the winner of the game with the largest Regular rating gap. All games in all sections will be considered for the single biggest upset. Winner of biggest upset may also qualify and win a place prize in their section.