OVERVIEW
The Tournament of Champions is a championship tournament with 45+ trophies and Grandmaster-led activities. It is an invitation-only, US Chess rated event for players in grades K-12. Students must qualify through various tournaments throughout the semester.
CCC head coaches will fun and engaging activities between rounds.
WHEN
Saturday, May 16, 2026
WHERE
Collinswood Language Academy
5621 Flagstaff Drive
Charlotte, NC 28210
ELIGIBILITY
Players may qualify for the tournament of champions through any of the following methods:
Earn a perfect score (3.0 points) at any weekly CCC scholastic quad event.
Earn a gold medal (2.5 or 3.0 points) at any unrated practice tournament: North or South
Earn a “plus score” (2.5 or more points) at any Rated Scholastic tournament: North or South
Earn a trophy (3.0 or more points) at the regional chess meets.
In addition to the players on the linked list above, all players qualify by achieving a US Chess rating of 1200+ at the time of registration. If you have not received an invitation, contact events@charlottechesscenter.org
SECTIONS
Grades K-2
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-12
Players must play in the section corresponding to their grade/age.
TIME CONTROL
G/20; inc/10
Each player receives 20 minutes plus a 10 second increment to complete the game.
SCHEDULE
Registration Closes: 9:00am
Suggested Arrival: 9:45am
Round 1: 10:00am
Round 2: 11:00am
Lunch and Head Coach Activities Break: 12:00pm
Round 3: 1:00pm
Round 4: 2:00pm
Awards: 3:15pm
PRIZES AND SECTIONS
Grades K-2 Section
Trophies to top 10 individuals
Team trophies to top 3 schools
Grades 3-5 Section
Trophies to top 10 individuals
Team trophies to top 3 schools
Grades 6-8 Section
Trophies to top 10 individuals
Team trophies to top 3 schools
High School Section
Trophies to top 5 individuals
Team trophies to top school
This is a CCC Grand Prix event!
ENTRY FEE
CCC members: $50
Non-members: $55
CONTACT
For all related inquiries and cancellations, email: events@charlottechesscenter.org
Please read CCC Terms and Conditions.
Registration closes 9:00am (1 hour before round 1).
US Chess rated event – US Chess membership required.
Byes: If you need to skip a round, you can request half-point byes for up to 2 rounds. Byes must be requested at registration or via email before the tournament starts. Once the tournament begins, all requested byes are 0 points. If you plan to play all rounds, do not request any byes.
All equipment provided.
Refunds: $5 fee for refunds before the event; $10 fee for same-day; no refund after 9:00am