The Southern California Open Chess Tournament will return to Glendale next week, bringing more than 300 players and tens of thousands of dollars in prize money to the city.
The four-day tournament will be held Sept. 4-7 at the Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale, returning to the city following a successful run in 2025.
Organized by the American Chess Academy, the tournament will feature players of various ages and skill levels competing in seven sections.
“I’ve always appreciated chess because it teaches patience, strategy and the importance of thinking several moves ahead,” Mayor Ardy Kassakhian said. “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.”
In addition, Grandmaster Levon Aronian will take part in a simultaneous chess exhibition Aug. 28 at the Center for Armenian Arts, 250 N. Orange St., beginning at 6 p.m., when he will play multiple opponents at the same time.
Admission is free and open to the public.
The tournament features seven sections: Open, U2300, U2100, U1900, U1700, U1500, and U1300.
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.