2026 Clinton Scholastic (K-8)

Clinton Scholastic Chess Tournament

Saturday, February 7th, 2026

Clinton Elementary School

10 Clinton Heights, Columbus OH, 43202 

NOTE: This tournament is designed for students in Grades K-8

Organizer: The Columbus Chess Academy with collaboration with Clinton Elementary

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

Sections:                          

K-3 Non-Rated: Includes all nonrated players in grades K-3   

4-5 Non-Rated: Includes all nonrated players in grades 4-5

6-8 Non-Rated: Includes all nonrated players in grades 6-8                        

Reserve (K-8, U600): Grades K-8 with ratings below 600

Premier (K-8, U900): Grades K-8 with ratings below 900

Championship (K-8, Open): Includes top rated players in grades K-8

Format:

K-3 Nonrated, 4-5 Nonrated, 6-8 Nonrated, Reserve, and Premier: 5 Round Swiss, G30;d5

Championship: 4 Round Swiss: G45;d5

Schedule:

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

9:05 – 9:15: Announcements

9:15: Round 1

Subsequent rounds will start once everyone in the section finishes. Players are scheduled to play all five rounds (no elimination). Awards will be conducted as sections finish.

Registration: Register at columbuschessacademy.org. $35 for all registrations until January 31^st; thereafter $40 registration fee until 8 PM February 6^th. No on-site registrations. Discounted entry fee 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 February 6^th. No refunds thereafter. To register by mail: Print fill out information below and mail to Kathy Lin.

Awards: Trophies to all players achieving a score of 3.5 points or higher; Championship section: 3 points or higher or top 3. Trophies to top 3 teams (school only) in each section (top 4 scores count for team). Every participant will receive either a keychain or participation medal.

Notes: Students play all rounds; no elimination. Sets will be provided for all sections. Rated players should bring their own clocks if they have one. Players with more than 10 rated games are not eligible for the non-rated sections. Unrated players may choose any appropriate section. In non-rated games, notation is not required and clocks are not required but may be used if both players agree. In rated sections, notation is optional for grade K-3 players in the Reserve section, but a player will lose the right to make claims requiring a score sheet; notation is required for all other rated players. Clocks will be used in all sections with games reaching the time limit. 

Players in the rated sections must be registered with https://www.uschess.org before the tournament. February rating supplement will be used. Organizer has a right to adjust section cutoffs based on registered participants. If this happens, you will be notified. One half-point bye may be requested before the start of round 2.

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

Directions: Clinton Elementary is located at 10 Clinton Heights, Columbus OH, 43202. Please park in the parking lot off of East North Broadway or on the street.