Note “No Spectator” policy!

$12,000 Prize Fund – 100% Guaranteed!

When:

June 27-29 or 28-29, 2025

Where:

Emory University – Emory Student Center
605 Asbury Circle, Atlanta, GA.

Parking is in Peavine Parking Deck (covered parking deck), ~15 minutes walking to the ESC.

Format:

5 rounds. Time Control: G/90, inc/10. 2-day schedule, round 1, G/60, inc/10.

Sections & Prizes:

Master (2200+): $1700 – $1000 – $500; top U2400: $600 – $300. 80 GPP.
Expert (2000-2199): $1000 – $600 – $400.
Class A (1800-1999): $800 – $500 – $300.
Class B (1600-1799): $600 – $400 – $300.
Class C (1400-1599): $500 – $300 – $200.
Class D (1200-1399): $500 – $300 – $200.
Under 1200: $500 – $300 – $200.

  • Official June 2025 US Chess ratings usually used.
  • Players rated within 100 points of next section cutoff (June supplement or US Chess live rating) may “play up” if they choose to.
  • Unrated players may enter Under 1200 or Class D sections and are eligible for prizes.
  • Prizes paid on site on Sunday, June 29, or mailed out the week of June 30.
  • For prizes of $600+, you will be required to fill out a W-9 form with your Tax ID # and address.

Entry Fee:

  • $125 online by Tuesday, June 24
  • $140 online after June 24, or on-site (cash only) at least 45 minutes before game.
  • Free entry:
    • GMs, IMs, WGMs, WIMs. No prize deduction if registered by June 24.
    • FMs and Current US Chess 2400+. $125 deducted from prize.
  • Re-entry from 3-day to 2-day schedule: $60.
  • Castle Campers who pay for the tournament with camp entry do not need to register separately.

Register:

Online registration (coming early 2025) is strongly recommended!

On-site registration (not recommended): 3-day – Friday 5:30-5:45pm. 2-day/Re-Entry: Saturday 9:00-9:15am. Cash only on-site (exact change).

All registration & re-entry closes 45 minutes before game.

Castle Campers who pay for tournament + camp do not need to register separately.

Schedule:

3-day: Friday 6:30pm, Saturday 1:30pm & 6:00pm, Sunday 9:30am & 1:45pm.

2-day: Round 1 – Saturday 10:00am (G/60, inc/10), then merge with 3-day at 1:30pm.

Up to two half-point byes available, commit before first round. All byes requested during the tournament are zero points.

Information:

tournament@castlechess.org – Chief TD Grant Oen

Notes:

  • NO SPECTATORS – during the rounds, parents and spectators are not permitted in the playing room and nearby hallways. Only staff and active players may be in the tournament hall during play.
  • Boards, sets, and clocks are supplied for the tournament only – bring your own for analysis or skittles.
  • Free parking at Emory is in Peavine parking deck (covered parking).
  • Allow 15 minutes to walk to the Emory Student Center.
  • Withdrawals:
    • Cancellations until Thursday, June 26 may incur a $5 transaction fee.
    • No refunds after June 26.
    • During the tournament, cancellations or 0-point byes must be submitted at least one hour before the relevant round. Players who “no show” or forfeit a game are subject to a $100 fine.

Castle Chess campers who wish to play the tournament should register for the Grand Prix as part of camp registration and continue their room and board plan through the weekend.

OR, if you prefer to stay and eat elsewhere, you may can select “camp only” and register for the tournament separately.