Name: 2026 Orlando Magic Chess Championship  
Desc: VERY VERY IMPORTANT: Basketball game tickets are required to attend this event! Even if you are not playing. Please follow the steps below.

Step 1:
Use this link to buy basketball tickets at our discounted group rate starting at $24 for tournament participants AND any guests (if you are bringing a toddler see the FAQ on our event website). Tickets will be needed to enter the arena. This is our discounted group rate and availability is limited.

If you plan on attending we highly recommend that you purchase these group rate tickets as soon as you know you are attending because our group rate tickets are based on availability and could sell out based on demand. Also registration may close at any time before the start of the tournament, so register for the tournament as soon as you know you can come and play in order to guarantee a spot in the tournament.

Tickets to the Orlando Magic vs the Utah Jazz on Saturday, February 7, 2026 are required for admission to the chess tournament as well as the basketball game.

Step 2: Register and pay the chess tournament fee here on ChessRegister.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Tournament Director Nick Perez at nick@orcachess.com

You need a basketball ticket even if you are only playing in the chess tournament and don't plan to attend the game!

You will need to register and purchase tickets in order to play in the tournament. Spectators only need to purchase a basketball ticket.

Welcome to the Orlando Magic Chess Championship brought to you by the Orlando Regional Chess Alliance!

This tournament will take place in the Kia Center's Hourglass Room on February 7, 2026 before the Magic host the Utah Jazz. NOTE: Outside food is not permitted in the Kia Center. Please arrive by 10:00am because you will need time to park, get through security to get in the arena, and locate the Hourglass Room, which is on the 5th level of the arena. The tournament begins promptly at 10:45 a.m.

Lunch will be provided at the break for all participants and spectators. We will be accepting donations at that time for anyone that would like to help us offset the costs of the meal and support ORCA.

Among other prizes, the winner of the Open Rated and the winner of the Scholastic Rated sections will be recognized at center court in front of thousands of fans at the Kia Center right before the Magic take on the Jazz!

After the tournament is over you will not be able to bring your chess bag with you to the game you will need to either:

Return your chess equipment to your car

Rent a smart locker outside of the Kia Center. The Kia Center uses the BinBox smart locker service. Details about this service, including locker dimensions, can be found at this link.

This tournament has five sections:

Open Rated

Under 1600 Rated

Scholastic Rated

Scholastic Under 600 Rated

Open Non-Rated

The time control for this event is G25/d5.

ENTRANTS AND SPECTATORS MUST PURCHASE A TICKET TO THE JAZZ VS. MAGIC GAME VIA THE LINK BELOW EVEN IF THEY ARE ATTENDING ONLY THE CHESS TOURNAMENT AND NOT STAYING FOR THE BASKETBALL GAME. REGISTRANTS WITH NO GAME TICKET WILL BE UNABLE TO ENTER THE BUILDING WHERE THE CHESS TOURNAMENT IS HELD.

Buy Our Special Group Rate Tickets Here! Starting at $24 but act fast as this offer will be good until tickets sell out! This is a great deal that will not last so purchase your tickets and register here today!

Once an entrant has purchased a ticket using the provided link, they may then register here for one of our available sections.
Open Rated and Open Under 1600: $30
All other sections: $20

All sections require a USCF membership except for the Open Non-Rated section. Do not fill in the FIDE ID field. Scholastic section entrants must be in grades K - 12. Unrated students in grades K-5 may enter the Scholastic U600 section. Cash prizes (to be determined) will be awarded to the top finishers in the Open USCF Rated and Open Under 1600 Sections. Top finishers from all sections will win trophies and exclusive Orlando Magic merchandise.

Please direct any questions to Tournament Director Nick Perez at nick@orcachess.com. Any questions regarding the scholastic section can be sent to sammy@orcachess.com.

Our event website can be found at www.orlandomagicchess.com. Learn more about the Orlando Regional Chess Alliance at orcachess.com.

Schedule
Check In - 10:00 a.m.
Announcements - 10:30 a.m.
Round 1 - 10:45 a.m.
Lunch Break - 12:00 p.m.
Round 2 - 12:30 a.m.
Round 3 - 1:45 p.m.
Round 4 - 3:00 p.m.
Blitz Tiebreaks followed by Awards - 4:15 p.m.
Tournament Complete - 5:30 p.m.
Magic Vs. Jazz Tip-Off - 7:00 p.m

ROUND TIMES AND LENGTH SUBJECT TO CHANGE

PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE: By participating in our event you grant permission to the organizers to use photographs or videos of you that are taken in connection with the tournament in publications, news releases, online content, social media, or in other communications.

EMAIL POLICY: By registering for this event and providing your email address you grant permission to use the provided email address to communicate with you regarding the event or about future related activities. You may opt out of our email list by following the instructions included with each email.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES: During play, you may not possess cellphones, smart watches, or other devices capable of chess analysis or communication without the permission of a Director. Such devices may be stored in a bag near your table if they are fully powered down. A player who possesses or views a cellphone in a bathroom, or outside the tournament area during their game, loses the game. To request an exception, such as for cell phone integrated medical devices, reach out to the organizers by email before the event or to a Tournament Director before the tournament begins.


Location: 400 West Church St, Orlando, 32801 (Kia Center, Hourglass Room, 5th Floor)
Starts: Saturday 07 Feb 2026
Ends: Saturday 07 Feb 2026
Reg Ends: Friday 06 Feb 2026 8:00PM
Rounds: 4
Organizer Name: Orlando Regional Chess Alliance
Organizer eMail: nick@orcachess.com