The Southern California Open Chess Tournament returns to Glendale September 4–7, 2026, following a successful Glendale debut last year that brought more than 300 players from across the country. The four-day tournament will take place at the Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale and feature seven competitive sections and a guaranteed $60,000 prize fund.
 
Organized by the American Chess Academy and dot818, the Southern California Open continues a decades-long tradition of competitive chess while bringing together players of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
 
The Southern California Open will feature seven sections: Open, U2300, U2100, U1900, U1700, U1500, and U1300. The weekend will also include the Southern California Blitz Tournament on September 7, featuring a separate $2,000 guaranteed prize fund.
 
For more information on the Southern California Open Chess Tournament and how to register, visit GlendalePlaysChess.com or contact Armen Ambartsoumian at AmericanChessAcademy@gmail.com.

Registration Deadline: September 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Details:
Date: Friday, September 4 – Monday, September 7, 2026
Location: Hilton Glendale
Address: 100 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202