2026 Great Lakes Festival runs from April 24-26, 2026, in Brookfield, Wisconsin, USA. This is a chess tournament in Brookfield, Wisconsin, USA, in 2026. It offers a compact five-round classical weekend for players who want a FIDE-rated event in a limited field.

The tournament uses one open section with two entry paths. Players can choose the full three-day schedule or a two-day option that merges into the main event after the opening round. In addition, the event offers a confirmed USD 1,200 cash prize fund and keeps the field capped at 50 players, which gives the weekend a focused competitive feel.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Brookfield gives the event a practical hotel setting for a full chess weekend. Moreover, the venue offers a published chess room rate, free parking, and on-site convenience, so the festival works well for both local players and visiting competitors.

📌 Event Details

The event runs as a single-section FIDE weekend with a 50-player limit, two schedule options, and a confirmed $1,200 cash prize fund.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The festival uses a five-round Swiss structure. The three-day schedule plays at G/90 with a 30-second increment, while the two-day option starts with a faster Round 1 at G/30 + 5 and then merges into the main event. However, only Round 1 of the two-day schedule falls outside FIDE rating.

Notation is mandatory for the full game, except in Round 1 of the two-day schedule. In addition, accelerated pairings may be used. The organizers may also use the highest published rating among US Chess Regular, Rapid, Online Regular, Online Rapid, and FIDE ratings for pairing and prize purposes. Players must use the uniform equipment that the organizers provide.

🏆 Prize Fund

The confirmed cash prize fund totals USD 1,200. The main prize ladder awards first and second place, and the event also includes rating prizes for players under 2201 and under 2001.

👥 Sections / Groups

The event uses one open section rather than multiple parallel groups. Even so, players can still choose between a three-day or two-day route into the same tournament. The festival targets stronger rated players, while unrated entries are not accepted. Players rated under 2000 may still enter by paying the published play-up fee.

🗓️ Schedule

The tournament offers two published schedules that merge into one five-round event.

3-day schedule

2-day schedule

📝 Registration

The event uses direct online registration and applies tiered pricing before the weekend. In addition, the published rules cover play-up fees, byes, and refunds in clear detail.

🏢 Organizer

The organizing team runs this event as a compact FIDE weekend with clear logistics, a limited field, and hotel-based convenience. As a result, the festival suits players who want a focused classical schedule without a large multi-section setup.

📍 Venue

Embassy Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Brookfield, 1200 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005, USA

The venue combines the playing hall and hotel stay in one location, which makes the weekend easier to manage. In addition, the published chess room rate is USD 119 for a king room or two queen beds if reserved by April 12. The property also offers free parking. The hotel does not allow outside food or drink in meeting rooms or public spaces, although personal water bottles are allowed.

🚆 How to Get There

General Mitchell International Airport is the main commercial airport for most players and sits about 18 miles from the hotel. Waukesha County Airport is closer for regional arrivals at about 9 miles. Once you reach Brookfield, you can drive or use a ride-share directly to the venue, and free parking is available on site.

This festival is a practical choice for players who want a compact FIDE weekend in the Milwaukee area.