This tournament is invite-only -- please do not distribute this page!

Congratulations! You made it to the 2025 Tournament of Champions. Please use this page to register for the tournament. Day-of details are outlined below.

Questions? Email the ToC Commission at toc@illinoisshuffleboard.org.

We can't wait to see you!

Matt Nakano, Rebecca Mendoza, and Emily Power

• This tournament will be held on Sunday, April 12th, 2026.
• The tournament will begin with pool play of non-walking singles matches, followed by an 8-person, single-elimination bracket.
• The majority of the tournament play will be 8-frame non-walking singles format.
• The final matches, for the champion seat and 3rd place, will be 16-frame walking singles format.
• Every player is guaranteed 3 matches.
• There is NO coaching for this tournament. Players may not ask observers for shot advice.
• All players will participate in a 16 disc (8 from the head to the foot, another 8 from the foot to the head) speed shuffle competition to determine which players get to choose color in their matches 
• Speed shuffle will take place at the end of Saturday’s practice session. Please reach out to the ToC Commission if you cannot participate at this time Saturday - they will work with you to schedule your speed shuffle at a time that works for you. 

• The 16 qualified players will be divided into 4 pools of 4 players.
• ILSA point standings will determine the groups.
• Color choice will be determined by the results of the speed shuffle competition (held at the end of Saturday’s practice).
• Each player will complete a match against each of the opponents in their pool.
• The top 2 players of each pool will advance.

• Format is a single non-walking, 8-frame game.
• Color is predetermined based on 16-disc Speed Shuffle competition.
• The shooting order is YBYB.
• Switch colors before frame 5.
• If the score is tied at the end of 8 frames, players will play an additional 2 frames until the tie is broken.
• Ties within pools will be broken in the following order:
• Head-to-head match result
• Point differential (capped at 24 points per game)
• Speed shuffle score from Saturday's speed shuffle competition

• Practice begins when both players are ready at the court. 
• One round (2 biscuits per player) of practice is allowed before frames 1 and 5.

• The top 2 players in each pool will advance to this round for an 8-player, single-elimination bracket. 
• Format is a single non-walking, 8-frame game.
• Lag to determine starting color (See Section 2.3.2 of ILSA’s Rules of Play)
• Shooting order is YBYB.
• Change colors before frame 5.
• If the score is tied at the end of 8 frames, players will play an additional 2 frames until the tie is broken.
• Winners of their matches in the quarterfinals advance to the semifinals.

• Practice begins when both players are ready at the court. 
• One round (4 biscuits per player) of practice is allowed before frames 1 and 5.

• Players who won their semifinals match will advance to the finals. 
• Players who lost their semifinal match will play for 3rd/4th place. 
• Each match is a walking, 16-frame game. 
• Lag to determine starting color (See Section 2.3.2 of ILSA’s Rules of Play).
• Shooting order is YBBY.
• Switch colors before frame 9.
• If the score is tied at the end of 16 frames, players will play an additional 2 frames until tie is broken.

• Practice begins when both players are ready at the court. 
• Two rounds of practice (4 biscuits from the head, 4 biscuits from the foot) are allowed before frames 1 and 9. 

• 12:00 p.m. - Doors open at Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club Chicago.
• 12:05 p.m. - Players, find your court and take a few warm-up shots.
• 12:25 p.m. - Opening remarks
• 12:30 p.m. - Play begins
• 3:30 p.m. (approx.) - Round of 8 begins
• 4:30 p.m. (approx.) - Semi-finals begin
• 5:30 p.m. (approx.) - Finals begin
• 6:30 p.m. (approx.) - Awards and closing remarks

• 1st Place - ToC Trophy
• All players - 2025 TOC Pin
• Cash prizes to be determined

ILSA points are NOT awarded in the Tournament of Champions as it is not open to all ILSA Members.