The 33rd Annual Midwest Class Championships welcome chess players from across the nation to a high-level tournament taking place from October 10–12, 2025, at the Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel in Wheeling, Illinois. This US Chess Grand Prix and Junior Grand Prix event offers a generous $20,000 guaranteed prize fund, competitive rating-based sections, and flexible two- and three-day schedules. Players of all levels enjoy a fair and challenging environment, paired with professional organization and excellent playing conditions.

📅 Event Details

• Dates: October 10–12, 2025
• Venue: Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel
• Address: 601 North Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling, IL 60090
• Format: 5-round Swiss-system
• Sections:

  • Premier (2000+)
  • 1800–2099
  • 1600–1899
  • 1400–1699
  • 1200–1499
  • Under 1300
  • Under 1100

• Grand Prix Points: 120 (Enhanced)
• Junior Grand Prix: Yes

⏱️ Time Control & Schedule

🕒 3-Day Schedule:

• Friday, Oct 10: Round 1 – 7:00 PM
• Saturday, Oct 11: Rounds 2 & 3 – 11:00 AM & 5:00 PM
• Sunday, Oct 12: Rounds 4 & 5 – 10:00 AM & 3:30 PM

🕒 2-Day Schedule:

• Saturday, Oct 11: Rounds 1–3 – 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM (G/60 d10)
• Sunday, Oct 12: Rounds 4 & 5 – 10:00 AM & 3:30 PM

Standard Time Control: 40 moves in 80 minutes, followed by 30-minute sudden death with 30-second delay.

🏆 Prize Fund & Awards

💰 Total Guaranteed Prize Fund: $20,000

Premier (2000+)

• 1st: $2,000
• 2nd: $1,000
• 3rd: $500
• 4th: $300
• Top U2300: $800 | 2nd U2300: $400
• Clear 1st or 1st on tiebreak: $100 bonus

1800–2099 & 1600–1899

• 1st: $1,400
• 2nd: $700
• 3rd: $400
• 4th: $200

1400–1699

• 1st: $1,300
• 2nd: $700
• 3rd: $400
• 4th: $200

1200–1499

• 1st: $1,200
• 2nd: $600
• 3rd: $400
• 4th: $200

Under-1300

• 1st: $1,000
• 2nd: $500
• 3rd: $300
• 4th: $200

Under-1100

• 1st: $500
• 2nd: $300
• 3rd: $200
• 4th: $100

Unrated players have prize limits per section: $100 in U1100, $200 in U1300, $300 in 1200–1499, $400 in 1400–1699, and $500 in 1600–1899.

📝 Registration & Participation

• Premier to U1300:

  • $118 if paid online by October 7
  • $140 after October 7 or onsite (up to 1 hour before Round 1)

• U1100:

  • $78 if paid online by October 7
  • $100 after October 7 or onsite

• Discounts:

  • $5 discount for Illinois Chess Association members
  • GMs and IMs may deduct $100 from their prize in lieu of entry fee

• Re-entry (except Premier): $50

💳 Payment Information

• Payment Methods: Credit cards accepted; checks not accepted
• Refund Policy: $15 service charge for all refunds

🧳 Travel & Accommodation

• Hotel: Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel
• Address: 601 North Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090
• Special Chess Rate: $135 per night (book by Sept 19)
• Parking: Free on-site parking available
• Reservations: Call 847-777-6500 or 800-937-8461 and ask for the “Chess Rate”
• Car Rental: Discount through Avis using AWD #D657633

Players must bring their own boards, pieces, and clocks.

👥 Tournament Officials

• Tournament Director: Bill Goichberg

🏢 About the Organizer – Continental Chess Association

The Continental Chess Association (CCA) organizes many of the most prestigious chess tournaments in the United States. Known for delivering large-scale events with professionalism and fairness, CCA has helped elevate American chess by offering substantial prize funds and world-class playing conditions. From youth players to titled professionals, thousands participate in CCA tournaments each year.

📧 Email: director@chess.us
📍 Address: 32 Undercliff Terrace, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706

💡 Why Participate in the 33rd Annual Midwest Class Championships?

The Midwest Class Championships deliver the ultimate chess experience for class-level players across the country. With seven competitive sections, a guaranteed prize fund, and the option to play over two or three days, this event caters to all preferences. The combination of structure, atmosphere, and serious competition makes this a favorite annual stop for aspiring players and seasoned class competitors alike.

You may find more similar exciting tournaments at mychess.events.