2026 CONNECTICUT CHESS FESTIVAL

NEW IMPORTANT! NON-PLAYER & PARENT SPECTATING OPTION! CSCA will permit SPECTATING at this event for non-playing participants, i.e., parents, non-players, etc. A fee for spectating admission is included above: $10 for 1 day, $18 for 2 days and $25 for all three days. Please note that spectating rules which will be published ahead of the event must be observed by spectators at all times to avoid interference, distraction, noise, etc., as this remains a chess event. Spectators will be able to view the games from one or more side and vantages on the event floor. Parents will be allowed on the event floor and will not be mandated to remain outside the play hall. However, violations of the spectating rules and restrictions or event interference will instantly be barred from the event hall and floor. If a spectator has to be barred from the competition areas, NO REFUND of the spectating fee will be provided.  

IMPORTANT! (1) Please enter the Festival here and after entry is completed, please go to the secondary registration page to select your Festival activities. (2) The independent USCF-rated State Championships on Day 2 and 3 of the Festival listed above and in the below schedule require registration through the pages of those events and include Festival entry for that day. Please do not enter the Festival on a day if and when you are participating in one of those independent State Championship events. 

A Connecticut State Community Event!

A Three-Day Collection of Activities of Broad Chess Interest!

$6,000+ in Combined Guaranteed Prizes and Trophy & Plaque Awards!

Live DGT Broadcast! Exceptional Collegiate Venue! Onsite Dining!

Sponsored by the Connecticut State Chess Association

Friday, April 3, 2026 to

Sunday, April 5, 2026

See Schedule for Activity Times

Trinity College, Athletic Center

Register online through day before participation. See flyer for onsite schedule, which varies by day and activity. All states welcome!

Activities (complete schedule):

Day 1: Friday, April 3

OTB Rapid and Rapid960 Arena

Connecticut Champions Clash

Lecture, Simul & Arena w/ GM Irina Krush

Blitz and Blitz960 Swiss

TD Class/Lecture

Rapid and Rapid960 Swiss

2-Player Alternating Team Swiss

Connecticut Game Zero Swiss

Day 2: Saturday, April 4

Connecticut Speed (Rapid, Blitz & Bullet)

Championships*

Parallel Unrated Speed Tournaments

Day 3: Sunday, April 5

CT Classical (Women’s, Senior, Collegiate,

Medior & Junior) Championships*

Parallel Unrated Classical Tournaments

* Event entry is not included in Festival entry. Follow event links to register for these Championships separately.  

Prizes: Unless stated otherwise, all competition events will award: Trophy to Top 3 players, $50 in CSCA Event Credit to First Place, and performance Medals to Festival participants. Trophy and $50 shall be awarded to the Top Festival Participant (most events), Top Overall Upset (rated opponents only), and Top Total Score (most points earned). Cash prizes paid via PayPal. Entry: Register online: $20 one day, $35 two days or $45 all three days, by day before; Onsite $10 more. After completing entry, proceed here to select your activities. All activities included with entry, except USCF-rated events on Day 2 and 3. Notes: [1] Prizes & tax requirements. All prizes are paid via PayPal. Players winning $600 or more in a calendar year must submit a W-9 to events.CSCA@gmail.com. [2] Refunds/Cancellation Policy: To withdraw and request a refund, players MUST email their request to events.CSCA@gmail.com no later than Apr 1 at 11:59 PM. Refund requests not emailed or received after deadline, will not be honored. Refunds are subject to $20 administrative fee. For complete event notes and terms please visit ChessCT.org.