Compete in a marquee Canadian long-play event at the 2026 Ontario Open on May 15-18, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. This 7-round Swiss delivers classical games with increment, multiple rating-based sections, and a large field cap that brings serious competition across every level. The tournament also offers a significant cash prize fund, highlighted by a guaranteed first prize, and it awards prizes across sections and special categories.

Annex Chess Club runs the event in central Toronto and rates every section with CFC rating while also submitting the top sections for FIDE rating. You can choose from six sections, including a Crown section with a published minimum rating standard. The schedule uses one evening round on Friday followed by two rounds per day through Monday, which makes every game count in a compact four-day format.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The organizer awards prizes for the top three finishers in each section and also awards prizes for top senior, junior, woman, and ACC member in each section. Players may not stack prizes. The organizer awards medals instead of cash in U1300. The organizer also offers a six-month ACC membership to the top three players in each section who do not hold ACC membership.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament runs a 7-round Swiss across six sections. Each game uses 90 minutes per player with a 30-second increment. The organizer rates all sections with CFC rating and also submits Crown, U2200, and U2000 for FIDE rating. Section eligibility uses the highest of a player’s CFC rating, FQE rating, or FIDE rating, and Crown requires at least 2200 CFC or 2000 FIDE. The organizer applies a 60-minute default time for Round 1 and a 30-minute default time for subsequent rounds. Players may request up to two half-point byes in Rounds 1–5, and the tournament assigns zero-point byes beyond that.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Register online through the official event page:
https://annexchessclub.com/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=385786&item_id=2806807

The organizer requires full payment in advance and does not offer on-site registration. The organizer sets entry fees by date: $105 through April 15, 2026; $125 from April 16 through May 7, 2026; and $140 from May 8, 2026 through 12:00 noon on May 15, 2026. The organizer offers up to a $20 discount for ACC members, seniors (60 and over), and juniors (18 and under). The organizer grants free entry to GM/IM/WGM/WIM; email tournaments@annexchessclub.com for that registration option.

Request byes by email to tournaments@annexchessclub.com. The tournament allows a maximum of two half-point byes in Rounds 1–5 and assigns zero-point byes after that. Players may request a play-up when they sit within 100 points of the rating floor of the next section based on rating as of August 28, 2025; the organizer charges a $20 play-up fee payable on arrival, and players must email all play-up requests to tournaments@annexchessclub.com.

👥 Organizer

Annex Chess Club organizes the 2026 Ontario Open in Toronto and manages entries, section placement, byes, and play-up requests through its tournament mailbox and official event listing. The event team also supports players with registration administration and tournament communications in advance of the four-day schedule.

• Email: tournaments@annexchessclub.com

• Email: info@annexchessclub.com

• Website: https://annexchessclub.com/

• Website: https://annexchessclub.com/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=385786&item_id=2806807

🏨 Venue

Central Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The organizer lists central Toronto as the tournament location. The event listing does not include a venue address. Plan travel around central Toronto and monitor the official event page for venue updates.

🚗 How to Get There

Arrive in Toronto by air, rail, or road, then use local transit, taxi, or rideshare to reach the playing site in central Toronto. Confirm the final venue details on the official event page before you travel and allow extra time for city traffic and parking.

Bring your best classical form and chase seven rounds of rating points and prizes in Toronto this May.