2026 Mississippi State Championship
Nicholas
About This Tournament
🏆 2026 Mississippi State Championship
Join us for a five-round chess championship at the Nissan Training Center! The event is open to all players, but only Mississippi residents are eligible to win Mississippi titles and trophies.
📅 Schedule
Day | Round | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
Saturday, October 17 | 1 | 9:00 AM |
Saturday, October 17 | 2 | 2:00 PM |
Saturday, October 17 | 3 | 6:00 PM |
Sunday, October 18 | 4 | 8:30 AM |
Sunday, October 18 | 5 | 2:30 PM |
Check-in: All players must check in in person or by email by 8:30 AM. Late registration closes at 8:30 AM. Players who check in or register after that time will be paired on an as-available basis after the round has begun.
♟️ Sections & Entry Fees
The tournament will have three sections: Open, U1600, and U1000.
Entry Type | Received by October 6 | Received after October 6 |
|---|---|---|
Adult | $55 | $75 |
Junior (under 18) | $45 | $65 |
Use code SCHOLASTIC for the junior entry fee. Adult entries include yearly Mississippi Chess Association (MCA) dues; junior entries do not. Entries received after October 6 increase by $20.
💰 Prizes
The prize fund is 75% of entry fees. First-, second-, and third-place prizes will be awarded in each section. Prize funds will be split in the case of ties.
Section | Prizes |
|---|---|
Open | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place |
U1600 | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place |
U1000 | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place |
⏱️ Format & Time Control
Format: Five-round Swiss-system (5SS)
Rounds 1–2: G/60 with 30-second increment
Rounds 3–5: G/90 with 30-second increment
Byes: One half-point bye is available for any round except the final round. You must request your bye before the start of Round 2.
📍 Location
Nissan Training Center
300 Nissan Dr., Gate 1
Canton, MS 39046
ℹ️ Membership & Meeting
The tournament is US Chess Federation rated. A current US Chess Federation membership is required for all participants.
Mississippi participants aged 18 or older must have a Mississippi Chess Association membership.
The Mississippi Chess Association will hold its annual business meeting on Sunday at 1:30 PM.
📧 Questions?
Call and leave a message at 615-631-3876, or email Mark Nicholas at mark@mcachess.org.