OPEN
Western Illinois Chess Club USCF Rated, 7-Round New Year’s 2026 Rapid Chess Tournament
Open to all ages. USCF membership required.
When: Saturday, January 24th, 2026 9am – 4pm
Type: 7 Round Swiss USCF Quick Rapid Rated G/15; d2
Where: Western Illinois University – Quad Cities Campus, Riverfront Building, rooms 103/104, 3300 River Drive Moline, Illinois, 61265
Registration: 9:00-9:45am. If you are planning to come later, please register in advance online via kingregistration website and/or let us know if you need a bye and for what round. Coffee, snacks, lunch included with registration fee.
Register online here: https://www.kingregistration.com/register/NewYearsRapid26
Rounds:
1st round: 10:00am
2nd round: 10:45am
3rd round: 11:30am
Lunch Break – Pizza and Drinks included with registration fee
4th round: 1:00pm
5th round: 1:45pm
6th round: 2:30pm
7th round: 3:15pm
Entry Fee: $20 cash in person or $20 online via kingregistration
Sections: Open Section & Under 1200 Section
Open Section Prize: Trophies 1st thru 10th Place. Medals 11th thru 20th place. Rated US Chess Quick.
Under 1200 Section Prize: Trophies 1st Thru 10th Place, Medals for 11th thru 20th Place.
Additional info:
-US Chess Federation (USCF) membership required. On Site Registration Available. We have some vouchers for free USCF membership for those 17 and under. $3 off for adults.
-Parents/Guardians of young chess players are responsible for their children. Parents/Guardians must be present at all times of the tournament and may enjoy some light snacks or coffee in waiting area while games are in progress.
-Boards and clocks will be provided but are limited. Bring your own clock and board if possible.
-By registering for this event, you also agree to have your photo taken to be used on our facebook page for promo purposes. Sometimes the local news stations show up as well.
For questions: Contact Luis Peralta or Mariela Treviño at WesternIllinoisChess@gmail.com or (309) 737-2890
Tournament Director: Gary Nordick
Key Rules, Procedures, Cheating & Etiquette:
Contacting the TD: Stop the clock and immediately call the Tournament Director for any rule violation, illegal move, or dispute.
Touch-Move Rule: If you touch one of your pieces, you must move it if it has a legal move. If you touch an opponent’s piece, you must capture it if possible.
One-Hand Rule: Use only one hand to move a piece and press the clock.
Clock use: Make your move then press the clock to stop your time until it is your turn again. You will have 15 minutes plus a 2 second delay in each turn. Running out of time before checkmate means you lose the game automatically.
Illegal Moves: If you make one, your opponent stops the clock, shows the TD the illegal move, and you get a time penalty (2 minutes extra time will be added to your opponent).
Castling: Touch the King first, then the Rook, using one hand.
“J’adoube” (I adjust): Say this before touching a piece to adjust it, not to move it.
Pawn Promotion: The pawn is considered “touched” when it reaches the promotion square and must be promoted immediately to the piece you place on that square.
No Outside Help: No computers, phones (strict penalties), books, or talking to others about the game during play.
Communication: Only talk to your opponent or the TD. Be courteous. Be curteous of the players and their ongoing games around you. Whisper if talking must happen.
Cell Phones: Keep them off and away; penalties are severe.
Disputes: Handle calmly; argue with the TD, not your opponent.
Where to Find More rules: The full rules are in the US Chess Federation’s website under Official Rules of Chess section.
ICA members save $5
You don’t need to be an ICA member to enter, but members save $5 on state championship events. Join or renew →