Chess competitors can join the 30th Annual Mid-America Open from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, 2026 in St. Louis (Clayton), Missouri, United States. This Heritage Event delivers a classic five-round weekend with six rating sections, a FIDE-rated top section, and a respected Grand Prix tradition. The tournament runs at the Clayton Plaza Hotel in the St. Louis–Clayton area, which makes travel and lodging simple for both local players and visitors.

Continental Chess guarantees a $20,000 prize fund and spreads awards across every section, plus a Mixed Doubles prize pool open to all sections. Players can choose a three-day schedule that starts Friday evening or a two-day option that begins Saturday and uses faster early rounds. The event also supports practical weekend planning with byes, on-site registration windows, and a host-hotel rate that includes a full hot buffet breakfast.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Major (1900+; FIDE-rated)

Under 2100 (FIDE-rated)

Under 1900

Under 1700

Under 1500

Under 1200

Mixed Doubles (all sections)

Prize rules and limits:

• The tournament limits unrated prizes to $150 in Under 1200, $300 in Under 1500, and $500 in Under 1700.

• Mixed Doubles requires a male+female two-player team, and the team must average under 2200.

• Mixed Doubles allows teammates to play different sections and different schedules, and the tournament charges no extra fee.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament runs a five-round Swiss in every section.

Time controls:

• Three-day schedule: 40 moves in 80 minutes, then sudden death in 30 minutes, with a 30-second delay.

• Two-day option: Rounds 1–2 run at Game in 60 minutes with a 10-second delay.

Byes:

• Players may request byes in any round.

• Each player may take up to two byes, and players must commit to byes before Round 2.

Ratings and section eligibility:

• The Major section accepts players rated 1900 or higher (based on peak rating guidance stated by the organizer).

• The tournament uses March official ratings.

• Players may not enter below their US Chess Online Regular rating minus 100 points when that rating applies.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

3-day schedule

2-day schedule

📝 Registration

Players enter online.

Website: https://chessaction.com

Entry fees:

• Top five sections (Major through Under 1500): $123 when paid by Tuesday, March 17, 2026; $140 later online or on site until one hour before Round 1.

• Under 1200: all entry fees run $20 less than the Top 5 prices.

• The event does not accept checks, and it accepts credit cards.

Mixed Doubles registration:

• Register by 14:00 on Saturday.

• The tournament charges no extra fee.

Refunds:

• The organizer charges a $15 service fee for refunds.

👥 Organizer

Continental Chess organizes the Mid-America Open series and manages the tournament’s sections, prize distribution, and weekend logistics.

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.chesstour.com

🏨 Venue

The tournament takes place at the Clayton Plaza Hotel St. Louis–Clayton, 7750 Carondelet Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105, United States. The venue offers free parking and sits near major routes into the St. Louis–Clayton area.

🛎️ Accommodation

Clayton Plaza Hotel St. Louis–Clayton (rates include a free full hot buffet breakfast)

Booking:

• Reserve by Thursday, February 27, 2026 to secure the chess rate.

• Website: https://chessevents.us

• Phone: 888-303-1746

• Phone: 314-726-5400 (request the chess rate)

🚗 How to Get There

You can drive to the Clayton Plaza Hotel via I-64 W/US 40-W, Exit 32B, then continue about 1.2 miles north on Hanley Road to Carondelet Avenue. You can also fly into the St. Louis area and continue by car or rideshare to Clayton.

Bring your best weekend form to St. Louis–Clayton and compete for major class prizes in one of the country’s most established spring chess opens.

🧾 Other

• The tournament offers a Saturday night blitz tournament, and players must enter on site by 21:10 on Saturday for the 21:30 start.

• The organizer usually pays prizes not claimed on site via PayPal.