The 12th Annual Summer Solstice Open invites chess enthusiasts to Estero, Florida, for a premier tournament experience. Set against the backdrop of the summer solstice, this event offers competitive play across multiple sections, catering to a wide range of skill levels.

📅 Event Dates and Schedules

• Tournament Dates:

  • 3-Day Schedule: June 27–29, 2025
  • 2-Day Schedule: June 28–29, 2025

• Rounds:

  • Total of 5 rounds in a Swiss-system format
  • FIDE-rated sections include the top two rating groups

• Schedules:3-Day Schedule
  • Round 1: Friday at 7:15 PMRounds 2 & 3: Saturday at 10:30 AM and 4:30 PMRounds 4 & 5: Sunday at 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM

  2-Day Schedule

  • Rounds 1–3: Saturday at 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:30 PMRounds 4 & 5: Sunday at 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM

  Under 1150 Section (2-Day Only)

  • Saturday: Rounds at 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:30 PM
  • Sunday: Rounds at 9:30 AM and 1:45 PM

All sections except U1150 merge after Round 2.

⏱️ Time Control & Format

The tournament follows a 5-round Swiss system.

• Top 2 sections: FIDE-rated
• Time controls:

  • All sections (except U1150): G/90 with a 30-second increment
  • U1150 section: G/90 with a 5-second delay
  • First two rounds of the 2-day schedule (all sections): G/60 with a 5-second delay

🏆 Prize Fund & Awards

The total prize fund is $9,000, based on 150 paid entries, with a minimum guarantee of 60%.

Premier Section:

• 1st Place: $1,100 and Trophy
• 2nd Place: $700
• 3rd Place: $500
• Top U2300: $400
• 2nd U2300: $200

Under–2050 Section:

• 1st Place: $1,000 and Trophy
• 2nd Place: $600
• 3rd Place: $400
• Top U1900: $200

Under–1800 Section:

• 1st Place: $900 and Trophy
• 2nd Place: $500
• 3rd Place: $300
• Top U1650: $200

Under–1450 Section:

• 1st Place: $800 and Trophy
• 2nd Place: $400
• 3rd Place: $250
• Top U1250/Unrated: $150

Under-1150 Section:

• Trophies for 1st to 3rd Place
• Top U900 and Top U700/Unrated: Trophies
• Medals for all other participants

Top Senior Prize:

• $100 in each cash prize section (participants must be at least 60 years old on June 27)

📝 Registration & Entry Fees

Entry Fees:

• All sections (except U1150):

  • $124 if paid by June 22
  • $134 if paid after June 22
  • $144 for on-site registration

• U1150 section:

  • $49 if paid by June 22
  • $54 if paid after June 22
  • $59 for on-site registration

Re-entry Fee:

• $60 for cash prize sections

Registration Deadlines:

• Online registration closes at 4:30 PM on June 27
• On-site registration ends 30 minutes before the first round

Byes:

• Players may request up to two half-point byes if requested before Round 2

Eligibility:

• Unrated players may enter U1450 or U1150 only and are only eligible for unrated prizes
• A minimum USCF or FIDE rating of 1850 is required for the Premier section

💳 Payment Details

Participants can pay entry fees online through the official tournament website or on-site during registration hours. Early payment is encouraged to take advantage of discounted rates.

📍 Venue Information

Embassy Suites Hotel

• Address: 10450 Corkscrew Commons Drive, Estero, FL 33928
• Special room rate: $139 per night (no resort fee)
• Amenities include complimentary hot breakfast, nightly evening reception, internet access, refrigerator, microwave, and free parking
• To reserve a room, call 239-949-4222

✈️ Travel & Accommodation

The venue is conveniently located near major highways and is accessible from Southwest Florida International Airport. Participants are encouraged to book accommodations early to take advantage of the special room rate.

🧑‍💼 Organizer & Contact Information

Organizer: Boca Raton Chess Club

Chief Tournament Director: Jon Haskel

• National Tournament Director, International Arbiter, and International Organizer
• Email: jon@bocachess.com
• Phone: 561-302-4377

Mailing Address:

Boca Raton Chess Club
21459 Juego Circle, #30C
Boca Raton, FL 33433

Official Website: www.bocachess.com

Join us for a weekend of strategic battles and camaraderie at the 12th Annual Summer Solstice Open. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a rising talent, this tournament offers an excellent opportunity to test your skills and enjoy the vibrant chess community.