2026 Linden-McKinley STEM Academy (K-12) Scholastic Tournament

Linden-McKinley Scholastic Chess Tournament

Saturday, January 10th, 2026

Linden-McKinley STEM Academy

1320 Duxberry Ave, Columbus, OH 43211

Organizer: The Columbus Chess Academy with collaboration with Linden-McKinley

Contact: Kathy Lin, 614-746-7682, info@columbuschessacademy.org 

Sections:                          

K-3 Nonrated: Includes all nonrated players in grades K-3   

4-5 Nonrated: Includes all nonrated players in grades 4-5

6-12 Nonrated: Includes all nonrated players in grades 6-12                                                

Reserve (K-12, U500): Grades K-12 with ratings below 500

Premier (K-12, U900): Grades K-12 with ratings below 900

Championship (K-12, Open): Includes top rated players from all grade levels

NOTE: Players with more than 10 rated games are not eligible for the nonrated sections. Players in the rated sections must be registered with http://www.uschess.org  before the tournament. January rating supplement will be used. Organizer has right to adjust sections based on the number of entries. Notation is not required for players except in the Open section. US Chess approved electronic scoresheets allowed.

Format: 5 Round Swiss: G/30; d5 for all rounds for Nonrated sections, Reserve, and Premier.

4 Round Swiss: G/45; d5 for all rounds for the Open section.

Schedule:

8:15 – 8:45: Self-check-in. No section changes after 8:45 AM

9:00 – 9:10: Announcements

9:10: Round 1 Begins

NOTE: Subsequent rounds will start once everyone in the section finishes. Players are scheduled to play all rounds (no elimination). Awards will be conducted as sections finish. Students play all rounds; no elimination. Sets will be provided for all sections. Rated players should bring their own clocks if they have one. Unrated players may choose any appropriate section. Clocks will be used in all sections with games reaching the time limit. 

Registration: Register at columbuschessacademy.org. $35 for all registrations before January 4^th; thereafter $40 registration fee until 8 PM January 9^th. No on-site registrations. Discounted entry fee and sponsorships for students with financial need are available. Contact Kathy Lin for more information. Refunds for withdrawals with $5 administrative fee will be given if requested by 8 PM January 9^th. No refunds thereafter. To register by mail: Print fill out information below and mail to Kathy Lin. One ½-point bye allowed if requested before Round 2.

Awards: Trophies to all players achieving a score of 3.5 points or higher in the nonrated sections, Reserve, and Premier. Trophies to top 3 players in the Open. Trophies to top 3 teams (school only) in each section (top 4 scores count for team). All students will receive a medal or keychain.

Concessions: Concessions will be available on-site for purchase (cash only).

Parking:  Parking available in the Linden-McKinley lot or on the street.