The 4th Hall of Fame Memorial 2026 takes place on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at the Wyndham Omaha/West Dodge in Omaha, Nebraska. Organized by Bruce Draney, the one-day tournament is the final Cornhusker Chess Circuit event of 2026 and carries 10 Grand Prix points.
Players compete in a single section over four Swiss-system rounds using a G/55;d5 time control. The tournament offers a guaranteed $600 cash prize fund, together with trophies for several overall and rating-class categories.
A special Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place between the first and second rounds. Both new inductees will receive their plaques and formal recognition during the ceremony, while tournament participants who remain for the presentation will be eligible for additional special prizes.
♟️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Tournament | 4th Hall of Fame Memorial 2026 |
| 📅 Date | December 19, 2026 |
| 🌎 Country | United States |
| 📍 Location | Omaha, Nebraska |
| 🏟️ Venue | Wyndham Omaha/West Dodge – 655 North 108th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68154, United States |
| 👤 Organizer | Bruce Draney |
| ♟️ Format | 4-round Swiss system |
| 🧩 Sections | 1 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/55;d5 |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess rated |
| 🌐 FIDE Rated | No |
| 💰 Guaranteed Cash Prize Fund | $600 |
| 🏅 Additional Awards | Trophies and special ceremony prizes |
| 🏆 Circuit | Cornhusker Chess Circuit |
| ⭐ Grand Prix Points | 10 |
| 💳 Advance Entry Fee | $39 |
| 🚪 Late / On-site Entry Fee | $50 |
| 🎖️ Hall of Fame Member Entry | $25 |
| ♿ Accessibility | Handicap accessible |
| 🌍 Residency Restriction | None |
| 🌐 Official US Chess Listing | https://new.uschess.org/4th-hall-fame-memorial |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament consists of four rounds played under the Swiss pairing system.
Time Control: G/55;d5
Each player receives 55 minutes for the entire game with a five-second delay per move.
All four rounds are played on Saturday. The relatively compact schedule allows the tournament to finish in one day while still providing four fully rated games.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Pairing System | Swiss |
| Number of Rounds | 4 |
| Time Control | G/55;d5 |
| Sections | 1 |
| Playing Day | Saturday, December 19 |
Because there is only one tournament section, players of different ratings compete in the same field. Rating-class prizes and trophies provide additional award opportunities below the overall standings.
🏆 Prize Fund
The organizer guarantees $600 in cash prizes.
| Prize Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | $200 |
| 2nd Place | $150 |
| 1st Class B | $75 |
| 1st Class C | $75 |
| 1st Class D/E or Below | $70 |
| Top Upset | $30 |
The published cash awards total exactly $600, and the organizer explicitly describes the prize fund as guaranteed.
Trophies
In addition to the cash prizes, trophies are awarded in the following categories:
| Trophy Category | Award |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | Trophy |
| 2nd Place | Trophy |
| 1st Class B | Trophy |
| 1st Class C | Trophy |
| 1st Class D | Trophy |
| 1st Under 1200 | Trophy |
The combination of overall, class, and upset awards gives players at several rating levels something meaningful to compete for even though the tournament uses a single-section format.
🧩 Sections / Groups
The 4th Hall of Fame Memorial has one open tournament section.
| Section | Prize Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Single Section | Overall, Class B, Class C, Class D/E or below, U1200 trophy, Top Upset |
The Class B, Class C, Class D/E, and Under 1200 designations are award categories within the same tournament field. They are not separate playing sections.
Therefore, all entrants participate in the same four-round Swiss tournament regardless of rating.
The official listing also shows no residency restriction, so participation is not limited to Nebraska residents.
📅 Schedule
The entire event takes place on Saturday, December 19, 2026.
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 8:00–8:45 AM | Registration |
| 9:00 AM | Round 1 |
| Approx. 11:15 AM–12:15 PM | Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony |
| 12:30 PM | Round 2 |
| 2:45 PM | Round 3 |
| 5:00 PM | Round 4 |
Players should arrive early enough to complete registration before the 8:45 AM cutoff.
The Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled between Rounds 1 and 2. Consequently, there is a longer break after the opening round before play resumes at 12:30 PM.
The final round begins at 5:00 PM.
📝 Registration
The published advance entry fee is $39.
Late or on-site registration costs $50, while Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame members may enter for $25.
| Registration Option | Fee |
|---|---|
| Advance Entry | $39 |
| Late / On-site Entry | $50 |
| Hall of Fame Member Entry | $25 |
On-site Registration
Saturday, December 19, 2026
8:00–8:45 AM
Round 1 begins at 9:00 AM, so players using on-site registration have only a short period between registration closing and the first pairing.
Online Registration
Players can register through King Registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/4thhalloffame
An alternative Square payment / registration link is also published:
https://square.link/u/vsxJEYuR
Players may also contact Bruce Draney directly for additional information or personal registration assistance.
Important Advance-Deadline Note
The official US Chess listing currently states that the $39 fee applies if the entry is submitted “before midnight on Friday December 19th.”
However, December 19, 2026 is a Saturday, not a Friday.
The published wording therefore contains an apparent weekday/date error. Rather than assuming whether the intended deadline is Friday, December 18 or another time, players should confirm the live advance-registration cutoff through King Registration or directly with Bruce Draney before paying.
👤 Organizer
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizer Name | Bruce Draney |
| Contact Person | Bruce Draney |
| gambiteer49@yahoo.com | |
| Phone | +1 402-312-6335 |
📍 Venue
Wyndham Omaha/West Dodge – 655 North 108th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68154, United States.
The tournament is held inside the Wyndham Omaha/West Dodge in West Omaha. The property is conveniently located just off I-680, providing straightforward road access from different parts of the Omaha metropolitan area.
The hotel offers free on-site parking, so players driving to the tournament do not need to budget for a separate parking charge.
Additional hotel amenities include free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour market, and guest laundry facilities.
The official US Chess listing identifies the tournament site as handicap accessible.
Because registration begins at 8:00 AM and Round 1 starts at 9:00 AM, players traveling from outside Omaha may find staying at the venue particularly convenient.
🏨 Accommodation
The tournament takes place inside a hotel, making the venue itself the easiest accommodation choice. Several additional hotels are located within approximately one mile of the playing site.
| Hotel | Approx. Price / Night |
|---|---|
| Wyndham Omaha/West Dodge – 655 N 108th Ave, Omaha, NE 68154 | Approx. $50–$90 |
| TownePlace Suites by Marriott Omaha West – 10865 W Dodge Rd, Omaha, NE 68154 | Approx. $85–$120 |
| Hampton Inn Omaha/West Dodge Road (Old Mill) – 11201 Davenport St, Omaha, NE 68154 | Approx. $90–$130 |
Wyndham Omaha/West Dodge
This is the tournament venue, so it provides the simplest option for players arriving from outside Omaha.
Guests can stay in the same property where the tournament is held and avoid traveling on Saturday morning. The hotel provides free continental breakfast, free parking, free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and fitness facilities.
Standard check-in is around 3:00 PM, while check-out is around 11:00 AM.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Omaha West
10865 W Dodge Road, Omaha, NE 68154
TownePlace Suites is located very close to the tournament venue and provides complimentary breakfast and on-site parking.
Its suites include fully equipped kitchens, which can be particularly useful for families, players with specific meal preferences, or anyone staying more than one night.
The hotel also has an indoor pool and fitness facilities.
Hampton Inn Omaha/West Dodge Road (Old Mill)
11201 Davenport Street, Omaha, NE 68154
Hampton Inn is another nearby option in the same West Omaha area.
The hotel offers the familiar Hampton-style combination of breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, and an indoor pool, while its location makes the tournament venue accessible by a short drive.
