The May Wilson Chess FIDE Plus Score #22 2027 will take place on Sunday, May 23, 2027, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville in Lisle, Illinois, United States. Organized by Wilson Chess, this one-day tournament features three rounds of competitive chess, three rating-based sections, and a distinctive score-based cash prize system.
The Major and Reserve sections are FIDE and US Chess rated, while the Booster section is rated by US Chess only. All three sections use a classical time control of 60 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. Consequently, players can experience serious, internationally rated competition within a single day.
Unlike tournaments that award fixed prizes for finishing positions, the Wilson Chess FIDE Plus Score series rewards players for achieving specified point totals. The May edition offers $125 for a 3.0-point Major performance, $50 for 2.5 points in Reserve, and $25 for 2.0 points in Booster. Additionally, the venue provides hotel accommodation, free parking, and convenient access from the Chicago metropolitan area.
♟️ Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Sunday, May 23, 2027 |
| 🌎 Country | United States |
| 📍 Location | Lisle, Illinois |
| 🏨 Venue | DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville |
| 🏛️ Organizer | Wilson Chess |
| ♟️ Format | 3-round tournament |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/60 +30-second increment |
| 🧩 Sections | Major, Reserve, Booster |
| 🌐 FIDE Rated | Major and Reserve only |
| ✅ US Chess Rated | All three sections |
| 🏆 Awards | Score-based cash prizes |
| 📝 Registration | https://www.kingregistration.com/register/WCMay27FIDE22 |
| 📋 Entry List | https://www.kingregistration.com/entrylist/WCMay27FIDE22 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament consists of three rounds of G/60+30. Each player receives 60 minutes for the game and gains an additional 30 seconds after every completed move.
| Playing Condition | Information |
|---|---|
| Rounds | 3 |
| Initial Time | 60 minutes |
| Increment | 30 seconds per move |
| Major Section | FIDE and US Chess rated |
| Reserve Section | FIDE and US Chess rated |
| Booster Section | US Chess rated only |
The time control allows players to manage complex positions carefully while completing the competition in one day. Furthermore, the incremental time helps reduce the likelihood of games being decided solely by severe time pressure.
The Major and Reserve sections provide opportunities to obtain or improve FIDE ratings, subject to FIDE eligibility requirements. Meanwhile, the Booster section offers a nationally rated competitive environment for developing players.
Half-Point Byes
Players may request a maximum of one half-point bye during the tournament.
The request must be confirmed before Round 2 begins. Players planning to miss a round should indicate their preferred bye when registering or notify the tournament director before the deadline.
Requests for additional byes do not qualify for another half-point award under the published tournament rules.
🏆 Prize Fund
The May Wilson Chess FIDE Plus Score #22 uses a score-based prize structure rather than a conventional guaranteed overall prize fund.
Cash awards are associated with specific point totals in the three tournament sections.
Score-Based Cash Awards
| Section | Published Score | Cash Award |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Major | 3.0 / 3 | $125 |
| 🥈 Reserve | 2.5 / 3 | $50 |
| 🥉 Booster | 2.0 / 3 | $25 |
Major Section Prize
The Major section lists a $125 award for a perfect score of 3.0 points.
Players seeking the published award must win all three games. The section also offers FIDE-rated competition for eligible participants.
Reserve Section Prize
The Reserve section lists a $50 award for a score of 2.5 points.
This target rewards strong performance across the three rounds while allowing players to compete within the Under 1900 rating category.
Booster Section Prize
The Booster section lists a $25 award for a score of 2.0 points.
This section provides a more accessible score target for developing and lower-rated competitors.
Understanding the Prize System
The published cash amounts describe performance-based awards, not first-, second-, and third-place prizes.
The organizer has not announced a fixed aggregate prize fund. Therefore, the three listed amounts should not be added together and presented as a $200 total prize fund.
Players who need clarification regarding multiple qualifiers, prize sharing, or award eligibility should contact Wilson Chess before entering.
