Get ready to unleash your inner strategist at the 18th Annual Chicago Class Championships—a vibrant celebration of competitive chess set in the heart of the Midwest. Whether you’re a seasoned master or just beginning your chess journey, this iconic tournament welcomes players of all levels to battle it out in class-based sections, each packed with exciting prizes and intense matchups. Held in the upscale Westin Chicago North Shore, the event offers not only top-tier chess conditions but also the thrill of a weekend getaway filled with camaraderie, sharp tactics, and high-stakes competition. Come for the challenge, stay for the experience—and make your move toward glory this July!

📅 Tournament Dates

🗓️ Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20, 2025
Choose between a flexible 3-day or fast-paced 2-day schedule—whichever fits your style and weekend plans best.

🏨 Venue Details

📍 Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel
601 N Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling, IL 60090

Enjoy a comfortable, elegant atmosphere with spacious playing halls, bright lighting, and free parking. The venue sits just outside Chicago with quick access from major highways, perfect for travelers coming in from the city or out of state.

⏱️ Time Control

🕰️ Serious strategy, fair time.

• 3-Day Schedule: 40 moves in 80 minutes, then 30 minutes to finish, with 30-second delay
• 2-Day Schedule: Game in 60 minutes with a 10-second delay—perfect for quicker thinkers

🕘 Round Schedule

📆 3-Day (Standard Pace)

• Friday: Round 1 – 7:00 PM
• Saturday: Rounds 2 & 3 – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM
• Sunday: Rounds 4 & 5 – 10:00 AM, 3:30 PM

🏃‍♂️ 2-Day (Accelerated)

• Saturday: Rounds 1, 2, 3 – 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM
• Sunday: Rounds 4 & 5 – 10:00 AM, 3:30 PM

🔢 Rounds

♟️ 5 exciting rounds
Play one game Friday, two on Saturday, and two more on Sunday—or pack all five into just two days.

💰 Prize Fund & Sections

🎯 $30,000 guaranteed prize fund
No matter your rating, there’s a section for you—with big rewards on the line:

🧠 Master (2100+)

• 🥇 $3,000 | 🥈 $1,500 | 🥉 $800 | 4th: $500
• Bonus: $100 for clear/tiebreak winner
• Top U2400: $1,200 & $600

🎓 Expert (1900–2199)

• 1st: $2,000 | 2nd: $1,000 | 3rd: $600 | 4th: $400

🅰️ Class A (1700–1999)

• Same prize breakdown as Expert

🅱️ Class B (1500–1799)

• Same prize breakdown as Class A

🅲 Class C (1300–1599)

• 1st: $1,700 | 2nd: $900 | 3rd: $500 | 4th: $300

🅳 Class D (U1400)

• 1st: $1,400 | 2nd: $700 | 3rd: $500 | 4th: $300

🅴 Class E (U1200)

• 1st: $800 | 2nd: $400 | 3rd: $300 | 4th: $200

👩‍❤️‍👨 Mixed Doubles Bonus

Team up! The best male/female duo scores a share of:

• $1,000 🥇 | $600 🥈 | $400 🥉 | $300 🎖️
  (Team average must be under 2200)

📝 Registration Details

💻 Entry Fees:

• Top 6 Sections:

  • $148 by July 16
  • $170 after or on-site

• Class E Section:

  • $98 by July 16
  • $120 after or on-site

♻️ Re-entry Option: $60
🎟️ Byes: Up to two half-point byes allowed—must be requested before Round 2
🔢 Rating Rules: USCF July ratings used; you can’t play more than 100 points below your online rating
📉 Unrated Prize Limits:

• E: $100 | D: $200 | C: $300 | B: $400 | A: $500
  ⚠️ Special Rule: If you scored 8+ points in the 2025 World Open U2200 or below, you must play a section higher here

💳 Payment Info

💲 Pay securely by credit card—no checks, no hassle
🎉 Save $5 if you’re an Illinois Chess Association (ICA) member

✈️ Travel & Stay during 18th Annual Chicago Class Championships

🛏️ Hotel: The Westin offers comfort, elegance, and convenience
🚗 Parking: Free and right on site
🗺️ Access: Near I-294 and US-45—easy to reach from both Chicago and Milwaukee
🍽️ Explore restaurants, shopping, and fun nearby for a perfect chess weekend

Have a look at more similar chess tournaments at mychess.events.