The 2027 New Year’s Resolution Open takes place on Sunday, January 3, 2027, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Oak Brook in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Presented by Chess Weekend, the one-day tournament features four US Chess-rated rounds across three sections: Premier, Reserve, and Booster. The event uses a G/60;d5 time control and offers a published $5,000 prize fund based on 100 entries.
With four rounds scheduled between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM, the tournament provides a compact full day of rated chess and is open to US Chess players of all ages. The event also carries 15 US Chess Grand Prix points.
♟️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Tournament | 2027 New Year’s Resolution Open |
| 📅 Date | January 3, 2027 |
| 🌎 Country | United States |
| 📍 Location | Oak Brook, Illinois |
| 🏨 Venue | DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Oak Brook – 1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523 |
| 🏛️ Organizer | Chess Weekend |
| 👤 Chief Organizer | Glenn Panner |
| 🧩 Sections | Premier, Reserve, Booster |
| 🔢 Rounds | 4 |
| ♟️ System | Swiss |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/60;d5 |
| 🇺🇸 US Chess Rated | Yes |
| 🌐 FIDE Rated | No |
| 💰 Prize Fund | $5,000 based on 100 entries |
| ⭐ US Chess Grand Prix | 15 points |
| ♿ Accessibility | Handicap Accessible |
| 🏠 Residency Restriction | None |
| 📝 Registration | https://www.kingregistration.com/event/2027NYR |
| 🌐 Organizer Website | https://www.chessweekend.com/ |
| 🇺🇸 US Chess Listing | https://new.uschess.org/2027-new-years-resolution-open |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament consists of four Swiss-system rounds.
Time Control: G/60;d5
Each player receives 60 minutes for the entire game with a 5-second delay per move.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Rounds | 4 |
| System | Swiss |
| Time Control | Game/60 with 5-second delay |
| Rating | US Chess Regular |
| Section Rating List | December 2026 US Chess Official Regular Rating |
The December 2026 US Chess Official Regular Rating is used to determine section eligibility.
The current US Chess event page incorrectly says December 2025. However, King Registration and the Illinois Chess Association listing both correctly identify the rating list as December 2026, which is consistent with a January 2027 tournament.
🏆 Prize Fund
The tournament advertises:
$5,000 based on 100 entries
This means the prize fund is not advertised as unconditionally guaranteed. The published amount is based on a field of 100 players.
Premier – 1800+
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $700 |
| 2nd | $500 |
| 3rd | $300 |
| U2200 – 1st | $225 |
| U2200 – 2nd | $125 |
| U2000 – 1st | $225 |
| U2000 – 2nd | $125 |
| Best College Player | $100 |
Reserve – 1200–1799
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $500 |
| 2nd | $300 |
| 3rd | $200 |
| U1600 – 1st | $175 |
| U1600 – 2nd | $125 |
| U1400 – 1st | $175 |
| U1400 – 2nd | $125 |
| Best Unrated | $75 |
| Best College Player | $100 |
Booster – U1200
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $350 |
| 2nd | $200 |
| 3rd | $125 |
| U1000 – 1st | $100 |
| U1000 – 2nd | $75 |
| Best Unrated | $75 |
College Player Awards
The current US Chess listing includes $100 Best College Player prizes in both the Premier and Reserve sections.
Those two awards bring the complete published prize schedule to the advertised $5,000 total.
The current 2027 announcement marks the college awards with an asterisk but does not yet publish the full explanatory condition. College players interested specifically in this award should confirm final eligibility with Chess Weekend.
🧩 Sections / Groups
The tournament has three rating sections.
| Section | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Premier | 1800+ |
| Reserve | 1200–1799 |
| Booster | Under 1200 |
The December 2026 US Chess Official Regular Rating determines normal section placement.
Playing Up
Players may play up one section for an additional:
$20
Examples include:
- Booster-eligible player moving into Reserve;
- Reserve-eligible player moving into Premier.
The published rules do not provide for moving up more than one section.
Players whose rating status is unusual or who are unrated should contact the organizer if they are uncertain about the correct section.
📅 Schedule
All four rounds are played on Sunday, January 3, 2027.
| Time | Round |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Round 1 |
| 12:30 PM | Round 2 |
| 3:00 PM | Round 3 |
| 5:30 PM | Round 4 |
The two-and-a-half-hour spacing between rounds is designed to accommodate the G/60;d5 time control while keeping the entire event within one day.
Players should nevertheless remain close to the tournament area between rounds in case pairings or organizer announcements are posted before the next scheduled start.
