35th Annual Chicago Open takes place on May 21-25, 2026 in Wheeling, Illinois, United States. This major Memorial Day weekend tournament brings together titled players, experienced club competitors, ambitious juniors, and improving amateurs for one of the best-known open events in American chess.

This is a chess tournament in Wheeling, Illinois, in 2026. 35th Annual Chicago Open offers eight rating-based sections, a large guaranteed cash prize fund, and several schedule options for different player groups. Therefore, it gives players a clear path to serious competition at many rating levels.

In addition, the event combines a top Open section with deep class competition from Under 2300 down to Under 1000. As a result, 35th Annual Chicago Open works well for elite players, strong amateurs, and developing competitors who want a practical holiday-weekend format.

🏁 Event Details

The event keeps the structure broad, yet the format stays easy to follow. Because each section has clear rating targets and a published schedule, players can choose the option that fits both their level and their travel plans.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The Open uses a 9-round Swiss format with 40 moves in 80 minutes, then 30 minutes to finish, with a 30-second delay. Consequently, the top section gives stronger players a serious classical test over five days.

The Under 2300 through Under 1300 sections use a 7-round Swiss format. On the regular schedule, those sections keep the same long-game control as the Open. However, the 3-day option uses G/60 with a 10-second delay in the first two rounds before merging into the same prize pool and final standings.

The Under 1000 section also uses a 7-round Swiss format, although it follows a shorter G/60 with a 10-second delay control throughout. Therefore, the lower section stays practical and accessible while still rewarding technique and steady play.

Bye Rules

Players may take up to three half-point byes in all sections. However, only two byes may fall in the last four rounds, and players must commit their byes before Round 3. Because of that, the event gives players some flexibility without weakening the finish of the tournament.

Section Placement

The Open uses FIDE ratings for entry and section placement. Meanwhile, the class sections use the relevant US Chess ratings, and the event may also use unofficial or online regular ratings when needed for placement. As a result, players enter the section that best fits their current competitive level.

🏆 Prize Fund

35th Annual Chicago Open offers a guaranteed cash prize fund of USD 100,000. The Open carries the largest awards, while the Under sections also offer deep prize lists and rating-based opportunities. Therefore, the tournament rewards strong results across the full field.

Open Section

Under-2300

Under-2100

Under-1900

Under-1700

Under-1500

Under-1300

Under-1000

Mixed Doubles

The Mixed Doubles bonus uses the best male-female two-player team score from Rounds 1-7. In addition, both teammates may play different sections. However, their combined score determines the final doubles standings.

Prize Limits

Prize limits apply in several situations. For example, players whose rating rises above the section maximum by more than 40 points during the defined rating window may face an USD 800 cap. Likewise, players with fewer than 26 lifetime rated games on the May 2026 official US Chess list may face maximum prize limits in the Under sections. Unrated players also face section-based prize caps. Therefore, players should review the prize rules carefully before the event begins.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The event uses a broad section ladder instead of a small number of mixed groups. Therefore, players can find a more precise rating band. At the same time, the schedule choices in the middle sections make the tournament easier to fit into a holiday weekend.

📅 Schedule

Open Section – 5-Day Schedule

U-2300-U-1300 – 4-Day Schedule

U-2300-U-1300 – 3-Day Schedule

Under 1000 – 2-Day Schedule

The schedule gives the Open a full five-day rhythm. Meanwhile, the middle sections offer shorter choices. Finally, the Under 1000 section follows a compact two-day format. As a result, the tournament serves several types of players without losing clarity.

📝 Registration

Players should enter early because the fee rises in stages. Moreover, online entry keeps the process simple. However, late entry remains possible until the published deadline for the chosen schedule.

👤 Organizer

Continental Chess Association organizes 35th Annual Chicago Open and continues a long tradition of major open tournaments in the United States. The event uses a clear section structure, a deep prize list, and several schedule choices. Because of that, players can expect a practical and familiar tournament setup.

• Email: director@chess.us
• Website: https://www.chesstour.com

📍 Venue

Westin Chicago North Shore, 601 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090, United States

The tournament takes place at the Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling. The hotel venue suits a large multi-section tournament very well. In addition, the site offers free parking, which makes the weekend easier for local players and travelers alike.

🚗 How to Get There

The venue sits on North Milwaukee Avenue in Wheeling, so players can use the full hotel address for direct navigation. In addition, free parking makes arrival easier by car. Moreover, the North Shore location works well for visitors coming from the wider Chicago area.

35th Annual Chicago Open combines a deep prize structure, broad section coverage, and flexible schedule choices for players who want serious Memorial Day weekend chess near Chicago.