Back to All Events

JOES First Chess Tournament!

  • Jose Ortega Elementary School 400 Sargent Street San Francisco, CA, 94132 United States (map)

✨♟️ Jose Ortega's First-Ever Chess Tournament! ♟️✨
Jose Ortega is hosting our first-ever Chess Tournament, in partnership with the Mechanics' Institute! We’re also thrilled to have a special guest appearance from local Grandmaster-- Vinay Bhat!

Hosted by experienced coaches and tournament directors, this is the perfect first tournament for beginners and developing players alike.

Join us for an exciting afternoon of strategy, focus, and fun at our inaugural Community Chess Tournament—designed for students of all skill levels. 

📅 Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: School Cafeteria and breakout classrooms
💲 Cost: Sponsored by our PTA; FREE for all JOES students
👥 Capacity: 70 students max

♟️ TOURNAMENT FORMAT

  • 3 Rounds – No Eliminations! (Everyone plays all rounds)

  • Swiss System Pairings (matched by performance each round)

  • Time Control: 25 minutes per player + 5-second delay per move

  • Sections: Divided by grade (non-rated)

  • Each round lasts up to 1 hour

  • Short breaks between rounds

  • If games finish early, students may leave or join side activities

🏆 PRIZES

  • Trophies: Top 5 players in each section (by grade; non-rated)

  • Medals: for ALL participants

📝 REGISTRATION

  • Sign up online: (link to come)

  • Spots are limited: register ASAP 

❓ QUESTIONS?

Contact: Michelle Hamdani
pta-president@joseortegaschool.org 

✨ Don’t miss this chance to be part of Jose Ortega history. Whether you’re a beginner or a budding grandmaster, it's time to make your move! ♟️

Previous
Previous
May 22

Umoja Day

Next
Next
June 3

JOES Literacy Night