📝 Registration
Official online registration is available through King Registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/2027NYR
Premier & Reserve
| Registration Deadline | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Through December 20, 2026 | $65 |
| Through December 27, 2026 | $75 |
| After December 27 through 9:30 AM on January 3 | $85 |
Booster
| Registration Deadline | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Through December 20, 2026 | $45 |
| Through December 27, 2026 | $55 |
| After December 27 through 9:30 AM on January 3 | $65 |
Play-Up Fee
Playing up one section costs an additional:
$20
Mail-In Entries
Players paying by check must ensure that the entry is received by December 10, 2026 so that the check has time to clear.
Mail entries to:
Chess Weekend
21694 Doud Ct.
Frankfort, IL 60423
United States
The organizer does not accept phone entries.
The King Registration event text currently shows 12/10/25, which is evidently a carry-over typo. The Illinois Chess Association listing correctly identifies the deadline as December 10, 2026.
🔄 Byes
Each player may request:
One half-point bye
The bye may be used in any round.
However, the player must commit to the bye by the end of Round 2.
After that deadline, the half-point bye request cannot be newly added or changed under the published rule.
👤 Organizer
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizer Name | Chess Weekend |
| Contact Person | Glenn Panner |
| glenn@chessweekend.com | |
| Website | https://www.chessweekend.com/ |
Glenn Panner is the President of Chess Weekend and an experienced national tournament organizer and director.
He was named US Chess Organizer of the Year in 2018 and US Chess Tournament Director of the Year in 2020.
Chess Weekend was founded in 2005 and organizes tournaments throughout the Chicago area and elsewhere in the United States.
📍 Venue
DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Oak Brook – 1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523, United States.
The tournament is held directly inside the hotel, making the venue particularly convenient for players who choose to stay overnight in Oak Brook.
The hotel is located immediately across from Oakbrook Center and close to Interstates I-88 and I-294.
Hotel Facilities
The property offers:
- free Wi-Fi;
- on-site restaurant and café;
- indoor swimming pool;
- fitness center;
- meeting and conference facilities;
- connecting rooms;
- accessible guest rooms and facilities.
Parking
Hilton currently publishes:
Self-parking: $10
The hotel provides secured and covered parking with in-and-out privileges.
Because hotel parking terms can change before January 2027, players should verify the current rate shortly before arrival.
Food
The hotel offers on-site dining.
The Atrium Cafe serves breakfast and American-style dishes, while The Lounge at 1909 provides additional food and drinks.
Breakfast is available for a fee rather than being automatically included with every room booking.
Accessibility
US Chess specifically lists the tournament as:
Handicap Accessible: Yes
The hotel also offers accessible guest rooms, accessible parking, and accessible public areas.
Players requiring a particular accommodation should contact the hotel or organizer in advance.
🏨 Accommodation
No dedicated tournament room block or official chess hotel rate is currently published for the New Year’s Resolution Open.
The tournament venue itself is the most convenient option, while two other established hotels are located nearby.
| Hotel | Approx. Planning Range / Night |
|---|---|
| DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Oak Brook – 1909 Spring Road | Approx. $120–$180 |
| Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center – 2100 Spring Road | Approx. $160–$250 |
| Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago – 2815 Jorie Boulevard | Approx. $150–$220 |
DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Oak Brook
1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523
This is the tournament hotel and the most convenient choice because players can stay and play in the same building.
Facilities include:
- restaurant and café;
- indoor pool;
- fitness center;
- Wi-Fi;
- on-site parking;
- extensive meeting facilities.
The hotel is also directly across from Oakbrook Center, providing easy access to additional restaurants and shops.
Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center
2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Le Méridien is located very close to the tournament hotel and Oakbrook Center.
The property offers:
- complimentary self-parking;
- restaurant and bar;
- fitness center;
- spa facilities;
- accessible parking and public areas.
This can be a strong alternative for players who want to stay within the same immediate Oak Brook shopping and hotel district.
Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago
2815 Jorie Boulevard, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Hyatt Lodge is set in a quieter landscaped property a short drive from the tournament venue.
Amenities include:
- free parking;
- indoor pool;
- fitness center;
- spa;
- restaurant;
- free internet access.
It can be particularly suitable for families or players who prefer a quieter resort-style setting.
All hotel prices above are approximate planning ranges based on current public pricing rather than tournament rates. January 2027 prices may vary substantially according to room type, booking date, taxes, cancellation conditions, and availability.
