Chess Tournaments

US Chess Rated Scholastic chess tournaments

Offered monthly through the school year, these tournaments are designed to give Onslow County students (public, private, homeschool, base, charter) the opportunity to compete in US Chess Rated tournaments. They’ll gain experience using chess clocks and writing chess notation.

Each tournament will be three rounds and students will be able to play all three games. The time control is G/25 d5 (each player gets 25 minutes plus a 5 second delay before the clock counts down each move).

Sept 19th - Flyer‍ ‍Register‍ ‍Entries
Oct 17th
Nov 21st
Dec 12th

  • Source: About | US Chess.org


    The US Chess Federation (US Chess) is the official governing body and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization for chess players and chess supporters in the United States. Our mission is to empower people, enrich lives, and enhance communities through chess. Our vision is that chess is recognized as an essential tool that is inclusive, benefits education and rehabilitation, and promotes recreation and friendly competition.

    US Chess represents the United States in the World Chess Federation (FIDE), connecting our members to chess players around the world. Founded in 1939 with the merger of the American Chess Federation and the National Chess Federation, US Chess has grown to serve over 110,000 members and 1,300 affiliated chess clubs and organizations today.

    Every year, US Chess sanctions and rates over 10,000 tournaments and over half a million games. We host over 25 National Championships and award titles to both amateurs and professionals, ranging from elementary school students to senior citizens.

  • Format:
    3 Rounds Swiss System - 3 games are played, no elimination, you play someone with the same score as you
    Time Control - G/25 d5 - each player begins with 25 minutes and a five second delay before their clock starts every move

    Using a Chess Clock:
    Each players gets their own clock. In the above time control, the player gets 25 minutes for all their moves. They are responsible for keeping track of their time and the opponents. A player loses on time if they have no remaining time AND the opponent calls time.

    More Useful Information (Intro to Chess, Clocks, Notation, & More!) - The United States Chess Federation - Learn to Play Chess

  • Local clubs include:

    Jacksonville Chess Club - Dairi-Os, Thursdays @ 6pm

    Onslow County Library (Main Branch) -
    Mondays/Wednesdays 10am-1pm
    Wednesdays (starting in October) 2pm-5pm

All About The Tournaments

US Chess Rated

Our goal is to provide competitive chess tournaments for players of all ages and abilities. We are affiliated with the US Chess Federation and abide by all rules and regulations outlined in the US Chess Rulebook (7th edition).

Tournament directors

All tournament directors are Safe Sport certified in accordance with USCF requirements. We believe in running a safe for all, well-organized, well-oiled tournament.

Beginner players

We strongly suggest that beginners have prior practice using a chess clock and writing down notation so they’re not struggling at their first tournament. Ask at a local chess club if you can practice ahead of time. There are scoresheets available for young beginners and new adults.