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. This tournament is an Iowa State Chess Association Grand Prix points Mini-Qualifier in the Open section.

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/65, d5
• Beginner/Youth (under 800): 4-Round Swiss, G/20, d0

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

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. 

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 the 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 the scoresheet is mandatory for Open and Reserve sections games. Scoresheets will be provided. No electronic score sheets 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.

For questions: Contact Luis Peralta or Mariela Treviño at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (309) 737-2890

Tournament Directors: Gary Nordick & Mariela Treviño