Hotel prices are approximate and are not official tournament rates. Actual December 2026 prices may vary according to room type, taxes, cancellation conditions, availability, and the date of booking. Players should check the live rate before reserving.
🚆 How to Get There
The Wyndham Omaha/West Dodge is located in West Omaha, close to I-680.
For most participants, driving or using a rideshare service will be the simplest way to reach the tournament.
🚗 By Car
For navigation, use:
Wyndham Omaha/West Dodge – 655 North 108th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68154, United States.
The hotel provides free parking.
Because registration closes at 8:45 AM, players should allow enough time for traffic, parking, entering the hotel, and finding the playing room before registration ends.
The venue’s location near I-680 makes it convenient for players approaching from different parts of Omaha and surrounding Nebraska communities.
✈️ From Eppley Airfield
Eppley Airfield (OMA) is approximately 16 miles from the tournament hotel.
Players arriving by air can continue to the venue by rental car, taxi, rideshare, or another ground-transportation service.
Because the tournament begins at 9:00 AM on Saturday, anyone flying into Omaha for the event may find it more practical to arrive on Friday, December 18 and stay overnight.
🚕 Local Transportation
A rental car or rideshare service is likely to be the most convenient option for visitors who do not have their own vehicle.
Players staying at the Wyndham itself will not need transportation on tournament morning, while those using the nearby West Dodge hotels should have only a short local journey to the venue.
ℹ️ Other Information
🏆 Final Cornhusker Chess Circuit Event
The 4th Hall of Fame Memorial is the final Cornhusker Chess Circuit event of 2026.
The tournament carries 10 Grand Prix points, adding an additional competitive element for players participating in the circuit.
🎖️ Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame Ceremony
A special Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for approximately 11:15 AM–12:15 PM.
The ceremony takes place between Rounds 1 and 2.
Both new inductees are expected to receive their Hall of Fame plaques and formal recognition during the presentation.
Tournament participants who remain for the ceremony will be eligible for special prizes.
♟️ Single-Section Format
The tournament has only one playing section.
However, the combination of overall prizes, rating-class prizes, an Under 1200 trophy, and a Top Upset award means players at different rating levels have several additional competitive targets beyond simply finishing first overall.
♿ Accessibility
The official US Chess listing marks the tournament venue as handicap accessible.
Players with a specific accessibility requirement may still wish to contact the hotel or organizer before traveling to confirm arrangements for the exact playing room.
🌎 Eligibility
There is no published residency restriction.
Players from outside Nebraska may therefore participate, subject to the normal tournament registration requirements.
🌐 Rating Status
The tournament is listed through US Chess and is not FIDE rated.
Players looking specifically for a FIDE-rated event should therefore note that results from this tournament will not affect a FIDE rating.
🔎 Before the Tournament
Because the published advance-registration deadline contains a date/weekday discrepancy, players should check the live registration page shortly before entering:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/4thhalloffame
The official US Chess tournament listing is available at:
https://new.uschess.org/4th-hall-fame-memorial
Players with questions can also contact Bruce Draney directly at gambiteer49@yahoo.com or +1 402-312-6335.
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $600
Organizer
♟️ About Bruce Draney
Bruce Draney is a chess organizer, tournament director, historian, archivist, and longtime contributor to organized chess in Nebraska, United States. Based in the Omaha area, he has been involved in state chess for several decades as a player, administrator, tournament organizer, and historical researcher.
Draney previously served as President of the Nebraska State Chess Association (NSCA) and remains closely connected with statewide chess activity. His work now includes organizing US Chess-rated tournaments, preserving Nebraska chess history, supporting scholastic programs, helping administer Hall of Fame activities, and working with organizations such as the Nebraska State Chess Association and Lincoln Chess Foundation.
In 2023, Draney was inducted into the Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame for his contributions as a player, organizer, administrator, and historian. He also played a central role in reviving the Hall of Fame after a long period of limited activity.
