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Program Information


Costumes & Checkmates (SUNDAY)

Weekend Qualifier Tournaments

Event Overview

  • Purpose: Qualify into the Governor’s Cup Tournament
  • Awards: Top winners in each section receive a trophy
  • Special: Buy Three, Get One Free bundle available

Super Qualifier Tournament Schedule

Event Date Time Location
Queen of Hearts (Sunday) February 15th 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM 70th and Shea
Tornado (Sunday) February 22nd 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM 70th and Shea
Cyclone (Sunday) March 1st 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Chandler TBA
Earthquake (Sunday) March 8th 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM 70th and Shea
Hurricane (Sunday) March 29th 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Chandler TBA
Tsunami (Sunday) April 12th 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM 70th and Shea
Aftershock (Sunday) April 19th 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Paradise Valley TBA

Round Times

Round Start Time
Round 19:30 AM
Round 210:45 AM
Round 312:15 PM
Round 41:30 PM

Please arrive a bit early so players can check in and be ready to start on time.

Tournament Sections

Students are placed into a section based on grade and (when applicable) their ASCF rating. Grade determines the lowest section a student may enter, and rating (if provided) helps place students in the most appropriate group.

Kinder

Kindergarten students are always placed in the Kinder section.

K–3 Under 500

Students in grades K–3 with an ASCF rating below 500 are placed in this section.

K–6 Under 600

Students in grades K–6 with an ASCF rating below 600 are placed in this section.

Champs

The Champs section is our most competitive section and is dual-rated, meaning students receive both ASCF and USCF rating results.

How Placement Works (Simple Guide)

  • Kinder: Always placed in Kinder
  • K–3: If ASCF rating is below 500, placed in K–3 U500
  • K–6: If ASCF rating is below 600, placed in K–6 U600
  • Champs: For higher-rated / most competitive players (dual-rated ASCF + USCF)

If you’re unsure which section is best for your student, we’re happy to help place them.

Who Should Participate?

  • Students interested in competitive chess
  • Players looking to earn or improve their chess rating
  • Students who enjoy learning through real-game experience

Common Questions

What are the ages for this tournament?
These tournaments are open to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade (K–12).

Is my student ready for this tournament?
If your student knows how the pieces move and understands check and checkmate, they are ready to participate. These are rated tournaments, meaning your student will be paired against players of similar skill levels.

What is an ASCF membership?
An ASCF membership is part of our tournament rating system. When a student plays in rated events, their results are tracked to assign them a rating. As students win games, their rating increases and they are paired against more challenging opponents. If they lose games, their rating may decrease, and they are paired against players closer to their current level. This system helps ensure fair, balanced, and enjoyable competition for everyone.

Have questions or want help registering? Call us at 602-482-4867.

Location:

70th and Shea
7000 E. Shea Blvd., Suite E-120
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Date:

October 26th, 2025

Time:

9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Cost:

$41.50 on October 26th, 2025

Register:

Online registration is currently closed for this program