The Eastern Shore Community College Melfa Monarchs Chess Club is once again hosting an open Fall Tournament on Halloween, October 31st, at ESCC’s Workforce Development Center Great Hall. The club has been hosting two tournaments per year for several years, including the popular Sean Thierfeldt Classic each spring.
The tournament is not just for ESCC Chess Club members, but for any chess enthusiasts who would like to compete. This is a U.S. Chess Federation (USCF) tournament of three rounds with G60d5 time controls. It will be in the Quad Format with three rounds total. The actual number of quads will depend on the number of entries.
First place for each quad will win $50.00 and 2nd place, $25.00. If necessary, the Swiss Format will add a 3rd place prize of $10.00. With the tournament being held on Halloween, judges will determine the best costume for an additional prize of $50.00.
Since this is a USCF tournament, USCF membership is required. For interested players who are not already members, registration can be completed at new.uschess.org. Affordable membership rates are available by age, family, group, etc. This is separate from the tournament registration, which can be completed by emailing cduffman@es.vccs.edu or execdir@easternshorechess.org.
The tournament entrance fee for players is $15.00 for the chess playing public, and $10.00 for ESCC students, faculty, and staff, plus ALL players under the age of 18. Payment is cash only and due at check-in beginning at 8:30am. Late tournament registration will be possible at the door for an additional $10.00.
Round 1 will start promptly at 9:30am, Round 2 at 1:00pm, and Round 3 at 3:30pm. There will be a lunch break from 11:45am–12:50pm. Options for lunch include a food truck on campus, or players may elect to leave for lunch with local options. The Halloween costume prize will also be awarded during the lunch break.
Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend but are asked to be respectful of the competition and the concentration of players. Information on the ESCC Melfa Monarchs Chess Club and club merchandise will be available at the tournament.
The Melfa Monarchs meet every Wednesday in the ESCC Student Lounge from 12pm to 1pm and 4pm to 5pm. The Monarchs welcome everyone for friendly and competitive games and fellowship. If you are new to chess, there are mentors available.
As a sidenote, the club is excited to share that they are working with ESCC alumna Kelly Flores, owner and operator of the popular “Mama Judith” Food Truck in Exmore. Plans are underway for future collaborations with Mama Judith supporting club fundraisers and promoting membership. Kelly’s younger brother, Christian, competed and won quite a few matches in the USCF tournament last spring and looks forward to competing in this Halloween Tournament.
For additional information on the tournament or the club, please email Christina Duffman, ESCC Club Sponsor, at cduffman@es.vccs.edu.
ESCC begins registration for 2027 Spring Classes on Monday, October 26th, and will have a Registration Rally Event on Wednesday, October 28th, on campus in Melfa. The 2027 Spring Semester begins on January 11th, 2027.
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