19th Annual Chicago Class Championships takes place from July 17-19, 2026 in Wheeling, Illinois, USA. This is a chess tournament in Wheeling, Illinois, in 2026. The event features seven sections, a 5-round Swiss format, FIDE rated upper sections, and a large guaranteed cash prize fund. In addition, players may choose either a 3-day schedule or a 2-day option, which gives the tournament useful flexibility across the weekend.

Furthermore, 19th Annual Chicago Class Championships stands out as a major summer chess event in the Chicago area. Because the tournament includes a wide class structure from Master through Class E, it can attract both advanced competitors and developing club players. Meanwhile, the Wheeling hotel venue, free parking, and enhanced Grand Prix status add even more appeal for players looking for a serious over-the-board chess tournament in Illinois.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The guaranteed total cash prize fund is USD 30,000. In addition, the tournament distributes prizes across all seven sections and also includes mixed doubles bonus prizes.

Master

Expert

Class-A

Class-B

Class-C

Class-D

Class-E

Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes

The mixed doubles bonus goes to the best male-female two-player team by combined score across all sections. The team must average under 2200, players may compete in different sections or schedules, and registration closes at 2:00 PM on Saturday. Unrated prize limits also apply in the lower sections: USD 100 in Class E, USD 200 in Class D, USD 300 in Class C, USD 400 in Class B, and USD 500 in Class A.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 5-round Swiss system with two schedule choices. First, the regular 3-day schedule follows 40 moves in 80 minutes, then sudden death in 30 minutes, with a 30-second delay. That structure gives players a full classical weekend with enough time for deeper games and more complex middlegame decisions.

Meanwhile, the 2-day option accelerates the early part of the event. In that schedule, the first two rounds use Game 60 with a 10-second delay before the event joins the regular timetable. In addition, players may take up to two half-point byes, although they must commit before Round 2. Re-entry is available for USD 60, but Master-to-Master re-entry is not allowed.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Continental Chess Association organizes 19th Annual Chicago Class Championships as part of its long-running calendar of major open tournaments across the United States. In addition, the organizer is well known for heritage events, multi-section class championships, and strong hotel-based weekend tournaments. Because of that background, players can expect an established structure with clearly defined section rules and practical tournament procedures.

• Address: PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803, USA

• Email: director@chess.us

• Website: https://www.chesstour.com/

🏨 Venue

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

The playing site is a full-service hotel venue in Wheeling, just north of Chicago. In addition, the event benefits from free parking, which can make arrival much easier for local players and weekend visitors. The suburban location also helps combine tournament play and hotel lodging in one place.

🛎️ Accommodation

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

The organizer lists an official chess room rate of USD 135 per night. In addition, players should reserve by June 26, 2026, because the special rate may increase after that date. Hotel booking is available through the organizer’s published reservation link and by phone with the chess reference.

🚗 How to Get There

Players coming from Chicago can follow I-294 north to US-45 north to reach the venue. Meanwhile, players traveling from Milwaukee can use I-94 to Lake Cook Road and then continue to US-45 south. In addition, the free parking at the hotel can simplify the trip for drivers.

If you want a major class chess tournament near Chicago with seven sections, flexible scheduling, and one of the bigger guaranteed summer prize funds in the region, 19th Annual Chicago Class Championships offers a strong competitive weekend.