Quad Cities March Madness Open Chess Tournament 2026
Brought to you by Western Illinois Chess Club
(follow us on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/chess.moline1)
Open to all ages. USCF membership required in all sections.
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 9am - 9pm
Where: Western Illinois University - Quad Cities Campus, Riverfront Building, rooms 103/104, 3300 River Drive Moline, Illinois, 61265
Registration & Fee: Coffee, snacks, lunch included with registration fee.
Open: $35 online in advance or $40 cash-only in-person same day
Reserve: $25 online in advance or $30 cash-only in-person same day
Beginner/Youth: $20 online in advance or $25 cash-only in-person same day
Register online at
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/QuadCityMarchMadness2026
Sections & Time Controls:
Open: 4-Round Swiss, G/65, d5
Reserve (under 1400): 4-Round Swiss, G/60, d5
Beginner/Youth (under 800): 4-Round Swiss, G/20, d0
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Open & Reserve Section Rounds:
1st round: 10:00am
Lunch Break - Pizza and Drinks included with registration fee
2nd round: 1:30pm
3rd round: 4:00pm
4th round: 6:30pm
*Rounds may start earlier if prior round has been completed and if all players are in agreement.
Beginner/Youth Section Rounds:
1st round: 10:00am and then Rounds 2-4 ASAP there after with Lunch break approximately between 3rd & 4th rounds
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Prizes:
Open Section: 1st Place: $150 ; 2nd Place: $100 ; 3rd Place: $75 ; 4th Place: $50
Reserve Section (under 1400): 1st Place: $100 ; 2nd Place: $75 ; 3rd Place: $50
Beginner/Youth Section (under 800): Trophies for 1st - 5th Place ; 6th - 20th Place will receive participation medals.
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Additional info:
US Chess Federation (USCF) membership required. On Site Registration Available. $3 off for adults, young adults and students if you register through our affiliation.
Parents/Guardians of young chess players are responsible for their children. Parents/Guardians must be present at all times of the tournament and may enjoy some light snacks or coffee in waiting area while games are in progress.
Boards and clocks will ONLY be provided for the Beginner/Youth section games. Open and Reserve section players must bring their own regulated clock and board (dimensions listed below).
Notation of moves on scoresheet is mandatory for Open and Reserve sections games. Scoresheets will be provided. No electronic scoresheets allowed.
By registering for this event, you also agree to have your photo taken to be used on our facebook page for promo purposes. Sometimes the local news stations show up as well.
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For questions: Contact Luis Peralta or Mariela Treviño at
V2VzdGVybklsbGlub2lzQ2hlc3MgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ== or (309) 737-2890
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Tournament Directors: Gary Nordick & Mariela Treviño
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Key Rules, Procedures, Cheating & Etiquette:
Scoresheets: Notation of moves in Open and Reserve sections is required. Players must record moves in algebraic notation, typically writing the move after executing it on the board.
Contacting the TD: Stop the clock and immediately call the Tournament Director for any rule violation, illegal move, or dispute.
Touch-Move Rule: If you touch one of your pieces, you must move it if it has a legal move. If you touch an opponent's piece, you must capture it if possible.
One-Hand Rule: Use only one hand to move a piece and press the clock.
Clock use: Make your move then press the clock to stop your time until it is your turn again. Running out of time before checkmate means you lose the game automatically.
Illegal Moves: If you make one, your opponent stops the clock, shows the TD the illegal move, and you get a time penalty (2 minutes extra time will be added to your opponent).
Castling: Touch the King first, then the Rook, using one hand.
"J'adoube" (I adjust): Say this before touching a piece to adjust it, not to move it.
Pawn Promotion: The pawn is considered "touched" when it reaches the promotion square and must be promoted immediately to the piece you place on that square.
No Outside Help: No computers, phones (strict penalties), books, or talking to others about the game during play.
Communication: Only talk to your opponent or the TD. Be courteous. Be courteous of the players and their ongoing games around you. Whisper if talking must happen.
Cell Phones: Keep them off and away; penalties are severe.
Disputes: Handle calmly; argue with the TD, not your opponent.
USCF Board Regulations & Features:
Square Size: 2.25 inches is standard, though 2 to 2.5 inches is permissible.
Overall Size: 20" x 20" or 22" x 22" (approx. 50-55 cm).
Material: Usually flexible vinyl, often featuring algebraic notation on all sides.
Proportion Requirement: The King's base diameter should occupy roughly 75% to 80% of the square size.
Where to Find More rules: The full rules are in the US Chess Federation's website under Official Rules of Chess section.
You may also like the following events from Western Illinois Chess Club:
- Next Tuesday, 3rd March, 05:30 pm, QC Rapid Chess Tournament (USCF Rated) - Tues. Mar. 3, 2026 in Moline
- Next month, 24th March, 05:30 pm, QC Rapid Chess Tournament (USCF Rated) - Tues. Mar. 24, 2026 in Moline
- This April, 7th April, 05:30 pm, QC Rapid Chess Tournament (USCF Rated) - Tues. Apr. 7, 2026 in Moline
Also check out other
Kids events & activities in Moline,
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