Sponsored by the Leon County Division of Tourism/Visit Tallahassee and Challenger Learning Center (CLC), the Tallahassee Young Knights (TYK) Chess Club is organizing a USCF-rated chess tournament in April 2026 at CLC, located in the heart of downtown Tallahassee. The main event will be a four-round Quick tournament, with a six-round Blitz side event in a separate announcement.
Free Activities on Friday (4/3) and Saturday (4/4):
Classic Chess Documentary Film (in 2003): “Game Over: Kasparov and the Machine”
Grandmaster Showdown featuring Live Commentary (GM Julio Becerra vs. GM Alexander Fishbein)
Simultaneous Exhibitions against Grandmasters*
Grandmaster Lectures with Interactive Discussions
Demonstrations and Hands-on Activities designed to Teach, Challenge, and Entertain Chess Lovers of all Ages/Skill Levels
(* with minimal competition charge)
Tournament Details:
Date: April 5th (Sunday), 2026
Location: Challenger Learning Center, 200 S Duval St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Format: 4SS, G/20, d5 (4 Swiss rounds, 20 min w/ 5 sec delay in each move)
Sections: Open, U1400, U800
Check in: 9:30am (first game is expected to start at 10am sharp)
Round Times: 10am-11am-1pm-2pm. One half point bye is allowed in any round before the start of Round 2.
Registration fee: $40 online by 4/4/2026 (with $10 discount if payment is received by 3/1/2026). On-site payment is acceptable with $5 late fee.
Prizes: Open ($100 + trophy 1st, $80 2nd, $40 1st U1600), U1400 ($80 + trophy 1st, $60 2nd, $40 1st U1100), U800 ($80 + trophy 1st, $60 2nd)
Notes: Active USCF membership is required. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own chess sets and clocks (a limited number will be provided by the organizers).