19th Continental Chess Cleveland Open takes place from June 5-7, 2026 in Independence, Ohio, USA. This is a chess tournament in Independence, Ohio, in 2026. The event features a 5-round Swiss format, five sections, a classical time control, and a guaranteed cash prize fund. In addition, players can choose either a full 3-day schedule or a faster 2-day option, which gives the weekend more flexibility for different travel plans.

Moreover, 19th Continental Chess Cleveland Open offers a strong over-the-board weekend event near Cleveland for both experienced players and ambitious club competitors. Because the tournament includes FIDE rated upper sections and multiple class sections, it can appeal to a wide field. Furthermore, the new hotel location in Independence makes this chess event in Ohio practical for local players as well as visitors.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The tournament offers a guaranteed total cash prize fund of USD 15,000. In addition, the event runs across five sections, which gives players several prize categories based on rating group.

The published tournament summary confirms the guaranteed total prize fund and the five-section structure. However, the full section-by-section cash breakdown is not included here.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The event uses a 5-round Swiss format with a classical time control of 40 moves in 80 minutes, followed by sudden death in 30 minutes, with a 30-second increment. Therefore, the tournament clearly belongs to the classical chess category rather than rapid or blitz.

Meanwhile, players may choose a 2-day option instead of the full 3-day schedule. In that faster schedule, the first three rounds are played on Saturday before the event finishes on Sunday. In addition, players may take up to two half-point byes. However, bye requests must be committed in advance. Re-entry is also available for USD 60, although re-entry from Major to Major is not allowed.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Continental Chess Association organizes 19th Continental Chess Cleveland Open as part of its long-running calendar of major weekend tournaments across the United States. In addition, the organizer is well known for multi-section open events that combine strong prize funds with practical schedules and hotel venues. Because of that experience, players can expect a structured event with clear section rules and established tournament administration.

• Address: PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803, USA

• Email: director@chess.us

• Website: https://www.chesstour.com/

🏨 Venue

Independence Cleveland Hotel, 6200 Quarry Ln, Independence, OH 44131, USA

The playing site gives the tournament a dedicated hotel setting in Independence, just outside Cleveland. In addition, the new venue can make the weekend more convenient for players who want to keep lodging and tournament play close together. That setup is especially useful for visitors arriving for the full weekend schedule.

🚗 How to Get There

Players arriving by car can reach the venue through the greater Cleveland road network and then check in directly at the hotel. In addition, the Independence location can work well for both local players and out-of-town visitors who prefer a suburban hotel venue.

Meanwhile, players who stay on site can simplify the weekend because the playing hall and lodging are in the same location. As a result, this chess tournament in Independence offers a practical setup for a full classical weekend.

If you want a multi-section classical chess tournament in Ohio with FIDE rated upper sections, flexible scheduling, and a strong guaranteed prize fund, 19th Continental Chess Cleveland Open offers a solid competitive weekend near Cleveland.