2026 Illinois Open State Championship takes place on September 3–7, 2026, in Lisle, Illinois, USA. The event offers six sections, multiple schedule options, and a $15,000 prize fund at DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle-Naperville.

This is a chess tournament in Lisle, Illinois, USA, in 2026. Players can compete in a major US Chess-rated tournament, while the Open, Under 2100, and Under 1900 sections also offer FIDE-rated chess tournament play.

The tournament welcomes out-of-state players and includes Open, Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700, Under 1500, and Under 1300 sections. In addition, players can choose shorter schedules in most sections, which makes the event practical for a wide range of competitors.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Open Section

The Open section uses the 5-day schedule only. It has 9 rounds with a time control of G/90 plus a 30-second increment from move one.

The Open section counts for US Chess and FIDE rating. Therefore, it gives players a serious classical chess tournament with national and international rating value.

Under 2100 and Under 1900 Sections

The Under 2100 and Under 1900 sections are also FIDE-rated. These sections offer 4-day, 3-day, and 2-day schedule options.

The 4-day schedule uses G/90 plus a 30-second increment for all rounds. The 3-day schedule starts with two games at G/60 with a 10-second delay, then merges into the longer schedule. The 2-day schedule starts with four games at G/30 with a 5-second delay, then merges into the longer schedule.

Under 1700, Under 1500, and Under 1300 Sections

The lower rating sections use the same non-Open schedule choices. These sections are US Chess-rated and give players flexible paths into the event.

Players may request up to two half-point byes. They must commit to byes by the end of Round 2. The default time is 1 hour.

💰 Prize Fund

The confirmed prize fund is $15,000. In addition, Illinois Chess Association members can receive door prizes totaling $500.

Section Prizes

Unrated players have prize limits in rating sections. They may not win more than $200 in U1300, $250 in U1500, $300 in U1700, or $350 in U1900.

Titled Player Guarantees

Foreign GM and IM players must register by August 14, 2026, and play all 9 rounds to qualify. The guarantee is limited to the first six eligible players.

🧩 Sections / Groups

Players may play up one section for an extra $25 if they are within 200 points of the next section. Players must also be rated at least 1100 to play up into Under 1500.

Players below 2100 US Chess and below 2000 FIDE may play up into the Open section for $220. Illinois junior players rated over 1900 may play up into the Open for $110.

📅 Schedule

Open Section – 5-Day Schedule

4-Day Schedule

3-Day Schedule

2-Day Schedule

📝 Registration

Entries later than 30 minutes before Round 1 of any schedule receive a half-point bye for the first round.

Boards, sets, and clocks will be provided. Refunds are subject to a $15 processing fee.

🏛️ Organizer

Wilson’s Chess and King Registration organize the 2026 Illinois Open State Championship. The event brings players to Lisle for a major Illinois chess weekend with six sections, FIDE-rated opportunities, Grand Prix points, and a large guaranteed prize program.

Email: td@kingregistration.com

📍 Venue

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

The tournament takes place at DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle-Naperville. The hotel venue gives players an on-site tournament setting and convenient access to the playing rooms throughout the long weekend.

🏨 Accommodation

A $126 room rate is listed for tournament participants until August 13, 2026.

Players who plan to stay at the venue should book early, since hotel space may become limited during the Labor Day weekend tournament period.

🚆 How to Get There

Lisle is located in the western suburbs of Chicago. Players can reach the venue by car, rideshare, taxi, or regional rail connections through the Chicago metropolitan area.

The hotel address on Corporate West Drive gives players a clear navigation point. Since the tournament offers several schedule options, participants should plan arrival based on their selected section and first-round time.

ℹ️ Other Information

The Sunday Night Blitz takes place on September 6, 2026, at 7:30 PM. It uses four double rounds at G/3 plus a 2-second increment. The blitz entry fee is $25 online until August 30 and $30 on the day or on site.

The blitz prize fund includes $150 for first place, $90 for second place, and class prizes from Under 2100 through Under 900 or unrated. One bye is available in any round.

The 2026 Illinois Open also offers an Individual Scholastic event on Saturday, September 5.

The 2026 Illinois Open State Championship offers a major Labor Day weekend chess experience with strong prizes, flexible schedules, and serious rating opportunities in Lisle.