The St. Thomas Open, set for April 11-12, 2026 in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, returns as a scenic spring weekend tournament that combines serious rated chess with an easy island atmosphere. The event welcomes all unrated and rated players under 2400 and gives local competitors extra motivation because it serves as an Olympiad team qualifying tournament.
You will play a clean 5-round Swiss with a steady classical pace, clear start times, and practical options like half-point byes when requested early. The tournament runs as a US Chess + FIDE dual-rated event, uses US Chess ratings for pairings and prize purposes while following FIDE regulations, and provides a well-structured schedule at a single school venue in St. Thomas.
🗓️ Event Details
| 📅 Dates | April 11-12, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss System |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess + FIDE dual-rated |
| ⏱️ Time control | 60 minutes + 30-second increment |
| 💳 Entry fee | Adults: $30 (before 3/21), $35 (3/21 and later). Students: $10 (before 3/21), $12 (3/21 and later) |
| 👤 Eligibility | All unrated and rated players under 2400 welcome |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | US Chess ratings are used for pairing and prize purposes while FIDE regulations are followed |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament runs as a 5-round Swiss and uses a 60 minutes + 30-second increment time control. The event is US Chess + FIDE dual-rated and applies FIDE regulations during play, while using US Chess ratings for pairing and prize purposes. Players who have a FIDE rating but no US Chess rating will have their FIDE rating converted to a US Chess rating equivalent for tournament use. Players may request up to two half-point byes and must request them before Round 2.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament runs as a single open Swiss for eligible players rated under 2400, including unrated players.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 11, 2026 | Saturday | 9:00 AM | Round 1 |
| April 11, 2026 | Saturday | 1:00 PM | Round 2 |
| April 11, 2026 | Saturday | 4:30 PM | Round 3 |
| April 12, 2026 | Sunday | 9:00 AM | Round 4 |
| April 12, 2026 | Sunday | 12:30 PM | Round 5 |
📝 Registration
| How to register | Online on ChessRegister: https://www.chessregister.com/register?event_key=xT_eqgK5QwBrtzakY55V681V04Ucuw73-2nkGVypuPY= |
| Registration deadline | April 4, 2026 at 11:30 PM |
| US Chess membership | A current US Chess membership is required and can be obtained or renewed during entry on ChessRegister |
| Entry fees | Adults: $30 (before 3/21), $35 (3/21 and later). Students: $10 (before 3/21), $12 (3/21 and later) |
| Byes | Up to 2 half-point byes available; request before Round 2 |
| Notes for locals | Olympiad team qualifying tournament |
👥 Organizer
The USVI Chess Federation organizes the St. Thomas Open as a dual-rated weekend Swiss that welcomes visiting players while supporting local competitive pathways through Olympiad team qualification. Tournament operations and arbitration are led by an experienced director, and the organizer handles questions through the published contact email.
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Email: chessvi.info@gmail.com
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Website: https://www.chessregister.com/register?event_key=xT_eqgK5QwBrtzakY55V681V04Ucuw73-2nkGVypuPY=
🏨 Venue
Lockhart Elementary School Cafeteria, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
The tournament plays in the school cafeteria setting, providing a practical single-site layout for a full five-round weekend schedule.
🛎️ Accommodation
A discounted rate at the Windward Passage Hotel will be available for visiting players. Contact chessvi.info@gmail.com for the booking details and conditions.
Play five steady rounds, enjoy a classic island chess weekend, and make every game count in the 2026 St. Thomas Open.
Organizer
The USVI Chess Federation is the national chess federation and tournament organizer for the United States Virgin Islands. It is based in St. Thomas, USVI, and works to grow over-the-board chess across the territory. Moreover, the federation supports players of different ages and ratings through structured programs and rated competition.
The federation runs local and inter-island events, including FIDE-rated tournament opportunities in classical chess as well as activities in rapid chess and blitz chess when scheduled. In addition, it organizes the St. Thomas Open, a flagship open chess tournament that welcomes both local qualifiers and visiting players. Therefore, the event calendar is designed to combine competitive play with accessible entry points for new participants.
Furthermore, the USVI Chess Federation supports scholastic chess and community clubs, helping build long-term participation. As a result, it strengthens pathways from beginner play into serious tournament competition.