CHILDREN'S CHESS TOURNAMENT 2026 — Okinawa Zoo & Museum | Churakids
Lion and turtle playing chess
6TH ANNUAL — OKINAWA ZOO & MUSEUM

CHILDREN'S
CHESS
TOURNAMENT
2026

International Kids Chess Tournament at Okinawa Zoo & Museum

2026.05.16 SAT — 10:00–15:00

REGISTER NOW
Lion and turtle playing chess

ABOUT About the Tournament

Building thinking skills and global perspectives through chess. Open to all nationalities and experience levels — beginners welcome!
Date
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time
10:00 – 15:00
Venue
Okinawa Zoo & Museum — Children's Center
Age
Ages 5–16 (beginners welcome)
Capacity
40 players (first come, first served)
Classes
Junior (5–9) / Open (10–16)
Host
Churakids
Past tournament

GOBBLET GOBBLERS What is Gobblet Gobblers?

Gobblet Gobblers is an upgraded version of tic-tac-toe played on a 3×3 board. Players use pieces in three sizes (small, medium, large) and can "gobble" — cover an opponent's piece with a larger one. Simple rules, but surprisingly strategic — a perfect brain game for kids!

Easy to learn, hard to master. Perfect for children who are new to chess or younger players. At the tournament, Gobblet Gobblers runs as a beginner-friendly bracket with exciting elimination rounds.

Basic Rules
① Take turns placing a piece on the 3×3 grid (from your hand or move one already on the board)
② A larger piece can cover ("gobble") a smaller opponent's piece
③ First to line up 3 in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) wins!
※ Each game takes about 3–5 minutes. No chess knowledge required
Gobblet Gobblers

CHESS CLUB Churakids Chess Club

Churakids runs a weekly chess club every Saturday for children ages 5–16. From beginners learning the basics to experienced players refining their strategy, kids enjoy chess in a fun, supportive environment.

This tournament is the 6th edition of the International Kids Chess Tournament, born from this chess club. Since the first event in 2017, we've been connecting children in Okinawa with the world through chess.

🏫 Practice before the tournament!
Drop in for just ¥500 per session. Complete beginners are welcome! If your child knows shogi (Japanese chess), they'll pick up chess even faster. Come practice with us before the big day!
Every Saturday / Okinawa City / Ages 5–16
Learn more about Chess Club →
Chess club

ENTRY FEES Categories & Pricing

JUNIOR 5–9 OPEN 10–16
CHESS
Chess
Junior (5–9) / Open (10–16)
$20
Reg. $25
  • Tournament entry
  • Participation prize
OPTION
+ Official T-shirt $10 → Total $30
Reg. total $35
BEGINNERS
Gobblet Gobblers
For beginners and younger children
$15
Reg. $20
  • Gobblet Gobblers entry
  • Participation prize
OPTION
+ Official T-shirt $10 → Total $25
Reg. total $30
EARLY BIRD
Early bird pricing until April 30
SIBLING DISCOUNT
$5 off from the 2nd child
Trophies

SCHEDULE Event Schedule

09:50
Registration Opens
10:00
Opening Ceremony & Rules
10:30
Morning: Qualifying Rounds
Chess, Gobblet Gobblers
12:00
Lunch Break
13:00
Afternoon: Finals & Consolation
14:30
Awards & Closing Ceremony
Medals for top 3 / Participation prizes for all

VENUE Event Location

Okinawa Zoo & Museum (沖縄こどもの国) is a comprehensive children's facility in Okinawa City featuring a zoo, Wonder Museum, and more. With approximately 400,000 visitors annually, it's a beloved destination for families.

The tournament will be held at the Children's Center, located within the zoo grounds.

Okinawa Zoo & Museum Official Site →
※ Admission Fee
Zoo admission is required separately from the tournament entry fee.
Age 16+: ¥1,000 ／ Age 15 and under: Free ／ Students (high school, college): ¥500
Okinawa Zoo & Museum

REGISTER Registration

Deadline: May 9, 2026 — Capacity: 40

PLAYER
CATEGORY
PARENT / GUARDIAN
SIBLINGS — $5 OFF
SUMMARY
PAYMENT
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