TCC Youth Grand Prix I
October 18, 2025
Plan Ahead
OVERVIEW
The TCC Youth Grand Prix is a six-tournament series designed to bring together Canada’s strongest young chess players in a competitive and motivating environment. The series will serve as a platform for rising talents to compete head-to-head under rigorous conditions and strive toward international standards.
Each event is a rapid Swiss tournament, and players will collect system points based on their performance. The best 4 results from each player’s events will count toward the final standings. The overall winner of the Grand Prix earns a full sponsorship to the Kavala International Open Chess Tournament 2026, held in Greece in late July–early August, one of Europe’s most prestigious nine-round open tournaments, where top performers have the chance to compete for IM/GM norms and other international titles.
This series is not a CYCC or OCC qualifier, but rather an elite competition aimed at preparing Canada’s youth for international success.
ELIGIBILITY
- Age: Open to players 20 years old or younger (born in 2006 or after)
- Rating: Minimum of 1700 CFC (regular or active) or 1600 FIDE (standard, rapid, or blitz)
- Critical Date: Ratings will be checked based on the Thursday before each event
WHEN
Saturday, October 18, 2025
WHERE
St. Robert Catholic High School
8101 Leslie St,
Thornhill, ON L3T 7P4
ACCESSIBILITY
From the School’s Main Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible
PARKING
Free
REGISTRATION
All players must submit this online form by no later than October 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
GRAND PRIX POINTS & TIE BREAKS
- Players earn Grand Prix points based on placement in each event
- Best 4 results for each player will count for final standings
- Point-Awarding System: TBA
- Tie-break system: TBA
CAPACITY
60 Players
ROUND TIMES
Arrival: 10:40 a.m. No check-in on site.
Welcome Address: 10:50 a.m.
– Round 1: 11:00 a.m.
– Round 2: 12:00 p.m.
– Round 3: 1:30 p.m.
– Round 4: 2:30 p.m.
– Round 5: 3:30 p.m.
Closing Ceremony: As soon as Round 5 ends
Lunch break between Rounds 2 and 3
DEFAULT TIME
No default time for showing up late in a game but your clock shall be started.
CFC ID & CFC MEMBERSHIP
– Players must obtain a free CFC ID by no later than October 18, 2025
– A paid CFC Membership is not required
PRIZES
A. Grand Prix Champion
- Full sponsorship to represent the TCC in the Kavala International Open 2026
- Free round-trip flight to Greece
- Free hotel accommodation for 8 nights
- Free entry fee
B. Per Event Prizes
- Gold Medal – 1st Place
- Silver Medal – 2nd Place
- Bronze Medal – 3rd Place
ENTRY FEE
$60/player
IMs receive free entry if they register by October 4 (two weeks prior to the event)
BYES
Maximum of 1 half-point BYE available during rounds 1-4
PAYMENT METHOD
By eTransfer to [email protected] with the player’s full name mentioned as a note. Deadline: October 16, 2025, 11:59 p.m. No cash on-site.
REFUNDS
– $55 back if you notify us by October 15, at 11:59 p.m.
– $30 if you notify us before Round 1 pairings are posted
– No refund after Round 1 pairings are posted
OTHER INFO
Sets, clocks and scoresheets will be provided. Complimentary access to public wi-fi.
CONTACT
For questions, concerns, and withdrawals email:
ORGANIZERS
Toronto Chess Centre – Alex Ferreira, Mark Plotkin, Panagiotis Tsialas
OVERVIEW
The TCC Youth Grand Prix is a six-tournament series designed to bring together Canada’s strongest young chess players in a competitive and motivating environment. The series will serve as a platform for rising talents to compete head-to-head under rigorous conditions and strive toward international standards.
Each event is a rapid Swiss tournament, and players will collect system points based on their performance. The best 4 results from each player’s events will count toward the final standings. The overall winner of the Grand Prix earns a full sponsorship to the Kavala International Open Chess Tournament 2026, held in Greece in late July–early August, one of Europe’s most prestigious nine-round open tournaments, where top performers have the chance to compete for IM/GM norms and other international titles.
This series is not a CYCC or OCC qualifier, but rather an elite competition aimed at preparing Canada’s youth for international success.
ELIGIBILITY
- Age: Open to players 20 years old or younger (born in 2006 or after)
- Rating: Minimum of 1700 CFC (regular or active) or 1600 FIDE (standard, rapid, or blitz)
- Critical Date: Ratings will be checked based on CFC’s Thursday, October 16 rating update
WHEN
Saturday, October 18, 2025
WHERE
St. Robert Catholic High School
8101 Leslie St,
Thornhill, ON L3T 7P4
ACCESSIBILITY
From the School’s Main Entrance.
Wheelchair Accessible.
PARKING
Free
REGISTRATION
All players must submit this online form by no later than October 16, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
FORMAT & RULES
- System: Swiss Pairing
- Time Control: G/20 min + 5 sec increment
- Rounds: 5 rounds per event
- Byes: Maximum 1 half-point bye available in rounds 1–4
- Ratings: All events are CFC and FIDE rated
- Sections: One unified section
GRAND PRIX POINTS & TIE BREAKS
- Players earn Grand Prix points based on placement in each event
- Best 4 results for each player will count for final standings
- Point-Awarding System: TBA
- Tie-break system: TBA
CAPACITY
60 Players
ROUND TIMES
Arrival: 10:40 a.m. No check-in on site.
Welcome Address: 10:50 a.m.
– Round 1: 11:00 a.m.
– Round 2: 12:00 p.m.
– Round 3: 1:30 p.m.
– Round 4: 2:30 p.m.
– Round 5: 3:30 p.m.
Closing Ceremony: As soon as Round 5 ends
Lunch break between Rounds 2 and 3
DEFAULT TIMES
No default time for showing up late in a game but your clock shall be started.
CFC ID & CFC MEMBERSHIP
– Players must obtain a free CFC ID by no later than October 18, 2025
– A paid CFC Membership is not required
PRIZES
A. Grand Prix Champion
- Full sponsorship to represent the TCC at the Kavala International Open 2026
- Free round-trip flight to Greece
- Free hotel accommodation for 8 nights
- Free entry fee
B. Per Event Prizes
- Gold Medal – 1st Place
- Silver Medal – 2nd Place
- Bronze Medal – 3rd Place
ENTRY FEE
$60/player
IMs receive free entry if they register by October 4 (two weeks prior to the event)
BYES
Maximum of 1 half-point BYE available during rounds 1-4
PAYMENT METHOD
By eTransfer to [email protected] with the player’s full name mentioned as a note. Deadline: October 16, 2025, 11:59 p.m. No cash on-site.
REFUNDS
- $55 back if you notify us by October 15, at 11:59 p.m.
- $30 if you notify us before Round 1 pairings are posted
- No refund after Round 1 pairings are posted
OTHER INFO
Sets, clocks and scoresheets (recording is optional) will be provided. Complimentary access to public wi-fi.
CONTACT
For questions, concerns, and withdrawals email:
ORGANIZERS
Toronto Chess Centre – Alex Ferreira, Mark Plotkin, Panagiotis Tsialas
