34th annual KINGS ISLAND OPEN & Blitz (14–16 Nov 2025, Blue Ash, Ohio, USA)
The 34th annual Kings Island Open returns to Embassy Suites Cincinnati Northeast (Blue Ash, OH) with a $25,000 guaranteed prize fund, Enhanced Grand Prix (150 pts), and US Chess Junior Grand Prix designation. Choose the 3‑day or 2‑day schedule, compete across seven sections, and enjoy smooth organization, free parking, and a Saturday late‑night Blitz Tournament.
📌 Event Details
| 📅 Dates | 14–16 Nov 2025 (Fri–Sun) · 2‑Day option: 15–16 Nov 2025 (Sat–Sun) |
| 📍 Location | Blue Ash (Cincinnati), Ohio, USA |
| 🏟️ Venue | Embassy Suites Cincinnati Northeast, 4554 Lake Forest Dr, Blue Ash, OH 45242 |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | US Chess Heritage Event · Enhanced Grand Prix 150 pts · Junior Grand Prix |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss System |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 5 (main open) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 3‑Day: 40/80, SD/30; d30 · 2‑Day: R1–2 G/60; d10 (then merge) |
| 🏢 Organizer | Continental Chess Association |
| 🧑⚖️ Chief TD | Continental Chess TD team |
| 💲 Prize Fund | $25,000 guaranteed (main) + Blitz prizes |
| 🅿️ Parking | Free for all chess participants |
💰 Prize Fund — $25,000 Guaranteed (Main Event)
| Section | Prizes |
|---|---|
| Major (1900+, FIDE) | $2,500 – $1,300 – $700 – $500 – $300; clear/tiebreak 1st +$100; Top USCF U2300: $1,200 – $600 |
| Under 2100 (FIDE) | $1,600 – $800 – $400 – $300 – $200 |
| Under 1900 (FIDE) | $1,600 – $800 – $400 – $300 – $200 |
| Under 1700 | $1,400 – $700 – $400 – $300 – $200 |
| Under 1500 | $1,200 – $600 – $400 – $300 – $200 |
| Under 1250 | $1,000 – $500 – $400 – $300 – $200 |
| Under 1000 | $800 – $400 – $250 – $150 – $100 |
Mixed Doubles Bonus: best male+female team (average <2200): $800 – $400 – $200.
Unrated prize limits: U1000 $100; U1250 $200; U1500 $300; U1700 $400; U1900 $500.
🧩 Blitz Tournament (Saturday Night)
- Date/Time: Sat, 15 Nov 2025, 9:30 pm (register by 9:10 pm)
- Format: 5 double‑rounds (10 games), Swiss
- Time Control: G/3; d2
- Entry Fee: $30 (on‑site)
- Prizes: $1,000 guaranteed — 1st $400, 2nd $200, 3rd $150, 4th $100, U2200 $50, U2000 $50, U1800 $50
🧩 Sections (Main Event)
- Major (1900+) — FIDE rated
- Under 2100 — FIDE rated
- Under 1900 — FIDE rated
- Under 1700
- Under 1500
- Under 1250
- Under 1000
Seven sections total; one prize per player (except Mixed Doubles).
📅 Schedule (local time)
3‑Day (Fri–Sun)
- Registration: Fri until 6:00 pm
- Round 1: Fri 7:00 pm
- Round 2: Sat 11:00 am
- Round 3: Sat 5:00 pm
- Round 4: Sun 10:00 am
- Round 5: Sun 3:30 pm → awards after R5
2‑Day (Sat–Sun)
- Registration: Sat until 10:00 am
- Round 1: Sat 11:00 am (G/60; d10)
- Round 2: Sat 2:00 pm (G/60; d10)
- Round 3: Sat 5:00 pm (long control after merge)
- Round 4: Sun 10:00 am
- Round 5: Sun 3:30 pm
Byes: up to 2; must commit before Round 2. Re‑entry: $60 (not Major‑to‑Major).
📝 Entry & Fees
- Top 6 sections EF: $138 online by Tue 11/11; $160 later online/on‑site (until 1 hour before Rd 1)
- U1000 EF: $40 less than top sections at each tier
- GM policy: $120 deducted from prize
- Refunds: less $15 service fee
- Payment: Credit cards accepted; no checks
- Blitz EF: $30 on‑site only
🏟️ Venue
Embassy Suites Cincinnati Northeast — 4554 Lake Forest Dr, Blue Ash, OH 45242 (I‑71 Exit 15 or I‑275N Exit 47). Spacious ballrooms, skittles areas, strong lighting, nearby restaurants and services. Parking: Free.
🛏️ Accommodation (Chess Rate)
- Suite (king + couch/bed): $112/night
- Suite (two beds + couch/bed): $122/night
- Includes: hot breakfast for hotel guests
- Reserve by: Fri 11/7 (after that, rate subject to availability)
- Hotel: 513‑733‑8900 (mention “Chess Tournament” for the rate)
🚗 How to Get There
- By Air: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG); rental car recommended
- By Car: I‑71 Exit 15 or I‑275N Exit 47; follow signs to Lake Forest Dr
- Local: Rideshare and taxi services available throughout Cincinnati metro
A classic Midwest powerhouse with big prizes, clear rules, and blitz excitement — the Kings Island Open 2025 is a November staple attracting hundreds of players to Blue Ash, Ohio.