2026 Chicago Summer Open takes place from June 19-21, 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois, USA. This is a chess tournament in Schaumburg, Illinois, in 2026. The event features a 5-round Swiss format, six sections, FIDE rating in the top three sections, and a guaranteed cash prize fund. In addition, players may choose either a 3-day schedule or a 2-day schedule, which gives the weekend extra flexibility for different travel plans.

Moreover, 2026 Chicago Summer Open offers a strong over-the-board weekend event in the Chicago area for both advanced competitors and ambitious club players. Because the tournament includes several rating sections, it can serve a broad field without losing competitive balance. Furthermore, the Schaumburg hotel venue near major road access makes this chess tournament in Illinois practical for local players as well as visitors.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The guaranteed total cash prize fund is USD 10,000. In addition, the tournament awards cash prizes in all six sections.

Major

Under-2100

Under-1900

Under-1700

Under-1500

Under-1300

Unrated players may not win more than USD 100 in Under 1300, USD 150 in Under 1500, USD 200 in Under 1700, and USD 250 in Under 1900.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 5-round Swiss structure with two playing schedules. First, the 3-day schedule follows a classical format of G/90 with a 30-second increment. Therefore, players in that schedule get a full weekend classical tournament.

Meanwhile, the 2-day schedule compresses the early rounds. In that option, the first two rounds use G/60 with a 10-second delay before the event merges into the standard schedule. In addition, players may take up to two half-point byes, although they must commit by the end of Round 2. The default time is one hour.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Wilson Chess organizes 2026 Chicago Summer Open as part of its growing calendar of competitive chess events in the Chicago area. In addition, the organizer runs both scholastic and open tournaments, which gives players a familiar and active local event structure. Because of that experience, participants can expect a practical weekend format with clearly defined sections and procedures.

• Email: WilsonsChess@gmail.com

• Website: https://www.wilson-chess.com/

🏨 Venue

Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, 1800 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173, USA

The playing site is a full-service hotel venue in Schaumburg, which can make the weekend easier for both local and visiting players. In addition, the hotel setting allows participants to keep lodging and tournament play in one place. That setup can simplify breaks, preparation, and overnight logistics.

🛎️ Accommodation

Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, 1800 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173, USA

The organizer lists a special room rate of USD 149 if booked by June 3. In addition, staying at the playing site can make the weekend more convenient for players who want to reduce local travel between rounds.

🚗 How to Get There

Players arriving by car can reach the venue directly via Golf Road in Schaumburg. In addition, the suburban hotel setting can make arrival, parking, and weekend movement easier than a dense downtown venue.

Meanwhile, out-of-town players who stay at the hotel can keep tournament logistics especially simple. As a result, this chess event in Schaumburg works well for both Chicago-area competitors and visiting players.

If you want a multi-section classical chess tournament in the Chicago area with flexible scheduling and a solid guaranteed prize fund, 2026 Chicago Summer Open offers a strong competitive weekend in Schaumburg.