🧩 Sections / Groups
The tournament features three rating-based sections with different eligibility requirements and rating recognition.
| Section | Rating Eligibility | Rating Status |
|---|---|---|
| Major | 1900+; maximum FIDE rating 2399 | FIDE + US Chess |
| Reserve | Under 1900 | FIDE + US Chess |
| Booster | Under 1600 | US Chess only |
Major — 1900+
The Major section is intended for stronger players rated 1900 or higher. It provides FIDE-rated competition with a specific upper restriction: players must not have a FIDE rating above 2399.
This makes the section particularly relevant for strong club players and developing competitors who want to gain international rating experience.
The published cash award is $125 for a perfect 3.0-point score.
Reserve — Under 1900
The Reserve section welcomes eligible players rated below 1900.
Like the Major section, it is FIDE rated. Therefore, players can gain international tournament experience while competing against opponents within the published rating range.
The score-based cash award is $50 for 2.5 points.
Booster — Under 1600
The Booster section is restricted to players rated below 1600.
Games are submitted for US Chess rating only. This section is designed for developing competitors who want experience with longer time controls before moving into stronger rating categories.
The published cash award is $25 for 2.0 points.
Playing in a Higher Section
Players may request to compete in the next higher section if their rating is within 100 points of that section’s lower rating boundary.
An additional $20 play-up fee applies.
The organizer’s eligibility conditions still apply, including the Major section’s maximum FIDE rating restriction.
Players should confirm eligibility and any rating-related questions before completing registration.
📅 Schedule
The entire tournament takes place on Sunday, May 23, 2027.
All times are local Lisle time (Central Daylight Time).
| Round | Starting Time |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | 10:00 AM |
| Round 2 | 2:00 PM |
| Round 3 | After Round 2, not before 5:00 PM |
Round 3 begins after the completion of Round 2, but no earlier than 5:00 PM. Its exact starting time may therefore depend on the progress of earlier games.
Players should arrive sufficiently early to confirm their entry, locate their assigned section, and prepare for the first round.
The interval between the morning and afternoon rounds provides an opportunity for lunch and rest. However, players should monitor announcements from the tournament director in case of changes to the final schedule.
📝 Registration
Players can register online through King Registration.
Official Tournament Information:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/WCMay27FIDE22
Direct Online Registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/register/WCMay27FIDE22
Registered Players / Entry List:
https://www.kingregistration.com/entrylist/WCMay27FIDE22
Entry Fees
| Registration Period | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Online by May 15, 2027 | $50 |
| Online by May 22, 2027 | $60 |
| After May 22 / On-Site | $65 |
| Eligible Play-Up | Additional $20 |
The lowest entry fee is available through May 15, 2027. Players registering later must pay the applicable increased rate.
The online registration form offers all three playing sections and allows participants to submit their bye requests during entry.
Rating & Membership Requirements
The competition is US Chess rated in all sections. Consequently, participants should hold a valid US Chess membership.
Players entering the Major or Reserve section must also satisfy the requirements applicable to FIDE-rated competition.
The registration system requests US Chess identification and rating information and provides a field for FIDE ratings.
US Chess Membership:
https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess
Withdrawals & Refunds
The event announcement states that refunds are subject to a $15 processing fee.
Wilson Chess requires withdrawal requests to be submitted through its official withdrawal procedure. Requests received after the tournament begins do not qualify for a refund.
Players should review the organizer’s terms before paying and contact Wilson Chess if they require assistance.
Organizer Terms & Conditions:
https://www.wilson-chess.com/hp/terms-conditions
👤 Organizer
Organizer Name: Wilson Chess
Contact Person: Danial Wilson (President)
Email: info@wilson-chess.com
Website: https://www.wilson-chess.com/
Wilson Chess is a chess education and tournament organization serving the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Founded in 2023, the organization provides rated tournaments, individual coaching, school chess programs, seminars, and seasonal chess camps.
