SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB

Thanksgiving Open 2026

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Thanksgiving Open 2026 takes place from November 13-15, 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. This is a chess tournament in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, in 2026. The event offers a strong over-the-board chess tournament format with two sections, five rounds, and FIDE rating in the top section. It will be held at the Saint Louis Chess Club and features a guaranteed USD 10,000 prize fund.

Moreover, this chess tournament in St. Louis gives players a serious weekend opportunity in one of the leading chess cities in the United States. Thanksgiving Open 2026 combines a competitive classical chess tournament structure with clear section rules, solid prize distribution, and the professional playing environment of the Saint Louis Chess Club. As a result, this chess event in St. Louis is a strong option for titled players, experienced club competitors, and ambitious amateurs who want a high-quality FIDE rated chess tournament in Missouri.

🗓️ Event Details

Item Details
📅 Dates November 13-15, 2026
📍 Location St. Louis, Missouri, USA
♟️ Format 5-round Swiss system
⭐ Rating Premiere section is FIDE and US Chess rated; Reserve section is US Chess rated
📂 Sections Premiere (Open), Reserve (Under 2000)
⏱️ Time control G/90 + 30-second increment
💳 Entry fee $100
💰 Prize fund USD 10,000 (approx.)
👤 Eligibility Open event with section limits based on rating
🧩 Organizer notes Saint Louis Chess Club and US Chess memberships are required

🏆 Prize Fund

The guaranteed cash prize fund totals $10,000.

Section Cash prizes
Premiere (Open) $2,500, $1,000, $850, $500; U2200: $750, $400
Reserve (Under 2000) $1,250, $750, $500, $400; U1600: $375, $275; U1200: $250

In addition, the Reserve section offers a tournament entry voucher valued at $100 for second place in the Under 1200 category and for the top unrated player. However, those voucher awards are not part of the cash prize fund total.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 5-round Swiss system. Each player receives 90 minutes for the game with a 30-second increment from move one. In addition, the Premiere section is both FIDE rated and US Chess rated, while the Reserve section is US Chess rated.

Players may take up to two half-point byes. However, they must declare those byes before the start of round 1. The organizer uses US Chess ratings for prize purposes in all sections. Moreover, the tournament director may assign ratings when needed.

📂 Sections / Groups

Section Rating Notes
Premiere Open FIDE and US Chess rated
Reserve Under 2000 US Chess rated

📅 Schedule

Date Weekday Time Round
November 13, 2026 Friday 6:30 PM Round 1
November 14, 2026 Saturday 10:00 AM Round 2
November 14, 2026 Saturday 3:00 PM Round 3
November 15, 2026 Sunday 10:00 AM Round 4
November 15, 2026 Sunday 3:00 PM Round 5

📝 Registration

Item Details
How to register Register online
Entry fee $100
Byes Up to two half-point byes, declared before round 1
Payment Online registration payment
Membership Saint Louis Chess Club and US Chess memberships are required
Club access Non-members may purchase a day pass at the front desk
Rating note US Chess ratings are used for prize purposes in all sections

👥 Organizer

Saint Louis Chess Club organizes this established weekend tournament and continues to deliver high-level chess programming in one of the country’s best-known chess venues. In addition, the club supports a wide range of rated events, educational programs, and major competitions throughout the year in St. Louis.

🏨 Venue

Saint Louis Chess Club, 4663 Maryland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA

The event takes place at one of the most recognizable chess venues in the United States. Moreover, the club offers a professional tournament setting in the Central West End of St. Louis. Players also benefit from a location close to restaurants, hotels, and city services.

🚗 How to Get There

Players can reach the Saint Louis Chess Club easily by car, taxi, or rideshare within the city. In addition, the Central West End location provides convenient access from major roads and nearby accommodations. Visitors arriving by air can continue into the city and reach the venue without difficulty.

Join Thanksgiving Open 2026 in St. Louis for a competitive weekend of rated chess, strong prizes, and quality over-the-board play.

 

Date And Time

13-11-2026 to
15-11-2026
 

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