3rd Annual CHESS FOR CURE Open takes place from April 25-26, 2026 in Akron, Ohio, USA. This is a chess tournament in Akron, Ohio, in 2026. The event features four sections, a multi-section Swiss format, FIDE rating in the Open and Under 2000 sections, and a guaranteed cash prize fund based on paid entries. In addition, the tournament uses a mixed time-control structure, with a faster first round in the main sections and classical time controls afterward.

Furthermore, 3rd Annual CHESS FOR CURE Open brings a strong weekend chess event to Akron with broad section options for adults, improving players, and scholastic competitors. Because the tournament combines FIDE rated sections, class prizes, and a charity mission connected to women’s gynecologic research and women in chess, it offers more than standard weekend competition. Meanwhile, the East End venue, nearby hotel option, and two-day schedule make this over-the-board chess tournament in Akron practical for both local players and visitors.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The event offers a total listed cash prize fund of USD 8,000 based on 160 paid entries. Moreover, the organizer awards separate prizes in each main section. The Under 1000 section offers trophies only, so it is not included in the cash total.

Open

Under 2000

Under 1400

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The Open, Under 2000, and Under 1400 sections all play five rounds. First, Round 1 uses G/60 with a 5-second delay. After that, Rounds 2 through 5 use G/90 with a 30-second increment. As a result, the main sections shift into a classical format after the opening round.

The Under 1000 section also plays five rounds, although it runs only on Saturday with a G/30 d5 time control. In addition, the Open and Under 2000 sections count for FIDE rating, except that Round 1 in those two sections is not FIDE rated. Players may request up to two half-point byes in all sections. The default time is one hour.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Discovery Chess Learning Academy organizes 3rd Annual CHESS FOR CURE Open as part of its growing tournament and community program in Ohio. In addition, the organizer connects the event to its broader Chess for Cure initiative, which supports women’s health awareness and promotes women in chess. Because of that mission, the event combines competitive chess with a wider community purpose.

• Address: 1200 E Market St, Akron, OH 44305, USA

• Email: kalanithi@discoverychess.org

• Phone: +1 330 475 2964

• Website: https://discoverychess.org/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Discovery-Chess-Learning-Center-100057337214120/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discovery.chess.learning.acad/

🏨 Venue

The East End, 1200 E Market St, Akron, OH 44305, USA

The venue sits on East Market Street in Akron, which gives players a practical city location for a weekend tournament. In addition, the tournament notes make clear that play takes place at The East End rather than at the official hotel. That distinction can help visiting players plan arrival and lodging more smoothly.

🛎️ Accommodation

Hilton Garden Inn Akron, 1307 E Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44305, USA

The organizer lists this nearby hotel as the lodging option for visiting players. In addition, the published hotel rate is USD 145 per night.

🚗 How to Get There

The playing site is on East Market Street in Akron, so players arriving by car can reach the venue easily from the local road network and nearby hotel area. In addition, the official hotel sits very close to the tournament hall, which can simplify weekend logistics for out-of-town participants.

Meanwhile, players should remember that the hotel and the playing venue are not the same location. Therefore, anyone staying at the Hilton Garden Inn should still plan a short separate trip to The East End before each round.

If you want a competitive weekend chess tournament in Akron with multiple sections, FIDE-rated opportunities, and a meaningful community mission, 3rd Annual CHESS FOR CURE Open offers a strong and distinctive experience.