The 1st JP Open

The JP Open is an annual rated tournament that takes place in mid September. The first tournament was held on the afternoon of Saturday. September 19, 2026 with 49 players, two sections and 5 rounds. The tournament was held at the Jamaica Plain South Street library and was free to enter.

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Location: Boston Public Library, 30 South St, Boston, MA 02130 . Upon entering the library proceed to the stairs mid way on the left. Go down the stairs to the lower level (following signs for restrooms). The room for the chess tournament is the left of the restrooms. Register in person with the TD.

Public Transport: Bus 39 stops outside of the library. Nearest T stop is Forest Hills Station.

Parking:  Free weekend parking is available on the side streets in Jamaica Plain and in the public car parking lot behind Cafe Nero/Blanchards.  Parking will not be available on-site due to another event at the community center next door. Please read all street parking signs for restrictions and leave with enough time to find a parking spot. Take public transport if you can.

Format: 5 rounds with SWISS pairing, 1 game per round. Touch move.

Sections: 

Open to adults and juniors. Players may choose to play up a section.  If you have a regular rating and a quick rating, the higher rating will be used.

• Open  -1400 and higher rating (requires USCF membership)

• U1400 rating (requires USCF membership)

Time Controls: 10 minutes with 5 seconds delay (Rapid/Quick)

Agenda and Round Times:  

• 12:30pm Site Set Up starts and check-in opens

• 1:00pm - On-Site registration closes

• 1:15pm - All players must be present and have checked in

• 1:30pm - Round 1  starts promptly

• 2:00pm - Round 2 

• 2:30pm - Round 3 

• 3:00pm - Round 4 

• 3:30pm - Round 5 

• 4:00pm - Prize Giving/Awards

• 4:15pm - Tidy up and pack up

• 4:45pm - Library must be vacated

Sets and Clocks:  JP Chess will provide sets and clocks

Byes: No byes available.

Prizes:  We are seeking sponsors for tournament prizes. If you are willing to donate please email jamaicaplainchess@gmail.com. Medals/trophies will be awarded to 1st/2nd/3rd in each category. Prizes may also include books, and merc.

Fees: This is a no-fee tournament. If you would like to donate to JP Chess to help support our events please visit our GoFundMe Page.

Players: We expect to have space for up to 54 players. 

Registration:  On-line registration closed midnight on September 17. As the tournament is rated all players must be a member of the US Chess Federation (USCF) at the time of the tournament.  If you are on the waitlist you may wish to turn up on the day in case of no-shows or late cancellations.  

Other Matters: As the tournament takes place in a Boston Public Library please follow all BPL requirements. No food or open top drinks permitted. Keep noise low on library premises.

Results

Full results of the 2026 JP Open can be found on the USCF website here.