ReelChess
Open
Tournaments.
Professionally run competitive chess events held throughout the year across Sydney — during term time and school holidays. Different formats, age groups, and round counts across every event.
Real competition.
For every level.
ReelChess Open Tournaments are standalone competitive chess events held throughout the year — during term time and school holidays across Sydney. They are open to any player — no program enrolment required. Each event is designed for a specific age group, format, and experience range.
Each event has its own format and round count. Some events run four rounds, others six or more. Formats include Swiss, rapid, and team events. Every player competes in every round — no elimination, no sitting out.
- Professionally run and officiated by ReelChess coaches
- Format and rounds vary per event — stated clearly on each listing
- All equipment provided bring nothing
- Trophies for top finishers per age bracket
- Certificates of participation for every player
- Parents welcome to stay and watch throughout
Registration and Warm Up
Players arrive and register. Brief warm up puzzles before round one.
Rounds 1 to 3
First three rounds of Swiss chess. Each round approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Break — 30 minutes
Players and parents step out, grab a snack, and reset for the second half.
Rounds 4 to 6
Final three rounds. Points accumulate and matches get tighter.
Prize Ceremony
Trophies and certificates. Finish by 1:30pm.
Book your
spot now.
Spots at each event are limited. Each event has its own age range and format. Register early to secure your child's place.
Simple
entry fees.
All prices include GST. A 2% card processing fee applies at checkout. No surcharge on bank transfer. Pricing shown is for the April 2026 event.
Enrolled Student Entry
$33For students currently enrolled in any ReelChess Term 2 2026 program. Select the enrolled student product at checkout.
General Entry
$55Open to any player in the eligible age range for this event. No ReelChess enrolment required. All experience levels welcome.
All participants receive a certificate of participation. Trophies awarded to top finishers per age bracket. Entry fees are non-refundable once confirmed. If an event is cancelled by ReelChess a full refund is issued.
Common
Questions.
Everything parents typically ask before registering. Contact us at admin@reelchess.com or 0402 769 387 if your question is not here.
No. Open Tournaments are open to any player in the eligible age range. ReelChess enrolled students simply receive a discounted entry fee.
Our Open Tournament series serves all ages across different events throughout the year. Each event has its own age range suited to the format and field size. The April 2026 event at The Ponds is for ages 6 to 13. Future events will cover different age groups and locations.
Players should know the rules and have at least some experience playing full games — either through a school program, coaching, or regular play at home. Open Tournaments are competitive events, not an introduction to chess. If your child is brand new to the game, we recommend starting with one of our coaching programs first. Each event listing will specify the experience level it is suited to.
Swiss format means every player competes in every round with no elimination. After each round players are matched against others with a similar score, so the games get progressively more competitive. It is the fairest format for mixed-level events.
Parents are welcome to stay and watch at the venue throughout the day. There is also a 30-minute break at approximately 11:15am. Alternatively parents can drop off and return for the 1:30pm finish. Parking is available around The Ponds High School.
Nothing chess-related. We provide all sets, boards, and clocks. Bring a water bottle and a snack for the break. No uniform required. Arrive by 9:45am for registration before round one at 10:00am.
Yes. Trophies are awarded to top finishers in each age bracket at the prize ceremony from 1:00pm. Every participant receives a certificate of participation. The event finishes by 1:30pm.
We run events throughout the year — during term time and school holidays — covering different age groups, formats, and locations across Sydney. Click Notify Me on the upcoming event listings and we will contact you as soon as registration opens.
Next event:
Sunday 19 April.
The Ponds.
Spots are limited. Register now and we confirm within 3 business days.