2025 Castle Chess Grand Prix Tournament
Online Grand Prix Registration
Note “No Spectator” policy!
$12,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund
Dates:
June 27-29 or 28-29, 2025
Location:
Emory University – Emory Student Center
605 Asbury Circle, Atlanta, GA.
Free Parking at Emory is at the Peavine Parking Lot, 29 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA. Use the covered parking deck – do not park in the outside deck or you will be charged. Allow ~15 minutes to walk from Peavine to the ESC.
Format:
5 rounds. Time Control: G/90, inc/10. 2-day schedule, round 1, G/60, inc/10.
Sections & Prizes:
$12,000 fully guaranteed prize fund in 7 sections.
Master (2200+): $1700 – $1000 – $500; top U2400: $600 – $300. 80 USCF Grand Prix Points.
Expert (2000-2199): $1000 – $600 – $400.
Class A (1800-1999): $800 – $500 – $300.
Class B (1600-1799): $600 – $400 – $300.
Class C (1400-1599): $500 – $300 – $200.
Class D (1200-1399 or Unrated): $500 – $300 – $200.
U1200 (100-1199 or Unrated): $500 – $300 – $200.
* Strict 100-point rule used for “playing up” a section – see below.
- June 2025 US Chess ratings usually used.
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100-point Rule: Players rated within 100 points of next section cutoff (June USCF supplement or live rating thereafter) may “play up” a section if they choose to.
- Example: a player rated 1700 in the June 2025 rating list (or live rating thereafter) may play up in Class A if they choose to, but not a player rated 1699.
- No exceptions – do not register for a section that you are ineligible for by rating.
- Erroneous registrations will be moved to the correct section.
- Unrated players may enter the Class D or U1200 sections and are eligible for prizes.
- Prizes are paid on site on Sunday, June 29, or mailed out the week of June 30.
- For prizes of $600+, you must fill out a W-9 form with your Tax ID # and address.
Entry Fee:
- $125 online by June 24
- $140 online after June 24 or on-site (cash only, exact change), at least 45 minutes before game.
- Free entries:
- GMs, IMs, WGMs, WIMs: Free online entry. No deduction if registered by June 22, otherwise $125 deducted from prize.
- FMs and Current US Chess 2400+. Free online entry. $125 deducted from prize.
- Re-entry: $60 online or on-site (cash, exact change).
- Campers who pay for the tournament at registration should not register separately.
Registration:
Online registration is strongly recommended!
On-site registration (not recommended): 3-day – Friday 5:30-5:45pm. 2-day/Re-Entry: Saturday 9:00-9:15am. Re-enter online or on-site. Cash only (exact change) on-site.
All registration & re-entry closes 45 minutes before game.
NO CHECK-IN NEEDED if you register online – just show up for your first game.
Campers who pay for tournament at registration should not register separately.
Schedule:
3-day Schedule (5 rounds):
- Friday 6:30pm
- Saturday 1:30pm
- Saturday 6:00pm
- Sunday 9:30am
- Sunday 1:45pm
2-day Schedule(5 rounds):
- Round 1 – Saturday 10:00am (G/60, inc/10)
- Merge with 3-day schedule above starting round 2, Saturday 1:30pm.
Up to two half-point byes available, commit before first round. All byes requested during the tournament are zero points.
Contact:
tournament@castlechess.org – Chief TD Grant Oen
Notes:
- NO SPECTATORS – during active rounds, parents, spectators, and players that have finished their games are not permitted in the playing room or nearby hallways. Only staff and active players may be in the tournament hall during play.
- Boards, sets, and clocks are supplied for the tournament only – bring your own for analysis or skittles.
-
Withdrawals:
- Cancellations until June 25 incur a $5 transaction fee.
- No refunds after June 25.
- Cancellations, withdrawals, or 0-point byes must be submitted at least one hour before the relevant round. Players who “no show” or forfeit a game may incur a $100 fine.
- Fair Play Policy will mirror the Charlotte Chess Center’s FPP – please leave your cell phone in your room or car, or store them in a bag or under your chair during your game. No electronics on your person or in your pocket during play.
Campers who wish to play the tournament should register for the Grand Prix as part of camp registration and continue their room and board plan through the weekend. Or, if you prefer to stay and eat elsewhere, select “camp only” and register for the tournament separately.