31st Annual Bradley Open takes place from July 24-26, 2026 in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, USA. This is a chess tournament in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, in 2026. The event features five sections, a 5-round Swiss format, FIDE rated upper sections, and a guaranteed cash prize fund. In addition, players may choose either a 3-day schedule or a 2-day option, which adds flexibility for different weekend plans.

Moreover, 31st Annual Bradley Open remains a strong summer over-the-board chess event in Connecticut. Because the tournament offers a broad class structure from the Major section through Under 1200, it can attract both advanced players and improving club competitors. Meanwhile, the airport hotel venue in Windsor Locks gives visiting players a convenient setting close to Bradley International Airport.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The guaranteed total cash prize fund is USD 15,000. In addition, the tournament distributes prizes across all five sections and also includes mixed doubles bonus prizes.

Major

Under-2100

Under-1800

Under-1500

Under-1200

Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes

The mixed doubles award goes to the top male-female two-player team by combined score across all sections. The team must average under 2200, and registration closes on site by 2:00 PM on Saturday with no extra fee. Unrated prize limits also apply: USD 100 in Under 1200, USD 200 in Under 1500, and USD 400 in Under 1800.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 5-round Swiss system with two schedule choices. First, the regular 3-day schedule follows 40 moves in 80 minutes, then sudden death in 30 minutes, with a 30-second delay. That setup gives players a full long-play weekend with enough time for deeper calculation and more strategic middlegame play.

Meanwhile, the 2-day option speeds up the early part of the event. In that schedule, the first two rounds use Game 60 with a 10-second delay before the event joins the regular timetable. In addition, players may request up to two half-point byes, although they must commit before Round 2. Re-entry is available for USD 60, but Major-to-Major re-entry is not allowed. July official ratings are used, and certain higher US Chess or online regular ratings may also be applied when relevant.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Continental Chess Association organizes 31st Annual Bradley Open as part of its long-running calendar of major open tournaments across the United States. In addition, the organizer is well known for heritage events, multi-section weekend opens, and strong hotel-based competitions. Because of that background, players can expect a clear structure, established procedures, and a familiar CCA tournament format.

• Address: PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803, USA

• Email: director@chess.us

• Website: https://www.chesstour.com/

🏨 Venue

Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport, 1 Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, CT 06096, USA

The playing site sits directly at Bradley International Airport, which can make travel especially easy for out-of-town players. In addition, the hotel offers a full-service setting with on-site dining, fitness facilities, meeting space, and guest Wi-Fi. That combination makes the venue practical for a full weekend tournament stay.

🛎️ Accommodation

Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport, 1 Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, CT 06096, USA

The organizer lists an official chess room rate of USD 169 per night. In addition, players should reserve by July 9, 2026, because the special rate may increase after that date.

🚗 How to Get There

Players arriving by car can use I-91 Exit 40 to reach the hotel, which is visible at the airport entrance. In addition, the event lists chess-rate parking at USD 5 per day and USD 10 overnight.

Meanwhile, air travelers can benefit from the venue’s airport location because the hotel is immediately adjacent to Bradley International Airport. As a result, this chess tournament in Windsor Locks works especially well for both regional drivers and flying visitors.

If you want a well-established Connecticut open with five sections, flexible scheduling, and a strong guaranteed prize fund, 31st Annual Bradley Open offers a solid summer weekend of competition.