The Southern California Open Chess Tournament returns to Glendale September 4–7 after making its Glendale debut last year through the efforts of Councilmember Elen Asatryan. More than 300 players from across the country participated in 2025. This year’s tournament will take place at the Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale and feature seven competitive sections and a guaranteed $60,000 prize fund.
Grandmaster Levon Aronian will play multiple registered players simultaneously during a special chess exhibition on Friday, August 28, ahead of the 2026 Southern California Open Chess Tournament.
Glendale has a longstanding connection to competitive chess, supported by accomplished players, coaches, academies, and youth programs. The Southern California Open Chess Tournament builds on that tradition by bringing players of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels to Glendale for four days of competition.
Participants:
- Grandmaster Levon Aronian
- Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian and City Councilmembers
- Armen Ambartsoumian, American Chess Academy
- Registered chess players participating in the simultaneous exhibition
Grandmaster Levon Aronian Simultaneous Chess Exhibition
Friday, August 28, 2026 | Media Arrival at 6:00 PM
Center for Armenian Arts
250 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA 91203
Southern California Open Chess Tournament Opening Ceremony
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | Media Arrival at 9:45 AM
Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale
100 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202
Southern California Open Chess Tournament Closing & Awards
Monday, September 7, 2026 | Media Arrival at 2:00 PM
Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale
100 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202
