2026 National Open runs June 10–14, 2026 in Las Vegas, United States, bringing one of America’s biggest summer chess festivals back to the Westgate with a deep, multi-section Swiss schedule. The event caters to ambitious competitors chasing tough classical games, weekend travelers who want flexible schedules, and improving players who want a clear rating goal. You can play in the premier Open or choose an Under section that matches your strength, with a dedicated Beginners option for newer adults. The tournament awards major cash prizes and adds popular side competitions that keep the playing hall buzzing throughout the week.

The Open section offers a nine-round classical Swiss with strong opposition and norm potential, while the Under sections provide multiple schedule choices without sacrificing serious time controls. The tournament uses June rating lists as stated and enforces section eligibility to keep pairings competitive. Players also compete for Mixed Doubles team prizes and best-game awards, adding extra motivation beyond individual standings. With Las Vegas at full summer energy, the National Open blends championship-level chess with an easy-to-plan destination setting.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Open Section (cash prizes)

Under 2300 Section (cash prizes)

Under 2100 Section (cash prizes)

Under 1900 Section (cash prizes)

Under 1700 Section (cash prizes)

Under 1500 Section (cash prizes)

Under 1250 Section (cash prizes)

Beginners (cash prizes; age 15+)

Mixed Doubles (cash prizes; register on site only)

Prize rules and conditions (apply where stated)

• Provisionally rated players may not win an amount greater than 40% of the top prize in any Under section; the balance goes to the next player(s) in line.

• Mixed Doubles eligibility requires an average team rating below 2200; teammates may play in different sections. Only rounds 1–7 count for Open, or the best day counts for Beginners. Register on site only before both players have started round 2.

• The event offers a plus-score bonus paid as $50 gift certificates; these awards do not count as cash prizes.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The Open section plays a 9-round Swiss with classical time control G/90 +30, and it offers GM and IM norm potential as stated. The Under sections play a 7-round Swiss with the same primary classical time control (G/90 +30), and certain schedules use faster early rounds before merging into the main Under-section pairing flow. Beginners sections run as 5-round Swiss events per day with G/25 +5.

The tournament uses June FIDE ratings for the Open section and June US Chess ratings for all other sections. The chief tournament director may use online ratings, CCA minimum ratings, or other ratings when higher, and the director may move players to a higher section when their recent strength exceeds the posted limits. Half-point byes are available in any round when requested at least 2 hours in advance, and players must request Sunday and last-round byes before the start of Round 4; players may not cancel those byes after they request them.

The organizer provides boards and sets for tournament play only. Players should bring digital chess clocks.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

Open Section (5-day schedule)

Under Sections (4-day schedule)

Under Sections (3-day schedule; merges with 4-day in Round 3)

Under Sections (2-day schedule; merges with 4-day in Round 5)

Beginners (daily schedules)

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Vegas Chess Festivals runs the National Open as part of a larger Las Vegas chess week, combining a flagship classical tournament with side events and on-site activities that keep the playing hall active from morning through late evening. The team focuses on clear section options, structured schedules, and a prize model that rewards both top finishers and strong overall results. Players should review section eligibility, schedule choice, and deadline pricing early so they can lock in the best entry terms and hotel rates.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 702-930-9550

• Website: https://vegaschessfestival.com

🏨 Venue

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is a full-scale resort hotel that regularly hosts major conventions and large tournament events. The playing site gives competitors an on-site destination setting with easy logistics for multi-day schedules. You can stay in the same building as the tournament or commute from elsewhere in Las Vegas.

🛎️ Accommodation

The organizer lists a special Westgate rate of $114 (Sun–Thu) and $154 (Fri–Sat) for participants, with a discounted resort fee of $30 (normally $45). The organizer states that self-parking is free for all participants. The special rate cutoff is May 21, 2026, and rates may rise and availability may drop after the cutoff; book early and ask for the CHESS (Group SVCF6R) rates by calling (800) 732-7117.

🚗 How to Get There

Las Vegas offers frequent flights and straightforward ground transportation, making this event easy to plan for domestic and international travelers. From the airport, you can reach Westgate quickly by taxi or rideshare, and you can also use rideshare to move between the venue and the Las Vegas Strip between rounds. If you drive, the organizer states that self-parking is free for participants, which simplifies multi-day attendance.

Play for big prizes, tough classical games, and a true festival atmosphere while you make Las Vegas your chess destination in June 2026.