Heritage Elementary School will host the 2016 Summer Knights Chess Tournament on Aug. 27. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Madison City Chess League has opened registration for the first tournament of the school year, Summer Knights.

Heritage Elementary School will host Summer Knights scholastic chess tournament on Aug. 27.

“This tournament is targeted for students in grades K-12. There will be a Rated Section with three categories: Under 500, Under 1000 and Open (1000 +),” league executive director Ranae Bartlett said.

All students must have a current membership with the United States Chess Federation (USCF) in order to play in the Rated Section. The game time will be 30 minutes per side with a five-second delay.

“Summer Knights will also have a Non-Rated Section in three categories based on the student’s grade level: K-3; K-6 (primarily for fourth through sixth grades); and K-12 (primarily for seventh through twelfth grades),” Bartlett said.

A contestant does not need a USCF membership to compete in the Non-Rated Section. “It’s a great opportunity for kids who have never competed in a tournament to try one out. The game time for the Non-Rated Section is 20 minutes per side,” she said.

“Everyone will play five rounds, so the tournament will last most of the day. This is an individual tournament only, with no team prizes,” Bartlett said.

Until Aug. 22, the tournament fee for both Rated and Non-Rated sections is $20. After Aug. 22, the fee doubles. To register online, visit madisonchess.com/products/17.

The Rated Open Section also will serve as the first qualifier for the City Chess Championship scheduled for April 2017 at James Clemens High School. The City Chess Championship assembles the top Madison students to compete in four categories: K-3; 4-6; 7-8; and 9-12.

“At each of five qualifying tournaments, the top two students in each age category will be invited to compete at the City Chess Championship,” Bartlett said.

“Madison City Chess League is pleased to announce that the Summer Knights Chess Tournament sponsor is CB&S Bank, which is located throughout North Alabama including Madison and Huntsville,” Bartlett said.

For more information, email to mccl.director@gmail.com or visit madisonchess.com.