The Arpad Elo Open 2027 takes place in Middleton, Wisconsin, USA, on March 13–14, 2027, with an advertised $1,200 prize fund based on 75 entries. The event is organized by the Wisconsin Chess Association and forms part of the 2027 Wisconsin Chess Tour.

Players compete in a five-round Swiss-system classical tournament with 90 minutes and a 30-second increment per move. The two separate sections are Open and Reserve (Under 1800). All entrants must be US Chess members, while one advance-requested half-point bye is available during the tournament.

Participants can register through King Registration or submit the official mail-in entry. Entry fees are $45 for Open and $35 for Reserve through March 9, with a $5 increase thereafter, excluding online service charges. The organizers also accept on-site entries on Saturday morning, subject to check-in and pairing deadlines.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Both sections play five Swiss rounds at G/90+30, using 90 minutes per player and a 30-second increment from move one. The competition is open to US Chess members, and Wisconsin Chess Association membership is included in the entry fee.

Byes

Each player may request one half-point bye for any round, provided the request is made in advance. The tournament regulations do not specify a separate published tie-break sequence.

🏆 Prize Fund

The announced $1,200 prize fund is based on 45 Open and 30 Reserve participants; it is not described as guaranteed. The Open champion also receives the Arpad Elo Open traveling trophy.

Open

Reserve (U1800)

♟️ Sections / Groups

Players enter one of two separate playing sections according to their rating and competitive preference. The Reserve division has an upper rating limit, while the Open admits competitors of all strengths.

📅 Schedule

The 2027 Arpad Elo Open runs over the weekend of March 13–14. Three rounds are scheduled on Saturday and two on Sunday. All times are local Central time; daylight saving time begins in Wisconsin on Sunday, March 14.

📝 Registration

Registration is available through the official King Registration listing or by mailing the tournament entry form. Players must hold a current US Chess membership; the required Wisconsin Chess Association membership is already included in the tournament fee.

For tournament questions, contact Mike Nietman before March 13 at mike.nietman@charter.net or +1 608-467-8510. Players mailing entries should use the official form and payment instructions on the registration page. An inquiry through MyChess.Events does not create an official tournament entry.

🏛️ Organizer

The Wisconsin Chess Association supports state chess competitions and the Wisconsin Chess Tour. Mike Nietman is the designated contact for the Arpad Elo Open, including eligibility, payments and advance bye requests.

📍 Venue

The event takes place at Courtyard by Marriott Madison West/Middleton, 2266 Deming Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA. The hotel is near Greenway Station in Middleton and offers meeting facilities, an indoor pool, a fitness center and on-site dining. The tournament organizer advertises a special room rate for participants who reserve by February 12.

🏨 Accommodation

The playing hotel offers the most convenient access to the tournament, with an organizer-advertised single-room rate of $99 and double-room rate of $105 until February 12, subject to availability. One additional nearby property with a verified booking destination is shown below.

🍽️ Nearby Restaurants & Cafés

Several dining options are in Middleton’s Greenway Station and Deming Way areas, close to the playing hotel.

🚆 How to Get There

Middleton is west of Madison, and Courtyard Madison West/Middleton stands on Deming Way near the Greenway Station shopping and dining district.

✈️ By Air

Dane County Regional Airport is about 12.9 miles from the hotel, according to the venue’s official travel information. The hotel does not provide an airport shuttle, so arrange a taxi, rideshare or rental car for the last part of the journey.

🚗 By Car

Use 2266 Deming Way, Middleton, WI 53562 for navigation. Check any applicable hotel parking conditions before departure.

🚌 By Bus

Check Madison Metro Transit for current regional services and the closest stop to Deming Way. Weekend schedules may differ.

ℹ️ Other Information

Wisconsin Chess Tour

The tournament counts toward the 2027 Wisconsin Chess Tour and is wheelchair accessible. Players must bring a chess clock; sets and boards will be provided.

Useful Official Links