Its founder and president, Danial Wilson, is a National Tournament Director and FIDE Arbiter. Under his leadership, Wilson Chess organizes competitions for players of different ages and rating levels, including events that offer FIDE-rated games.
📍 Venue
DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville – 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, IL 60532, United States.
The tournament will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville, a hotel and conference venue located along the Interstate 88 corporate corridor in DuPage County.
The hotel offers meeting and event facilities, guest accommodations, dining options, and convenient access to Lisle and Naperville. It is also located near the Morton Arboretum, downtown Naperville, and other attractions in Chicago’s western suburbs.
Hotel Facilities
The property provides a range of services useful for tournament participants and accompanying family members.
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Parking | Complimentary self-parking |
| Wi-Fi | Free |
| Restaurant | On-site |
| Fitness Center | Available |
| Indoor Swimming Pool | Available |
| Accessible Facilities | Available |
🏨 Accommodation
Players traveling from outside the region may choose to stay at the tournament hotel, avoiding the need for transportation on competition day.
Official Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville
Hotel Address: 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, IL 60532
Telephone: +1 630-505-0900
Hotel Website:
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/napdtdt-doubletree-lisle-naperville/
The hotel offers guest rooms and suites, with standard check-in from 3:00 PM and check-out at noon.
The tournament announcement does not specify a special chess accommodation rate. Therefore, players should check availability and confirm the applicable room price directly with the hotel.
🚆 How to Get There
By Air
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most practical major international airport for travelers attending the tournament.
The hotel is approximately 23 miles from O’Hare, according to its official location information.
| Airport | IATA | Approx. Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago O’Hare International | ORD | 23 miles |
| Chicago Midway International | MDW | 30 miles |
| DuPage Airport | DPA | 13 miles |
DuPage Airport is geographically closer but primarily serves general aviation rather than the regular commercial airline network.
Airport Transfers
The DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville does not provide an airport shuttle from O’Hare or Midway.
Visitors should arrange a rental car, taxi, rideshare service, or another transfer option before arrival.
Journey times vary depending on traffic, especially during busy periods around Chicago’s expressways.
By Train
The Metra BNSF Railway Line connects downtown Chicago with Lisle and other western suburbs.
Travelers can board a BNSF train at Chicago Union Station and travel to Lisle Station. From there, a taxi or rideshare service provides the final connection to the tournament hotel.
Metra services operate on weekends, although Saturday and Sunday timetables differ from weekday schedules.
Metra Website:
https://metra.com/
By Car
The hotel is located near Interstate 88, providing convenient road access from Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, and neighboring communities.
Drivers should follow directions to Corporate West Drive in Lisle, close to the Naperville Road interchange.
Free on-site self-parking is available for hotel guests and visitors.
ℹ️ Other Information
Chess Equipment
Chessboards, pieces, and clocks are provided by the organizer.
Players do not need to bring their own playing equipment. However, they should arrive before their scheduled rounds and follow the tournament director’s instructions.
Accessibility
The event is listed by US Chess as taking place at a handicap-accessible venue.
Players who require specific accommodations should contact Wilson Chess before tournament day.
Participant Supervision
Wilson Chess requires children aged 12 or younger to have adult supervision at its tournaments.
Players aged 13 or older may be dropped off, provided they have a reliable way to contact a parent or guardian.
Tournament Photography
Wilson Chess may take photographs or video footage during its tournaments for organizational and promotional purposes.
Participants should review the organizer’s published terms for additional information about photography, participation, and event conduct.
Additional Wilson Chess Events
The May FIDE Plus Score tournament is part of Wilson Chess’s recurring competition program.
Other events in the series offer similar opportunities to gain US Chess and FIDE-rated playing experience throughout the year.
Official Wilson Chess Events:
https://www.wilson-chess.com/events/upcoming-events
Tournament Registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/register/WCMay27FIDE22
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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