The Nov. Wilson Chess FIDE Plus Score #16 will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville in Lisle, Illinois. Organized by Wilson Chess, the one-day tournament features three long-time-control rounds and three rating-based sections: Major, Reserve, and Booster.
The Major and Reserve sections are FIDE rated, while the Booster section is US Chess rated only. All players compete at G/60 +30, giving each player 60 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. The format is designed to provide meaningful rated games while completing the entire tournament in a single day.
Instead of a traditional first-, second-, and third-place prize structure, the event uses plus-score awards. Players earn the published cash award by reaching the required score in their section. The Major award is $125 for a perfect 3.0/3, Reserve awards $50 for 2.5/3, and Booster awards $25 for 2.0/3.
♟️ Event Details
The tournament combines three rounds of long time-control chess with rating-based sections. Major and Reserve provide FIDE-rated competition, while Booster offers a lower-rated US Chess-only option.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| 🏷️ Title | Nov. Wilson Chess FIDE Plus Score #16 |
| 📅 Date | November 8, 2026 |
| 🌎 Country | United States |
| 📍 City | Lisle, Illinois |
| 🏨 Venue | DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville |
| 👥 Organizer | Wilson Chess |
| ♟️ Format | 3-round tournament |
| 🔢 Rounds | 3 |
| 🧩 Sections | Major, Reserve, Booster |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/60 +30 |
| ⭐ FIDE Rated | Major and Reserve |
| 🇺🇸 US Chess Rated Only | Booster |
| ♿ Handicap Accessible | Yes |
| 🏠 Residency Restriction | None |
| 🌐 Event Type | Over-the-board |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Every section plays three rounds at G/60 +30. Each player begins with 60 minutes and receives an additional 30 seconds after every move.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🔢 Rounds | 3 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/60 +30 |
| ➕ Increment | 30 seconds per move |
| ⭐ Major | FIDE rated |
| ⭐ Reserve | FIDE rated |
| 🇺🇸 Booster | US Chess rated only |
The longer increment makes the event suitable for serious rated competition despite the compact one-day schedule.
🏆 Prize Fund
The tournament does not advertise a fixed overall prize fund. Instead, Wilson Chess uses a plus-score prize system, with cash awards attached to specific scores in each section.
| Section | Required Score | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Major | 3.0 / 3 | $125 |
| Reserve | 2.5 / 3 | $50 |
| Booster | 2.0 / 3 | $25 |
Therefore, these amounts should be treated as score-based awards rather than a $200 guaranteed prize fund.
The format rewards players who reach the published performance target in their respective section rather than relying exclusively on final placement.
🧩 Sections / Groups
Three sections provide competitive opportunities for players at different rating levels. The Major section is restricted at the top for FIDE-rating purposes, while the lower groups provide Reserve and Booster options.
| Section | Rating Requirement | Rating Status |
|---|---|---|
| Major | 1900+; maximum FIDE rating 2399 | FIDE rated |
| Reserve | Under 1900 | FIDE rated |
| Booster | Under 1600 | US Chess rated only |
Players who wish to play up must be within 100 rating points of the next section and pay an additional $20 play-up fee.
As a result, a player entering above their normal section cannot simply move an unlimited distance up the field.
🗓️ Schedule
All three rounds are played on Sunday. The first two rounds have fixed starting times, while the final round begins after Round 2 but not before 5:00 PM.
| Round | Time |
|---|---|
| ♟️ Round 1 | 10:00 AM |
| ♟️ Round 2 | 2:00 PM |
| ♟️ Round 3 | After Round 2, but not before 5:00 PM |
Players should plan for a full tournament day because the exact Round 3 start depends on when the second round finishes.
📝 Registration
Entry fees increase as the tournament approaches. Players can also register after the final advance deadline or onsite at the highest published rate.
| Registration Period | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Online by October 31, 2026 | $50 |
| Online by November 7, 2026 | $60 |
| After November 7 or Onsite | $65 |
| Play-Up Fee | +$20 |
A player paying the play-up fee must also be within 100 rating points of the next higher section.
Refunds are available subject to a $15 processing fee.
Official registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/WCNov26FIDE16
👥 Organizer
Wilson Chess organizes the FIDE Plus Score series together with its broader program of rated chess tournaments in the Chicago area.
| Contact | |
|---|---|
| 👥 Organizer Name | Wilson Chess |
| ✉️ Email | WilsonsChess@gmail.com |
For questions about this tournament, players should reference November FIDE Plus Score #16 when contacting the organizer.
📍 Venue
The tournament is held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville, a hotel and conference venue in Lisle, west of Chicago and close to the I-88 corridor.
DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville – 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, IL 60532, United States
The hotel offers meeting and event facilities as well as on-site dining. Complimentary self-parking is available to visitors.
