Rising Star December Grand Prix

Saturday, Dec 6, 2025

Location:

Mesa DoubleTree by Hilton
1011 West Holmes Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210

Format: 4-round Swiss tournament

Time Control: G/50;+10

Six Sections:
     Open (2000 and up)
     Class A (1800-1999)
     Class B (1600-1799)
     Class C (1400-1599)
     Class D (1200-1399)
     U1200 (1199 and Under)
     Players within 100 points of rating floor of a higher section may play up for an additional $5.

Important:
     • All sections USCF dual-rated.
     • USCF membership required (may join or renew here: USCF join or renew or on site).
     • December 2025 USCF Regular ratings will be used for section eligibility, pairings, and prize eligibility.
       Other ratings may be used if higher. The decision of the Chief Tournament Director regarding
       eligibility, rating adjustments, conversions, unofficial ratings, or other rating issues is final.
     • A maximum of two half-point byes are available. Half-point byes must be requested no later than
       30 minutes before the round starts for rounds 1-2. Half-point byes for rounds 3-4 must be requested
       before the start of round 2 and may not be revoked after round 2 starts.
     • Boards, sets, AND clocks will be provided for all sections.

Prizes: $1000 Prize Fund (based on 80 paid paid entries):
       Open:    1st -- $120, 2nd -- $90, 3rd -- $60, 1st U2200: $30
       Class A: 1st -- $90, 2nd -- $60, 3rd -- $45
       Class B: 1st -- $60, 2nd -- $45, 3rd -- $30
       Class C: 1st -- $60, 2nd -- $45, 3rd -- $30
       Class D: 1st -- $60, 2nd -- $45, 3rd -- $30
       U1200:   1st -- $40, 2nd -- $30, 3rd -- $15, 1st U800: $15

All players earn Rising Star Grand Prix points. See Rising Star Grand Prix Policy for details.

Schedule: Round times: Rd 1: 9:00 am, Rd 2: 11:20 am, Rd 3: 1:40 pm, Rd 4: 4:00 pm

Entry Fees: $30 on or before Fri, Nov 28; $35 on or before Wed, Dec 3, $40 on or before Fri Dec 5, $45 on-site Sat, Dec 6

Free entry for any GM/WGM/IM/WIM/FM/WFM
     No prize deduction if entered on or before Nov 28, 2025
    $30 deducted from prize winnings if entered after Nov 28, 2025

Re-entry: Players may re-enter after 1st or 2nd round with half-point byes for previous rounds.
                 Re-entry fees: $5 after round 1, $10 after round 2.

Online Registration: Rising Star December Grand Prix Registration
Online registration is available until 11:59 pm MST Fri, Dec 5
On-site registration is until 8:30 am on Dec 6
Late on-site registration is available with half-point byes for any rounds that are missed.

Hotel:
Mesa DoubleTree by Hilton, 1011 W Holmes Ave, Mesa, AZ  85210
Group Code: RSH
Phone Reservations: (480) 833-5555
Online Reservations:  Group Reservations

If you cannot reserve your desired room selection for the group rate for any reason, please contact us BEFORE checking in and we'll try to get the group rate applied to your reservation. We can usually get the group rate applied as long as you have not yet checked in and did not book your room through a third-party booking agency.

Refunds: Refunds may be requested until one hour before the start of round 1. No refunds will be given after that time. All refunds will incur a 5% processing fee.

Contact: Richard Smouse: Text/Voice: (480) 390-9528; Email: rick_smouse@yahoo.com