Hosted by 7EDU and ICEA Chess, the 2026 Silicon Valley ICEA Chess Tournament brings together young chess players from across the Bay Area for a professionally organized day of competition, learning, and community.

Whether you are an experienced tournament player looking to improve your USCF Official Rating or a beginner participating in your first competition, the tournament offers divisions for a wide range of skill levels. Players will compete in a 4-Round Swiss format with a G/25 + 5-second increment time control, providing multiple rounds of meaningful tournament experience.

The tournament features four divisions:

• Open

• U1200

• U600

• Rising Stars (for beginner and unrated players)

Awards include trophies for the Top 3 finishers in each section, with medals presented to Rising Stars and unrated players who do not receive a trophy.

Beyond competition, students are also invited to join the Volunteer Team, where they can gain hands-on experience in tournament operations, player check-in, event coordination, and logistics while developing leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills through a real-world event.

Whether you come to compete, learn, or volunteer, the Northern California ICEA Chess Tournament offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with fellow chess enthusiasts, and experience the excitement of a professionally organized youth chess e