What Is the Youth Chess Festival?
The Youth Chess Festival is a friendly yet competitive, fully organized tournament for players across Ontario, designed to help juniors gain official ratings and earn their place at two marquee events in 2026: the Canadian Youth Chess Championship and the Ontario Chess Challenge. It’s an ideal stepping stone for first-timers and rising talents alike.
Organized by Chess123.ca, the event offers junior players the chance to earn their first official ratings while competing in a welcoming but competitive environment. With both CFC Quick and CMA ratings awarded, the festival appeals to newcomers and seasoned young players alike.
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Event Details at a Glance
- When:
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Arrival: 9:30 am | Welcome: 9:50 am
- Where:
Bayview Hill Community Centre, Mul Raj Sethi Room
114 Spadina Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 2Y9
- Registration:
All players must submit the online form no later than September 11, 2025. No on-site sign-ups.
- Parking: Free on-site parking.
- Capacity: Limited to 100 players.
- Organizer & Contact: Chess123.ca
Who Can Compete?
Age & Section Categories:
- U8 Open / U8 Girls — born after Jan 1, 2018
- U10 Open / U10 Girls — born after Jan 1, 2016
- U12 Open / U12 Girls — born after Jan 1, 2014
- U14 Open / U14 Girls — born after Jan 1, 2012
- U16 Open / U16 Girls — born after Jan 1, 2010
- U18 Open / U18 Girls — born after Jan 1, 2008
Sections may be combined if required.
Play-Up Opportunities:
Players may compete in higher age categories at no extra cost.
Tournament Format & Rules
Ratings & Time Control:
CFC Quick Rated & CMA Rated.
Time control: G/20 min + 5 sec increment.
Pairing Format:
Regular Swiss or Round Robin depending on section size.
Round Schedule:
- Arrival: 9:30 am (no on-site check-in)
- Welcome Address: 9:50 am
- Round 1: 10:00 am
- Round 2: 11:00 am
- Lunch Break
- Round 3: 1:00 pm
- Round 4: 2:00 pm
- Round 5: 3:00 pm
- Closing Ceremony: immediately after Round 5
Default & Late Arrivals:
No default time, but clocks start on schedule.
Byes:
Up to 2 half-point byes in Rounds 1–4.
How to Qualify for the 2026 Championships
The path to glory is clear:
- CYCC Qualification: – Score at least 50% (2.5/5 points)
- OCC Qualification: – Score at least 60% (3.0/5 points)
These events represent the pinnacle of youth chess in Canada, offering players valuable national-level experience and a chance to compete among the country’s best.
Prizes & Player Perks
- Prizes for all players plus free pizza and drinks
- 1st Place: Gold Medal + $100 voucher for chess class at Chess123.ca
- 2nd Place: Silver Medal + $75 voucher
- 3rd Place: Bronze Medal + $50 voucher
Winners in each section will receive medals and vouchers for chess classes at Chess123. Ties for medal positions mean all tied players receive a prize.
Entry Fees & Refund Policy
- Lucky Bird: $35 (by Aug 15, 2025)
- Early Bird: $45 (by Aug 31, 2025)
- Standard: $55 (after Sept 1, 2025)
Refunds: 50% refund until Sept 11, 2025. No refunds after that.
CFC ID & Membership
- Players must obtain a free CFC ID by Sept 13, 2025.
- Paid CFC Membership is not required.
What to Expect on the Day
- Provided equipment: boards, sets, clocks, scoresheets
- Complimentary public Wi-Fi
- Welcoming for beginners and experienced players
Quick Answers (Voice Search Friendly)
- When is the Youth Chess Festival? Saturday, September 13, 2025.
- Where is it held? Bayview Hill Community Centre, Mul Raj Sethi Room, 114 Spadina Rd, Richmond Hill, ON.
- How do I register? Submit the online form by Sept 11, 2025. No on-site registration.
- Who can play? U8–U18, Open and Girls divisions. Play-ups allowed.
- What’s the time control? G/20 + 5 seconds increment.
- How to qualify for 2026 events? 50% for CYCC, 60% for OCC.
- Is there food? Yes, free pizza and drinks for players.
Final Call to Action
Secure your spot early to get the best entry fee and your preferred section. Only 100 players can participate. (chess123.ca)