2026 78th Idaho Open will take place on June 27-28, 2026 in Boise, Idaho, USA. This is a chess tournament in Boise, Idaho, USA, in 2026, and it offers a 5-round weekend Swiss with two sections at the Riverside Hotel. The event continues one of Idaho’s long-running open tournaments and gives players a compact but serious summer format.
The tournament suits ambitious club players, experienced weekend competitors, juniors, seniors, and improving players who want several rated games in only two days. Moreover, the structure stays clear, because the event uses an Open section and a dedicated U1400 section under standard US Chess rules.
The Boise setting also adds practical value to the weekend. In addition, 2026 78th Idaho Open combines a hotel venue, straightforward registration rules, and a clean prize structure, so it stands out as a solid late-June option for players across Idaho and the surrounding region.
📌 Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | June 27–28, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Boise, Idaho, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round weekend Swiss tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess rated |
| 🏁 Sections | Open, U1400 |
| ⏱️ Time control | G/90 + 5 seconds from move 1 |
| 🔢 Rounds | 5 |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 485 confirmed |
| 🌐 Official website | https://sites.google.com/view/idaho-chess-association/home |
| 📝 Registration | By email |
🏆 Prize Fund
The confirmed cash prize fund for 2026 78th Idaho Open is USD 485. Therefore, the event offers clear rewards in both sections, while the overall winner also receives a plaque.
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| Open – 1st place | $125 + plaque |
| Open – 2nd place | $100 |
| Open – 3rd place | $75 |
| U1400 – 1st place | $75 |
| U1400 – 2nd place | $60 |
| U1400 – 3rd place | $50 |
⏰ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses Game in 90 minutes with a 5-second increment from move one. As a result, the event fits the classical weekend Swiss category and gives players enough time for serious competitive play across all five rounds.
The organizers use a 5-round Swiss format. In addition, players may request one half-point bye in any round, although the request must be made before round 2 is paired. The published tie-break order is Solkoff, Cumulative, Cumulative Opposition, and Modified Median. The event also states that the Insufficient Losing Chances rule does not apply.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Open to all players | Main section |
| U1400 | Under 1400 | Rating-limited section |
🗓️ Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | 9:00 AM–9:30 AM | Check-in |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 AM | Round 1 |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | 2:00 PM | Round 2 |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | 5:00 PM | Round 3 |
| June 28, 2026 | Sunday | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| June 28, 2026 | Sunday | 2:00 PM | Round 5 |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-registration fee | $30 |
| ICA member fee | $25 |
| On-site entry fee | $40 |
| Free entry | Idaho residents over 65, IMs, FMs, and GMs |
| Registration method | Email your entry to the organizer |
| Membership requirement | ICA and US Chess membership required |
| Other affiliate rule | Other state affiliates are accepted |
| Policy note | Players should review Idaho Chess Association event policies before registering |
👤 Organizer
Idaho Chess Association organizes the tournament and manages player communication, registration, and local event logistics. Moreover, the association has a long-standing role in Idaho chess, so the event benefits from a familiar and established tournament structure.
- Email: idahochessassociation@gmail.com
- Phone: +1 208-518-9752
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/idaho-chess-association/home
📍 Venue
Riverside Hotel, 2900 W Chinden Blvd., Boise, ID, USA
The Riverside Hotel serves as the official playing venue for 2026 78th Idaho Open. The hotel sits along the Boise River and gives the event a practical stay-and-play setting for a full weekend of chess.
🚗 How to Get There
The Riverside Hotel is easy to reach within the Boise area. It is about 5 miles from Boise Airport, and the property sits on West Chinden Boulevard near the Boise River. As a result, both local players and out-of-town visitors can reach the venue without much difficulty.
2026 78th Idaho Open is a strong choice for players who want a proven weekend format, clear section options, and a practical hotel venue in Boise.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $485
Organizer
Idaho Chess Association is the statewide chess association and principal tournament organizer for organized chess in Idaho, United States. Serving Idaho since 1947, it has played a long-standing role in connecting players, clubs, and local chess communities across the state. Moreover, the association supports both adult and scholastic chess through a nonprofit structure and a broad statewide mission.
The organization runs open chess tournaments, state-level championships, scholastic events, and other official over-the-board competitions throughout Idaho. In addition, it promotes classical chess, youth tournaments, and recurring regional events that help players enter rated competition and stay active in the local chess scene. As a result, Idaho Chess Association stands out as the central tournament organizer for structured competitive chess in the state.
Beyond event management, the association also supports junior chess, club development, and broader chess outreach in Idaho communities. Furthermore, its public resources, tournament calendar, and long institutional history reinforce its role as a trusted chess organizer for players, families, and local organizers alike. Therefore, Idaho Chess Association remains a key part of organized chess in Idaho.