🚆 How to Get There
Oak Brook is located in the western suburbs of Chicago and is readily accessible by car from the Chicago metropolitan area.
✈️ Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most convenient major international airport for most players.
Hilton lists O’Hare at approximately:
10 miles from the hotel
The hotel does not provide an airport shuttle.
Players should therefore plan to use:
- taxi;
- rideshare;
- rental car;
- or pre-arranged transportation.
Travel times can vary considerably depending on traffic.
✈️ Chicago Midway International Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is approximately:
15 miles from the hotel
The DoubleTree also does not provide a shuttle from Midway.
For many domestic travelers, Midway can still be a convenient alternative depending on flight availability.
🚗 By Car
The hotel is close to both:
- Interstate 88
- Interstate 294
For navigation, use:
DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Oak Brook
1909 Spring Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
The suburban location makes driving the most straightforward option for many local and regional players.
🚆 Rail & Public Transport
Oak Brook does not have its own Metra railway station immediately beside the tournament hotel.
Elmhurst is one of the nearest Metra stations, and players arriving there can complete the journey by taxi or rideshare.
Limited Pace bus services also operate around the Oak Brook commercial district, including the Spring Road / 22nd Street area.
Because Sunday public-transport frequencies can be limited, players relying on buses should check the live schedule before the tournament.
ℹ️ Other Information
⭐ US Chess Grand Prix
The event awards:
15 US Chess Grand Prix Points
This gives the one-day tournament additional significance for players participating in the US Chess Grand Prix circuit.
🌐 Rating Status
The tournament is:
US Chess Regular rated
It is not FIDE rated.
The ratings and results therefore affect players’ US Chess Regular ratings rather than FIDE Standard ratings.
📊 December 2026 Rating List
Section placement is based on the:
December 2026 US Chess Official Regular Rating
The US Chess page currently says December 2025, but this is inconsistent with the 2027 event and with the current King Registration and Illinois Chess Association information.
The correct list for the January 2027 event is December 2026.
🎓 College Players
US Chess specifically publishes Best College Player awards in the Premier and Reserve sections.
This makes the event especially relevant to college players who are not competing in another event that weekend or who are looking for an individual rated tournament.
The final organizer rules should be checked for the exact college-award eligibility condition.
♟️ One-Day Format
With four rounds beginning at:
10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:30 PM
the tournament is designed as a complete one-day competition.
Players traveling from farther away may still prefer to stay in Oak Brook on Saturday night, particularly because registration closes at 9:30 AM on Sunday and winter weather can affect travel in the Chicago area.
⚠️ Published-Date Corrections
There are two obvious carry-over date errors in current source pages:
US Chess: lists “December 2025” as the rating list.
King Registration: lists mailed checks as due “12/10/25.”
Current 2027 information from King Registration and the Illinois Chess Association supports:
- December 2026 rating list
- December 10, 2026 mail-entry deadline
🔎 Before the Tournament
Players should check the official registration page shortly before January 3 for:
- current entry list;
- section placement;
- any prize adjustments based on entries;
- final college-player award conditions;
- bye requests;
- organizer announcements.
Official Registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/2027NYR
Chess Weekend:
US Chess Listing:
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $5,000
Organizer
♟️ About Chess Weekend, Inc.
Chess Weekend, Inc. is a US Chess tournament organizer based in the Chicago area of Illinois. Glenn Panner and Tim Just founded Chess Weekend in 2005 with the goal of improving the complete experience of playing in a weekend chess tournament. The organization focuses on professionally directed over-the-board events, including national team competitions, state championships, scholastic tournaments, major open tournaments, and FIDE-rated events.
From the beginning, Chess Weekend emphasized more than pairings and results. Its founders wanted rounds to start on time, playing rooms to be comfortable and well lit, tournament directors to remain accessible, and schedules to leave players enough time to enjoy the host city. Moreover, the organization often provides boards and sets and designs tournaments around several rating sections, side events, and flexible schedules. Although Chess Weekend remains based in Illinois, it has organized events in several parts of the United States.
Glenn Panner currently serves as President of Chess Weekend and is the organization’s principal public contact. He is a US Chess National Tournament Director who began directing tournaments as a teenager. US Chess named him Organizer of the Year in 2018 and Tournament Director of the Year in 2020. Meanwhile, Maret Thorpe serves as Co-organizer, and co-founder Tim Just continues to contribute extensive tournament-directing and rules expertise.
🏆 Major Tournaments and National Events
Chess Weekend maintains a substantial calendar of established US Chess events. One of its best-known recurring projects is the U.S. Amateur Team North, one of the regional qualifying events in the U.S. Amateur Team Championship structure.
