International Schools Individual Chess Championship 2027 (ISICC) | First Edition | Singapore

One Championship. Many Young Minds. A Global Stage.

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black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile

Organised by Go Checkmate Chess School

One Championship. Many Young Minds. A Global Stage.

Go Checkmate Chess School is pleased to announce the inaugural International Schools Individual Chess Championship (ISICC) 2027, bringing together young chess talents from international schools across Singapore and beyond. The championship aims to encourage competitive chess, promote strategic thinking, and provide young players with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a professionally organised tournament environment.

Students will compete individually across different age and school categories, with separate prizes for boys and girls. We warmly invite students, parents and international schools to be part of this exciting first edition.

1. Tournament Information

  • Tournament Name: International Schools Individual Chess Championship 2027

  • Edition: First Edition

  • Organizer: Go Checkmate Chess School, Singapore

  • Date: Saturday, 23 January 2027

  • Venue: DAV Hindi School

  • Location: Opposite Mustafa Centre, Singapore

  • Format: 6-Round Swiss System

  • Time Control: 15 minutes + 3 seconds increment per move

  • Participation: Open to students currently enrolled in international schools worldwide

  • Official Website: www.gocheckmate.sg

2. Eligibility

The championship is open to students currently enrolled in international schools in Singapore and overseas.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Participants must be currently studying at an international school.

  2. Players must register under the appropriate school category.

  3. Participants may be required to provide proof of school enrolment and age for verification.

  4. Each participant will compete individually and represent their respective school.

  5. The organizer reserves the right to verify eligibility and reject entries that do not meet the tournament requirements.

International Participation

Students from international schools outside Singapore are welcome to participate, subject to meeting the eligibility and registration requirements.

3. Tournament Categories

Participants will compete in the following categories:

  • Infant School: K1, K2 and Year 1

  • Primary School: Years 2–5

  • Middle School: Years 6–8

Important Notes:

  • Participants must register in the category corresponding to their current school year.

  • Players from different international school curricula will be assigned to the appropriate equivalent category.

  • The organizer reserves the right to request school verification where required.

  • The organizer may combine or adjust categories depending on the final number of participants.

4. Tournament Format and Time Control

The championship will be conducted using the following tournament format:

  • Pairing System: 6-Round Swiss System

  • Time Control: 15 minutes + 3 seconds increment per move

  • Number of Rounds: 6

  • Competition Type: Individual

  • Applicable Rules: FIDE Laws of Chess

Tournament Regulations

  1. All participants will play six rounds, subject to the tournament pairing regulations.

  2. Each player will receive 15 minutes on the clock, with an increment of 3 seconds per move from move one.

  3. Pairings will be generated using the Swiss pairing system.

  4. Players must report to their assigned boards before the start of each round.

  5. The decision of the Chief Arbiter regarding the application of the rules during play shall be final, subject to any applicable appeals procedure.

5. Tournament Schedule

Saturday, 23 January 2027

  • Round 1: 10:00 AM

  • Round 2: 11:00 AM

  • Round 3: 12:00 PM

  • Lunch Break: 1:00 PM

  • Round 4: 2:00 PM

  • Round 5: 3:00 PM

  • Round 6: 4:00 PM

  • Prize Distribution: 5:00 PM

Note: All times are in Singapore Standard Time (SGT, GMT+8).

The tournament schedule is subject to adjustment based on participation, pairing requirements and tournament operations. Participants are advised to arrive before the commencement of Round 1.

6. Prizes and Awards

The championship recognizes outstanding performances across all participating categories. Separate prizes will be awarded to boys and girls in each category.

Prize Structure — Per Category

  • 1st–10th Place: Trophy for Boys and Girls

  • 11th–15th Place: Medal for Boys and Girls

Prizes will be awarded separately in the Infant School, Primary School and Middle School categories.

All prize winners are encouraged to remain for the prize presentation ceremony.

The organizer reserves the right to amend the prize structure based on the final participation numbers.

7. Registration and Entry Fees

Registration is open to eligible students from international schools worldwide.

Official School Entry

S$45 per category - Applicable to school entries with at least 12 participants from the same school.

Individual / Additional Player Entry

S$90 per player

Applicable to individual registrations and additional players beyond the first 12 from the same school.

Registration Guidelines

  1. All participants must provide accurate personal and school information.

  2. Players are responsible for registering in their correct school category.

  3. Registrations are subject to confirmation by the organizer.

  4. Incomplete or inaccurate registrations may be rejected.

  5. Entry fees are payable in Singapore Dollars (SGD).

  6. The organizer reserves the right to close registration upon reaching tournament capacity.

8. Tie-Break Regulations

If two or more players finish with the same number of points, their final rankings will be determined using the tie-break criteria published before the start of the tournament.

The applicable tie-break sequence will be communicated by the organizer and Chief Arbiter.

9. Tournament Guidelines

Player Conduct

All participants are expected to maintain appropriate behaviour and sportsmanship throughout the championship.

Players must:

  • Follow the instructions of the tournament officials and arbiters.

  • Maintain silence and discipline in the playing area.

  • Respect opponents, officials and other participants.

  • Avoid disturbing games in progress.

  • Comply with all applicable FIDE Laws of Chess and tournament regulations.

Electronic Devices

Mobile phones, smartwatches and other electronic communication devices must not be used in the playing area.

Participants must follow the instructions provided by the tournament arbiters regarding the storage and handling of electronic devices.

Parents and Spectators

Parents and accompanying persons are requested to follow the venue guidelines and instructions issued by tournament officials.

Access to the playing area may be restricted during tournament rounds to ensure a suitable competitive environment for all participants.

Reporting of Results

Players should ensure that their game results are verified and recorded by the tournament officials before leaving the playing area.

10. Prize Presentation Ceremony

The prize presentation ceremony is scheduled for:

Saturday, 23 January 2027 – 5:00 PM

All prize winners are encouraged to attend the ceremony to receive their trophies and medal

The ceremony timing may be adjusted depending on the completion of the final round.

11. Important Information

  • All participants are responsible for checking their registration details and assigned categories.

  • Players should arrive at the venue sufficiently early for registration verification and board allocation.

  • Participants from overseas are responsible for their own travel arrangements and applicable entry requirements.

  • The organiser reserves the right to amend the tournament schedule, categories, regulations and prize structure where necessary.

  • Any changes will be communicated through the official Go Checkmate channels.

12. Contact and Enquiries

For tournament registration, school participation and general enquiries, please contact:
Go Checkmate Chess School
Website: www.gocheckmate.sg
Email: gocheckmate.sg@gmail.com
WhatsApp:

  • Vikram: +65 8961 7097

  • Santhosh: +65 8976 4255

Schools interested in registering groups of students are welcome to contact the organizing team for assistance.

Join the First Edition of ISICC 2027!

One Championship. Many Young Minds. A Global Stage.

Be part of the inaugural International Schools Individual Chess Championship and experience a memorable day of competitive chess, learning and international school camaraderie.

Saturday, 23 January 2027 | DAV Hindi School, Singapore

Register Now – www.gocheckmate.sg