2026 Illinois Open State Championship takes place from September 3-7, 2026 in Lisle, Illinois, USA. This is a chess tournament in Lisle, Illinois, in 2026. The event features six sections, a multi-schedule Swiss format, FIDE rated upper sections, and a guaranteed cash prize fund. In addition, the tournament includes a Sunday night FIDE-rated blitz side event at the same venue.

Moreover, 2026 Illinois Open State Championship gives players a broad and flexible over-the-board chess festival near Chicago. Because the event offers a 5-day Open schedule along with 4-day, 3-day, and 2-day options in the other sections, it can suit both highly committed competitors and players with tighter weekend plans. Meanwhile, the Lisle hotel venue and out-of-state eligibility make this chess event in Illinois attractive for local players and visitors alike.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The confirmed combined cash prize fund is approximately USD 15,500, including USD 15,000 for the main event and USD 500 for the blitz side event. In addition, ICA members are eligible for USD 500 in door prizes.

Open

Under-2100

Under-1900

Under-1700

Under-1500

Under-1300

Unrated prize limits apply in several sections: USD 200 in U1300, USD 250 in U1500, USD 300 in U1700, and USD 350 in U1900.

Sunday Night Blitz

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses several schedules. The Open section runs only on the 5-day schedule with G/90 plus a 30-second increment, creating a full long-play format across nine rounds. The 4-day schedule in the other sections keeps the same G/90 +30 pace. By contrast, the 3-day schedule begins with two faster rounds at G/60 d10 before merging, while the 2-day schedule starts with four rounds at G/30 d5 before joining the main timetable.

In addition, players may request up to two half-point byes in any rounds, provided they commit by the end of Round 2. Re-entry is available for USD 60, except from Open to Open. The default time is one hour. For the blitz side event, the format is 4 double rounds at G/3 +2, with one bye available in any round.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Wilson Chess and King Registration organize 2026 Illinois Open State Championship. In addition, the event is presented by the same organizers behind the Chicago Summer Open, which gives players a familiar operational structure and an established tournament setup in Illinois.

• Email: WilsonsChess@gmail.com

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

🏨 Venue

DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville, 3003 Corporate W Dr, Lisle, IL 60532, USA

The tournament takes place at a full hotel venue in Lisle, which gives players the convenience of having the playing site and lodging in one location. In addition, the published chess room rate makes the event more practical for out-of-town competitors planning a full holiday-weekend stay.

🛎️ Accommodation

DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville, 3003 Corporate W Dr, Lisle, IL 60532, USA

The organizer lists an official chess room rate of USD 126 per night. In addition, players should reserve by August 13, 2026 to secure that rate.

🚗 How to Get There

Lisle is part of the greater Chicago area, so players arriving by car can plan a direct trip to the DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville and stay on site for the full event. Meanwhile, visiting players can use the hotel as a convenient tournament base because the main event and the blitz side event are held in the same venue.

If you want a major Illinois chess tournament with multiple schedules, FIDE-rated upper sections, and an added Sunday night blitz, 2026 Illinois Open State Championship offers a strong competitive week near Chicago.