🚆 How to Get There
The DoubleTree is located west of Chicago near the I-88 Research Corridor. Players arriving by car can use the hotel’s complimentary on-site parking.
| Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚗 Car | Convenient access from the I-88 corridor |
| 🅿️ Parking | Complimentary on-site self-parking |
| ✈️ DuPage Airport | Approximately 13 miles |
| ✈️ Chicago O’Hare International Airport | Approximately 23 miles |
| ✈️ Chicago Midway International Airport | Approximately 30 miles |
| 🚌 Airport Shuttle | Not provided by the hotel |
Players flying into the Chicago area should therefore arrange a rental car, taxi, or rideshare from the airport.
ℹ️ Other Information
Players may take a maximum of one bye during the tournament. The bye must be committed before the start of Round 2.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| 💤 Maximum Byes | 1 |
| ⏰ Bye Deadline | Before the start of Round 2 |
| ♟️ Boards & Sets | Provided |
| ⏱️ Chess Clocks | Provided |
| 💳 Refund Processing Fee | $15 |
Because boards, chess sets, and clocks are supplied by the organizer, participants do not need to bring their own tournament equipment.
The Major section has a maximum FIDE rating of 2399. Players above that published limit are therefore not eligible for the Major section under the tournament announcement.
The venue is listed as handicap accessible, and there is no residency restriction for participation.
Official tournament information:
https://new.uschess.org/nov-wilson-chess-fide-plus-score-16
Official registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/WCNov26FIDE16
Organizer
♟️ About Wilson Chess
Wilson Chess is a chess education and tournament organization based in the greater Chicago, Illinois area. Founded in 2023 by Danial Wilson, the organization combines US Chess and FIDE-rated tournament activity with private coaching, group instruction, scholastic programs, camps, and school-based chess. Its competitive program ranges from beginner-friendly scholastic events to large open tournaments and FIDE-rated events for experienced players.
Wilson Chess operates tournaments in several formats, including Swiss events, scholastic competitions, rapid and blitz chess, round robins, and multi-section open tournaments with cash prizes. In addition, its educational program serves both junior and adult players through one-on-one lessons, seminars, camps, and school programs. The organization works with K–8 schools and high schools while also supporting fundraising activities for schools and nonprofit organizations.
Danial Wilson, the founder and president, remains the primary figure behind the organization. He is a US Chess National Tournament Director and FIDE Arbiter with extensive experience as a coach, organizer, and tournament director. Wilson Chess has an active 2026 schedule, including the Illinois Open State Championship, Chicago-area open tournaments, scholastic events, regular FIDE-rated competitions, and a GM/IM norm invitational.
📜 History and Development
Wilson Chess was established in 2023 with a dual focus on tournament organization and chess education. Its development has been closely connected with the Chicagoland chess community and with Danial Wilson’s work in scholastic chess.
Wilson previously received the Chicago Public Schools Coach of the Year award in 2019 for his work with the Taft High School chess program. He has also served in tournament-directing and organizing roles at major US Chess events and has worked with the Chicago Chess Foundation.
As Wilson Chess expanded, it developed a broad tournament calendar covering both scholastic and adult competition. The organization also works with King Registration on a number of its larger tournaments.
🏆 Tournament Activity
Wilson Chess has a substantial program of rated tournaments during 2026. The 2026 Chicago Summer Open, held June 19–21 in Schaumburg, featured six rating sections, with the top three sections FIDE rated. The event offered a $10,000 guaranteed prize fund and was accompanied by scholastic and blitz competitions.
A major event on the current schedule is the 2026 Illinois Open State Championship, scheduled for September 3–7, 2026 in Lisle. Wilson Chess and King Registration are organizing the event, which offers six sections, FIDE rating in the Open, Under 2100, and Under 1900 sections, and a $15,000 prize fund. The program also includes the Illinois Open Blitz Championship and an individual scholastic tournament.
Wilson Chess and King Registration are additionally scheduled to organize the 2026 Chicago Fall GM/IM Norm Round Robin from September 30 to October 4. The nine-round FIDE- and US Chess-rated invitational is designed to provide opportunities for GM and IM norms. Wilson Chess also continues its recurring FIDE Plus Score events and scholastic tournament series.
🎓 Youth Chess and Training
Chess education forms the other main part of Wilson Chess’s activity. The organization offers private lessons, group seminars, chess camps, and school programs, with instruction adapted to different playing levels.
Its school program includes chess enrichment for K–8 students and competitive programs for high-school players. Students can therefore combine regular instruction with tournament experience through Wilson Chess’s scholastic competitions.
The coaching team includes International Master Arjun Vishnuvardhan, who serves as a premier chess coach, and Illinois-based coach Austin Earsley, alongside Danial Wilson. Their programs cover players ranging from beginners to experienced tournament competitors.
🏛️ Organization and Leadership
Danial Wilson is the founder and president of Wilson Chess. In addition to his organizational responsibilities, he works as a private and scholastic coach, tournament director, and tournament organizer.
Wilson is certified as a National Tournament Director by US Chess and is a FIDE Arbiter. His background in both scholastic and open tournament chess helps connect the organization’s educational programs with its expanding competitive calendar.
Wilson Chess also maintains an advisory connection with experienced figures in the Chicago chess community, including representatives with backgrounds in nonprofit chess development and large-scale tournament organization.
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