Glendale to Host the 2026 Southern California Open Chess Tournament

GLENDALE  — The Southern California Open Chess Tournament returns to Glendale September 4–7, 2026, following a successful Glendale debut last year that brought more than 300 players from across the country. The four-day tournament will take place at the Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale and feature seven competitive sections and a guaranteed $60,000 prize fund.

Organized by the American Chess Academy and dot818, the Southern California Open continues a decades-long tradition of competitive chess while bringing together players of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

“I’ve always appreciated chess because it teaches patience, strategy, and the importance of thinking several moves ahead,” said Mayor Ardy Kassakhian. “But what I enjoy most is how the game brings people together. You can sit across the board from someone of a different age, background, or experience and immediately share a common language. That makes Glendale a fitting home for this tournament.”

Mayor Kassakhian also recently highlighted the Southern California Open during the inaugural hearing of the Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange at the State Capitol, pointing to the tournament as an example of how culture, education, tourism, and economic activity can come together in Glendale.

Ahead of the tournament, Grandmaster Levon Aronian will take part in a simultaneous chess exhibition on Friday, August 28, at the Center for Armenian Arts, 250 N. Orange St. Beginning at 6:00 PM, Aronian will play multiple opponents at the same time. While player spots have been sold out, admission is free and open to the public, and we welcome the community to join us!

The Southern California Open will feature seven sections: Open, U2300, U2100, U1900, U1700, U1500, and U1300. The weekend will also include the Southern California Blitz Tournament on September 7, featuring a separate $2,000 guaranteed prize fund.

For more information on the Southern California Open Chess Tournament and how to register, visit GlendalePlaysChess.com or contact Armen Ambartsoumian at AmericanChessAcademy@gmail.com.