Chess Weekend organizes the northern event together with US Chess. Teams compete in a multi-round Swiss format, while the weekend also features the Northern Blitz Championship. In addition, the tournament emphasizes the team identity and social atmosphere that distinguish the U.S. Amateur Team series from individual open tournaments.
The organization also handles the Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Championship. The 2026 championship took place in Oak Brook, Illinois, with Open, U2000, and U1400 sections. Moreover, the Open section received FIDE rating, while leading teams competed for qualification to the Final Four College Chess Championship.
Chess Weekend continues its involvement with collegiate chess in the next cycle. Its published calendar already lists the 2027 Pan-American Intercollegiate Championship in Tempe, Arizona. Therefore, the organization’s activity now extends well beyond its original Chicago-area tournament base.
Another established event is the Sevan Memorial Tournament in Schaumburg. The series honors tournament organizer Sevan Muradian and has developed into a large Thanksgiving-weekend competition. The 10th Annual Sevan Memorial Tournament is scheduled for November 27–29, 2026. Its format combines a FIDE-rated Premier section with additional rating sections and a blitz championship.
🎓 Scholastic and State Championship Activity
Scholastic chess forms another significant part of Chess Weekend’s tournament portfolio. The organization regularly works on large events for younger players and has extensive experience with both state and national scholastic competition.
Among its recurring Illinois events is the Illinois K-8 State Chess Championship. The competition combines individual and school-team awards across several grade-based sections. In addition, side events have included blitz, bughouse, and other activities designed for scholastic participants.
Chess Weekend’s staff brings substantial national-level scholastic experience. Maret Thorpe, the organization’s current Co-organizer, is a US Chess National Tournament Director and FIDE National Arbiter. Her tournament experience includes the Illinois K-8 Championship, US Amateur Team North, US Chess national scholastic championships, the IHSA State Championship, and the U.S. Open Championship.
Glenn Panner has also directed major national scholastic events. His wider US Chess work has included championship tournaments both over the board and online. Consequently, Chess Weekend combines its own tournament calendar with a leadership team experienced in large-scale national event administration.
⚙️ Tournament Direction and Leadership
Chess Weekend’s organizing structure centers on experienced tournament directors rather than a large permanent club operation. Glenn Panner, Maret Thorpe, and Tim Just bring different areas of expertise to the organization.
Panner serves as President and leads many of Chess Weekend’s major events. He began directing tournaments at age 14 and organized and directed a FIDE event while still a teenager. Later, he developed experience as a player, teacher, tournament director, organizer, and chess parent. His 2018 and 2020 US Chess awards recognize both his tournament organization and directing work.
Maret Thorpe serves as Co-organizer. She entered organized chess through scholastic volunteering in 2001 and later became a National Tournament Director. Her work now covers local, state, and national events.
Tim Just is a co-founder of Chess Weekend and a longtime US Chess National Tournament Director. He served as chief editor of several editions of the US Chess Federation’s Official Rules of Chess and has held significant roles in tournament-director education and certification. In addition, US Chess recognized him with its Outstanding Career Achievement Award in 2009 and Tournament Director of the Year award in 2012.
Together, this team gives Chess Weekend substantial experience in pairings, tournament rules, scholastic events, team chess, FIDE-rated competition, and complex multi-section tournaments.
🌎 Tournament Expansion and Partnerships
Although Chess Weekend developed in the Chicago area, it has organized tournaments in other parts of the United States. Its own history notes events in Minnesota, California, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, while the current calendar demonstrates continued geographic expansion.
The South Dakota Governor’s Cup provides a current example. Chess Weekend organizes the 2026 edition in Sioux Falls, where players compete for a substantial prize fund over a traditional two- or three-day weekend schedule. The event also includes a Saturday-night blitz tournament.
In Illinois, Chess Weekend continues to organize the Illinois Class State Championship, the Sevan Memorial, U.S. Amateur Team North, and scholastic events. Meanwhile, its collegiate work has taken the Pan-American Intercollegiate Championship from Illinois toward its next edition in Arizona.
The organization also works with US Chess, state chess associations, hotels, registration providers, local chess communities, and experienced tournament officials. Therefore, Chess Weekend functions primarily as a specialized tournament organizer rather than as a traditional weekly chess club.
Its original philosophy remains visible in these events. Chess Weekend emphasizes reliable tournament administration, accessible directors, suitable playing conditions, practical schedules, and side events that add to the overall tournament experience.
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