34th Annual Southern Open takes place from July 17-19, 2026 in Kissimmee, Florida, USA. This is a chess tournament in Kissimmee, Florida, 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 gives the tournament extra flexibility for different weekend plans.

Moreover, 34th Annual Southern Open is one of the established open chess events in Florida. Because it combines a heritage-event profile, enhanced Grand Prix status, and multiple class sections, it can attract both strong open players and ambitious club competitors. At the same time, the Kissimmee location near the major Orlando resort area makes this over-the-board chess event convenient for local players and visiting participants alike.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The guaranteed total cash prize fund is USD 20,000. In addition, the tournament distributes prizes across five sections and also includes mixed doubles bonus awards.

Major

Under-2100

Under-1800

Under-1500

Under-1200

Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes

The mixed doubles award goes to the best male-female two-player team by combined score across all sections. The team rating must average under 2200, and players may compete in different sections or schedules. Registration for this bonus closes at 2:00 PM on Saturday, with no extra fee.

Unrated prize limits also apply in the lower sections. The limit is 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. As a result, players in the main schedule get a full long-play weekend structure.

Meanwhile, the 2-day option speeds up the opening part of the event. In that schedule, Rounds 1 and 2 use Game 60 with a 10-second delay before the event joins the regular timetable. Players may also take up to two half-point byes in any round, although they must commit before Round 2. Re-entry is available for USD 60, but Major-to-Major re-entry is not allowed.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Continental Chess Association organizes 34th Annual Southern Open as part of its long-running schedule of major open tournaments across the United States. In addition, the organizer is well known for heritage events, multi-section weekend opens, and strong prize-fund tournaments in hotel venues. Because of that experience, players can expect a structured event with clear section rules and established tournament procedures.

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

• Email: director@chess.us

• Website: https://www.chesstour.com/

🏨 Venue

Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee By The Parks, 3011 Maingate Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34747, USA

The playing site is in Kissimmee near the main Orlando resort corridor. In addition, the hotel location puts the tournament close to Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. The venue also offers free early morning shuttle service, which can help players and accompanying guests manage local travel more easily.

🛎️ Accommodation

Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee By The Parks, 3011 Maingate Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34747, USA

The organizer lists an official chess rate of USD 125 per night. In addition, players should reserve by June 26, 2026, because the special rate may increase after that date.

🚗 How to Get There

Players arriving by car can reach the hotel directly in the Kissimmee resort area and use the free chess parking available at the venue. In addition, the location works well for players staying in the wider Orlando area.

Meanwhile, visiting players who stay at the hotel can reduce daily travel during the tournament. Because the venue also offers an early morning shuttle and sits close to the region’s main attractions, the event can fit well into a longer Florida trip.

If you want a well-known Florida open with five sections, flexible scheduling, and a deep guaranteed prize structure, 34th Annual Southern Open offers a strong competitive weekend in Kissimmee.