2026 NL Rapid Chess Championships

Published in News on Jun 25, 2026

The Newfoundland and Labrador Chess Association is pleased to announce the upcoming 2026 NL Rapid Chess Championship. This single-day tournament features quick time controls, dual sections, and guaranteed cash prizes.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, July 25

  • Location: Engineering Building, Memorial University (MUN), St. John's

    • Playing Area: Engineering Lounge (EN 4000)

    • Analysis/Skittles Room: Boardroom / Conference Room

  • Organizers: Ryan Pickard and Steve Martin

Schedule & Format

  • Check-in: 10:00 AM

  • Round 1 Start: 10:30 AM

    • Subsequent rounds will begin 5 to 10 minutes after the previous round concludes.

  • Format: 8-Round Swiss system. Unrated. No membership required. 

  • Sections: Open and Under 1500 (U1500)

  • Time Control: 10 minutes + 5-second increment per move 

  • Tie-Breaks: Playoff games will be used to break ties where necessary.

Registration & Entry Fees

Pre-registration is now open. Please register as soon as you can because space is limited and may fill up. Fill out the form below to register:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScg0FVYwOGPfjnQAIyL8Pnz6S41q5g9VI4ANfDxqbpMJN4C-w/viewform

  • Pre-registration Fee: $25

  • At-the-Door Fee: $35

Prizes & Awards

Cash & Performance Prizes

  • Open Section Top Junior: $100

  • U1500 Section Top Junior: $100

  • Open Section Best Performance: $100 (Funded by donation and entry fees)

  • Main Prize Pool (Both Sections): The remaining entry fees will be pooled and split 50% / 30% / 20% for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each respective section.

    Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors—including HypeBox, CakeyHand, and The Market Family Cafe. Thanks as well to anonymous donors for contributing to the event!

Trophies & Memorabilia

  • 1st Place: Championship Trophy

  • 2nd & 3rd Place: Custom Medals

  • Door Prizes & Extras: Chess books and gift cards from The Market Family Cafe will be drawn throughout the event.

Venue Rules & Amenities

  • Food & Drink Policy: CRITICAL: Absolutely no food or drink is permitted inside the conference room. Light refreshments and snacks are allowed in the main lounge, strictly away from the active playing tables.

  • Lunch: The downstairs cafeteria will be available for participants, parents and spectators during breaks as an alternative area to eat lunch. 

  • Casual Play: The conference room will serve as the spectator hub and will have dedicated boards set up for analysis and casual scrap games.