Rapid U12 (Rising Stars)
The Rising Stars (Under 12) is a seven-round rapid tournament for younger and developing players, taking place on Saturday, 6 February at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo.
Played alongside the FIDE-rated Rapid Open, Rising Stars provides a fun, welcoming and supportive environment for children who are new to tournament chess or regularly play in Ficheall events and school competitions.
The tournament is also the fifth and final event of the 2026–27 Rising Stars (Under 12) Series. You don’t need to have played in any of the earlier Rapid Series events to enter the Festival Final.
Staying in Sligo for the weekend? Explore Festival Weekend →
Dates & Venue
Saturday, 6 February 2027
Radisson Blu Hotel
Ballincar, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
F91 XW7Y, Ireland
Tournament Format
7 rounds · 10+5 · Under 12 · Non-rated
Rising Stars is designed to give younger players tournament experience in a welcoming environment before progressing to FIDE-rated competition.
Round Schedule
| Round | Time |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | 9:00am |
| Round 2 | 9:45am |
| Round 3 | 10:30am |
| Round 4 | 11:15am |
| Round 5 | 12:00pm |
| Round 6 | 12:45pm |
| Round 7 | 1:30pm |
Time Control
10+5
Each player starts with 10 minutes and receives an additional 5 seconds after every move.
Age Eligibility
Eligibility is fixed for the entire 2026–27 Rising Stars Series.
Players must have been under 12 years of age on 1 January 2026, meaning they must have been born on or after 1 January 2014. This allows players who were eligible at the beginning of the series to remain eligible for the Festival Final.
Ratings
The Rising Stars (Under 12) tournament is not FIDE-rated or ICU-rated.
The section is intentionally non-rated, providing younger and less experienced players with an opportunity to develop their tournament skills before progressing to FIDE-rated competition.
Entry Fee
| Registration | Fee | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early | €30 | 30 November 2026 |
| Standard | €35 | 31 December 2026 |
| Final | €40 | 5 February 2027, 8:00pm |
Prizes
Trophies will be awarded to the top three players and best girl in the Rising Stars (Under 12) tournament.
Players will also earn Series Points towards the overall Rising Stars (Under 12) Series. Following this fifth and final event, trophies will be awarded to the top three players in the overall Series standings.
Rising Stars Series Finale
The tournament is the fifth and final event of the 2026–27 Rising Stars (Under 12) Series, which began in August 2026 and concludes at the Sligo Chess & Culture Festival.
Players who have competed throughout the season will earn their final Series Points in Sligo, with the overall standings decided following the tournament.
The Festival Final is also a standalone tournament. Eligible players are welcome to enter even if they haven’t played in any of the previous four events.
View Rising Stars (U12) Series Standings →
Learn More About the Sligo Rapid Series →
Rules & Player Information
Rising Stars is intended to provide a friendly and enjoyable tournament experience for younger players.
Players use chess clocks, but notation is not required.
Parents and guardians should familiarise themselves with the tournament regulations and festival Code of Conduct before taking part.
Regulations →
Code of Conduct →
Make a Weekend of It
Rising Stars may finish in the early afternoon, but it doesn’t finish your weekend in Sligo.
The tournament takes place at the heart of Festival Weekend, with games, talks, activities, chess, culture and entertainment continuing throughout Saturday and Sunday for children, families and adults.
Come for Rising Stars and stay for the festival.