2026 Utah Amateur Championship

Saturday, November 14th 2026

Warnock Engineering Building (“WEB”)

University of Utah

72 Central Campus Drive

Salt Lake City, UT 84112

4-round Swiss – THREE Sections

Championship Section (U1800/unrated): G/60+5

• Winner (or highest placed Utah resident) of this section is the Utah 2026 Amateur Champion and earns the right to play in the 2026 State Championship.
• Round Times: 10 a.m.; 1:00 p.m.; 3:20 p.m.; 5:40 p.m.

Reserve Section (U1400/unrated): G/45+5

• Round Times: 9:30 a.m.; 11:20 a.m.; 2:00 p.m.; 3:50 p.m.

Beginner Section (U800/unrated): G/30+5

• Round Times: First round at 9:00 am, other rounds to follow ASAP. There will be no lunch break.

Pairings:

• Accelerated Pairings: Any section that gets over 32 entrants will use accelerated pairings (USCF Rule 28R) for the first two rounds. This will help avoid ties due to perfect scores.

Prizes (b/60 total entries):

• Championship: $150-125, U1600 $75-50.
• Reserve: $125-100, U1200 $75-50.
• Beginner: $125-100, U600 $75-50.

Out-of-state players are welcome to play hors concours, with full eligibility for cash prizes. Only Utah residents are eligible for Amateur Champion Title.

Unrated players may play in any section but are encouraged to play in the section that best matches their ability and cannot win more than $50, balance of prize to next in line. Provisional ratings used if otherwise unrated.

Entry Fee: All sections: $25 if registered and paid by Friday, November 13th.  $40 late/onsite.  

USCF Membership:
This event is USCF rated and a USCF membership is required to participate. If you do not have a USCF Membership you can register at https://new.uschess.org/

Advance Registration: Register online via link at utahchess.com.

Onsite Registration: From 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Players who have not pre-registered and pre-paid at least 15 minutes before the first round starts for their section will be given one (1) half-point bye for the first round and paired starting in round two or paired for round one at the TD’s discretion. (Please pre-register!).

Byes: Half-point byes – Players may request a half-point bye for one (1) round but  such byes must be requested prior to pairing of Rd 2. Last round bye requests are irrevocable. (See USCF Rule 22C.)

Players are responsible for supplying equipment (pieces, board and clock) and for knowing how to set clocks. (USCF Rule 16B)

Questions? Send an email to utchess@gmail.com