Events

 

Ontario Center Mall — Chess Bus Event

A Mini-Chess Festival in North Central Ohio conveniently located between Cleveland and Columbus. We have our own private playing room with bathrooms and access to over 30 shops, food court and fun activities. Join us for a full day of chess as we grow our new chess community!

Saturday, February 14th, 2026
Ontario Center (Ontario Center Mall)
2209 Richland Mall, Ontario, OH 44906

♟️ USCF-Rated Open Tournament (Dual Quick Rated)

• USCF Rating: Dual Quick
• Time Control: G/30 + 5 (5-second delay/increment for clocks that do not do delay)
• Format: 4-Round Swiss
• Round Times: 12:00 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:45 PM
• Entry Fee: $25 advance / $30 day-of (Space is limited to 30 players so please consider joining early!)

Prize Fund: $499 (based on 30 entries; if fewer, payouts adjusted proportionally)

🏆 Prize Breakdown

• 1st: $199
• 2nd: $100
• 3rd: $50
• Top U2000: $50
• Top U1600: $50
• Top Female: $50
• 🎓 Free 11:00 AM Chess Lecture
• Time: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
  Join FM Carl Boor — 3x Ohio Champion and 2025 Kings Island Co-Champion — for a free chess lecture open to all ages and skill levels.
• Book Release and signing of Chess Bus Work Book Level 1

♟️ Arena Tournament

• Time: Noon – 3:00 PM
• Entry Fee: $15
• Fast-paced, fun format with prizes
• Great for casual players, kids, and first-time competitors
• Cash and trophy prizes. Special Prize for top two player Team!
• Non-rated; open to USCF members and the general public

♟️ Bughouse Tournament (Arena-Style Pairings)

• Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
• Entry Fee: $15 per team
• Format: Arena-style pairings (continuous rounds; re-paired as games finish)
• Bughouse doubles: fast, chaotic, and fun—great for spectators too
• Open to all skill levels
• Trophy to top team!