🏆 Tournaments & Chess Activities
Bruce Draney organizes a recurring schedule of US Chess-rated events in Nebraska, particularly in Omaha and Lincoln. His tournament portfolio includes traditional state competitions, Hall of Fame events, scholastic championships, memorial tournaments, and special anniversary events.
One of his principal recurring events is the Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame Memorial. The tournament combines competitive chess with the formal induction of new Hall of Fame members. The event has developed into an annual fixture, with the 4th Hall of Fame Memorial 2026 scheduled for December 19 at Wyndham Omaha/West Dodge.
The 2026 tournament is a four-round US Chess-rated Swiss played at G/55 with a five-second delay. It is also the final Cornhusker Chess Circuit event of the year and includes a special Hall of Fame induction ceremony between the first two rounds.
Draney also organizes the Wilkins Cup, another recurring Nebraska Hall of Fame event. The 3rd Annual Wilkins Cup in June 2026 carried a fully guaranteed $2,500 prize fund and was included in both the Nebraska Player of the Year series and Cornhusker Chess Circuit.
In addition, he has been involved in Nebraska State Scholastic Team Championships, Open and College/University Championships, summer chess programs, and other statewide events.
🏛️ Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame
The Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame was originally established by the Nebraska State Chess Association in 1996. After relatively limited activity for a number of years, Bruce Draney helped revive the Hall of Fame in 2023.
He established a renewed selection process and worked with experienced Nebraska players and historians to identify and recognize individuals who had made significant contributions to chess in the state.
The revived program has combined Hall of Fame inductions with major tournament events. In 2024, Draney organized the Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame Champions Celebration in Lincoln. The weekend included a classical tournament, blitz competition, lectures, simultaneous exhibitions, historical presentations, and Hall of Fame recognition.
That event offered a combined prize structure of more than $13,000, attracting strong regional and national players. The following year, Draney organized the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the 1975 U.S. Open, again held in Lincoln and designed to connect current tournament chess with Nebraska’s historical chess legacy.
📚 Chess History & Archival Work
Historical preservation is an important part of Draney’s chess activity. He has worked extensively to document and digitize the history of competitive chess in Nebraska.
This includes preserving material from The Gambit, the historic publication of the Nebraska State Chess Association, as well as tournament results, games, photographs, player histories, and information connected with Nebraska championships and Hall of Fame members.
His archival work has also involved converting older chess scores into modern algebraic notation and making historical games more accessible to current players.
Draney’s historical and journalistic work has received recognition within the US Chess community. He was among the recipients of the Jack Spence Award for Chess Journalism, an award particularly meaningful in Nebraska chess because Jack Spence himself was one of the state’s most important chess historians and an original Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame inductee.
🌱 Scholastic Chess & Development
Draney is also active in scholastic chess. He has organized and supported events for elementary, middle-school, high-school, college, and university players throughout Nebraska.
In 2026, he served as organizer for the Nebraska State Scholastic Team, Open and College/University Championships, held at Boys Town. The program included separate K-5, grades 6-8, grades 9-12, Open, and collegiate competition.
He also serves as Treasurer of the Lincoln Chess Foundation. In summer 2026, Draney acted as Camp Director for the Lincoln Chess Foundation K-12 Summer Chess Camp, which included structured groups from beginners through stronger tournament players and featured Grandmaster-level instruction.
These activities complement his adult tournament program and help connect young players with the wider Nebraska chess community.
📅 Current Tournament Program
Draney continues to organize events throughout the 2026 calendar. His current activities include the Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame series, Wilkins Cup, Cornhusker Chess Circuit events, scholastic championships, and other US Chess-rated tournaments.
The 4th Hall of Fame Memorial 2026 continues this program in Omaha. Alongside the tournament itself, the event preserves the Hall of Fame tradition by formally recognizing new inductees during the playing day.
This combination of tournament organization, historical preservation, Hall of Fame development, and scholastic activity makes Bruce Draney one of the most active long-term contributors to organized chess in Nebraska.
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