
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.
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Address: 4663 Maryland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
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Email: info@saintlouischessclub.org
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Phone: +1 314-361-2437
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Website: https://saintlouischessclub.org/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STLChessClub/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlchessclub/
🏨 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.