18th Annual GMG Culmination ’27
The GMG is more than a tournament—it’s an exciting celebration of the hard work, character, resilience, and “ChessLife” strategies our students have developed throughout the year. Beginners, intermediate players, and top competitors from the many schools and districts we serve will come together for an epic round-robin showdown!
We’re celebrating every scholar who put in the work—the healthy competition, the setbacks and comebacks, the big victories, and the even greater life lessons learned along the way~.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience and time well spent! Don’t just take our word for it—ask our GMG veterans. For many students, the Grand Match Gala has been a memorable, game-changing experience.
See you at the GMG. See you at the top! ♟️🏆
Our limited edition Tee Shirts ARE NOT included in the Registration Cost:
Exciting news for early registrants! If you register for the GMG by January 20th, 2027, keep an eye on your inbox in early May. The first 100 participants will have exclusive access to purchase limited-edition T-shirts and Program ads. Don’t wait—order your gear and ad as soon as you receive the email before time runs out! Don’t worry we plan to send several reminders.
There will be a one hour-lunch break from 12 – 1pm.
(Really cool restaurants with many healthy & tasty food options are within walking distance of the USC Campus.)
Directions
University of Southern California
For immediate information read below or contact us via email at gmg@chesstutors.orgPlease read this entire page before registering. Knowing these details ensures you a rewarding tournament experience.
Please consider your schedule carefully prior to registering for this event because due to significant upfront administrative and facility costs, NO REFUNDS WILL BE GRANTED. However, we will happily provide you a credit toward our after school program, a private chess session (pending availability) or next years Gala should you miss the event for any reason.
Lastly, if for any reason our GMG is cancelled due to some unforeseen event of any kind (like it was in 2020 due to Covid) please REVIEW our Policy and Procedure Page for details on how we will aim to rectify the matter. As a follow-up to our continued success—including 15 events held between 2004 and 2019, as well as successful Grand Match Galas at USC on July 5, 2025, and July 10, 2026—we have gained valuable insight into the hosting process. Although we have successfully hosted seven consecutive events at USC, we want to be transparent that the permitting process is extensive and demanding. Final clearances are often secured only 7 days prior to Game Day, despite initiating the process well in advance.We offer this transparency to ensure you can fully assess the risks and join us in expecting a successful, albeit administratively challenging, event.
BY INVITATION ONLY!
Our Chess Tutors schools will exclusively compete to be recognized as our top Chess Tutors chess team. Additionally, individual 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards will be granted to winners in K-7th grade from our Chess Tutors program as well as individuals from other programs who compete and place~. Students may compete within their grade section one grade level above or below. In recognizing that Effort Creates Aptitude, we will award each child’s best effort by making sure every student receives an encouragement, acknowledgement or an award of some kind. NOT-TO-MENTION, first and second place teams who make it to the Grand Match will split a CASH PRIZE. The 2 scholars from each team who scores the highest number of checkmates will earn their team a spot on the Grand Stage. They will be named team captains and they will split half of the winnings and the rest of the team will divide the winnings equally~.
Additionally, during our 18th Annual GMG we plan to offer an open “chess tournament” section for our 8th Grade through adult Alumni. We will offer a CASH PRIZE for the 1st Place Winner. This undercard event will be exciting too! Our prerequisite for the Alumni Tournament participants is that they register to act as tournament overseers for the duration of our K-7th Grade Main Event. Their tourney will be held from 12:15-1 pm and lunch will be provided for all Alumni who agree and arrive by 8 am and remain until 4 pm~. The FIRST PLACE CASH PRIZE will be granted at the end of the event~.Regarding our Main Event: Based on our current faith and in light of past Gala’s we hope to distribute over 200 awards!
NOTE: We plan to utilize the Round Robin by grade system to match students in individual play. Please, be mindful you may occasionally find yourself competing against someone from your own team.
We extend our sincere gratitude first to CHRIST in HEAVEN who makes all things possible. Also, to the USC Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs (CBCSA) for their generous sponsorship and support of our 17th Annual GMG. We are especially thankful to Mr. Greedley Harris III and Sean McKean for their assistance, as well as Ms. Mariah and the ELYAH’S for their dedicated support. Our deepest thanks also go to our principals, teachers, alumni, and parents; your collective efforts were instrumental in making this milestone year an amazing success.
WANT TO SPONSOR OUR 18th ANNUAL GMG?
Proof that Teamwork makes the Dreamwork!
TO POTENTIAL SPONSORS:
We are open to solidify sponsors for all that we do to make this event one to remember. All sponsors of this event will be featured here and in our tournament publicity and communications. Additionally, sponsors may be herald in all of our participating schools. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact us at gmg@chesstutors.org.
Please carefully consider your schedule THOROUGHLY prior to registering. In the event you are subsequently unable to attend the 2026 GMG, we will plan to extend you credit towards a future Chess Tutor session, summer camp or next year’s GMG. HOWEVER, due to significant upfront administrative and facility costs, NO REFUNDS WILL BE GRANTED. We thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Mail-in Registration for Participants is NOT Available. (ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY)
IMPORTANT NOTE: “Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact [Chess Tutors 323 251 7010, gmg@chesstutors.org]. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.” Our last GMG July 11th, 2026 was a smashing success, hope to see you July 10th, 2027!
