The 148th Annual New York State Championship, recognized as America’s oldest annual chess tournament, returns over Labor Day weekend from September 4–7, 2026, at the Albany Marriott.
As a designated US Chess Heritage Event offering 150 Enhanced US Chess Grand Prix points, the tournament features a $18,000 unconditionally guaranteed prize fund. The event is open to out-of-state players and offers flexible 4-day, 3-day, and 2-day playing schedules.
The tournament consists of a 6-round Swiss-system format. Time controls for the main schedules are 40/80, SD/30; d30, while the accelerated 2-day option features G/40 d10 for rounds 1–3.
Championship Section (1900+): FIDE rated. Top prizes include $2,000–$1,200–$900–$600, plus top Under 2300 bonuses ($800–$400). The state title and a $100 bonus will be awarded to the highest-scoring NY State resident.
Under 2100 Section: FIDE rated. Prizes range from $1,200 for 1st place down to $300 for 4th, with Under 1900/Unrated bonuses.
Under 1800 Section: Top prizes of $1,000–$700–$400–$300, plus Under 1600 bonuses.
Under 1500 Section: Top prizes of $900–$600–$300–$200, plus Under 1300 bonuses.
Under 1200 Section: Top prizes of $700–$400–$300–$200, plus Under 1000 bonuses.
Note: Mixed Doubles bonus prizes totaling $1,200 ($600–$400–$200) are available for two-player male/female teams across all sections averaging under 2200 rating.
Side events:
- NY State Blitz Championship: Held on Sunday night, September 6. Features a $800 guaranteed prize fund across 4 double-rounds (G/3, d2).
- Free Lecture by IM Jay Bonin: Scheduled for Monday, September 7 at 9:00 AM.
- NYSCA Annual Membership Meeting: Sunday, September 6 at 9:00 AM.
Players can register online at ChessAction. The standard entry fee is $118 online by September 1 ($130 thereafter or on-site). Entry fees for the Under 1200 section are $20 lower, and active NYSCA members receive a $7 discount. GMs, IMs, and WGMs may enter for free (with $100 deducted from prizes).
The host venue, Albany Marriott (189 Wolf Road, Albany, NY), offers a special tournament room rate of $105/night when reserved by August 21.
