Elevate your fall chess season at the 42nd Annual Reno Western States Open, a prestigious Heritage Event and Enhanced Grand Prix stop running October 3–5, 2025, at the newly renovated J Resort Casino Hotel in Reno, NV. This American Classic offers six sections—including the Open, Expert, and four class-prize sections—under both three-day and two-day schedules. Players compete for a guaranteed $27,500 prize fund with a minimum $17,000 payout in the Open section, all under FIDE-rated and USCF-rated conditions.
Weikel Chess, LLC organizes this long-running tournament with decades of experience, ensuring professional pairings, clear communication, and a welcoming atmosphere. Alongside the classical Swiss, the festival features side-events: GM and IM simuls, lectures by top coaches, and a Friday blitz—offering both competitive depth and community engagement for players of every level.
🎯 EVENT DETAILS
| Dates: | October 3–5, 2025 (3-day); October 4–5, 2025 (2-day) |
|---|---|
| Venue: | J Resort Casino Hotel (formerly Sands Regency) |
| Address: | 345 N Arlington Ave, Reno, NV 89501 |
| Tournament Type: | Heritage Event • American Classic • Enhanced Grand Prix |
| Sections: | Open (2200+); Expert (2000–2199); A (1800–1999); B (1600–1799); C (1400–1599); D (≤ 1399; sub-section U1200) |
| Federation: | US Chess Federation • FIDE |
| Time Control: | See below |
| Number of rounds: | 6 (3-day) or 4 (2-day, all but Open) |
| Grand Prix Points: | 150 (Enhanced) |
| Total prize fund: | $27,500 guaranteed |
⏱ TIME CONTROL
- 3-Day Schedule (all sections):
- Rounds 1–6: 40 min + 2 sec delay; Open Section adds 55 min + 5 sec delay for remaining moves
- 2-Day Schedule (all but Open):
- Rounds 1–4: Game/1 hr + 5 sec delay
Half-point byes are available in any round if requested by the end of Round 2.
🗓 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
| 3-Day Schedule | Time (PDT) |
|---|---|
| Registration & Round 1 | Fri, Oct 3 9:00–10:00 AM / 12:00 PM |
| Rounds 2 & 3 | Sat, Oct 4 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM |
| Rounds 4–6 | Sun, Oct 5 9:00 AM; 12:30 PM; 4:30 PM |
| 2-Day Schedule | Time (PDT) |
|---|---|
| Registration & Rounds 1–2 | Sat, Oct 4 8:30–9:30 AM / 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM |
| Rounds 3–4 | Sat, Oct 4 4:00 PM; Sun, Oct 5 9:00 AM |
Side-Events (Oct 2–4):
- GM Sergey Kudrin Simul (Oct 1, 7:00 PM)
- IM John Donaldson Lecture (Oct 2, 6:00 PM)
- GM Melikset Khachiyan Simul (Oct 2, 7:30 PM)
- Blitz Tournament (Oct 2, 7:30 PM)
- Game Analysis (Oct 4, 3:00 PM)
💰 PRIZE FUND
The $27,500 prize pool breaks down as follows:
| Section | Place 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 2,000 | 1,000 | 900 | 800 | 700 |
| Open (2399–2200) | 1,000 | 500 | — | — | — |
| Expert | 2,000 | 1,000 | 500 | 300 | 200 |
| A (1800–1999) | 1,800 | 900 | 500 | 300 | 200 |
| B (1600–1799) | 1,700 | 800 | 400 | 300 | 200 |
| C (1400–1599) | 1,500 | 700 | 400 | 300 | 200 |
| D (≤ 1399) | 1,000 | 500 | 300 | 200 | — |
| D U1200 | 400 | 200 | 100 | — | — |
| Top Senior (65+) | 200 | — | — | — | — |
| Club Champion | 600 | 300 | — | — | — |
Open prizes guarantee a minimum of $17,000 to the top seven finishers. All other section prizes derive half of their advertised amounts from entry fees.
📝 REGISTRATION
- Open Section EF: $194–$300 (by rating; GMs/IMs free if entered by Sept 5)
- Expert EF: $194
- Section A EF: $193
- Section B EF: $192
- Section C EF: $191
- Section D/U1200 EF: $180
- 2-Day EF (all non-Open): $190
- Unrated players: Free entry (no cash prizes; must join USCF)
- Late fees: $11 (postmarked after Sept 5); $22 onsite after Sept 30
- Mail entries to: Weikel Chess, LLC, 6578 Valley Wood Dr, Reno NV 89523
- Online registration: renochess.org/register
Bring your clock for simuls; boards and sets provided.
✈️ TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
J Resort Casino Hotel offers special chess rates:
- Sun–Thurs: $92.66/night
- Fri–Sat: $138.06/night
- Group code: CHESS102025 (reserve by Oct 1)
- Shuttle: Complimentary airport shuttle from RNO
- Parking: Free self-parking onsite
Nearby amenities include restaurants, spa services, and gaming.
🏛 ORGANIZER
Weikel Chess, LLC has produced major chess festivals since 2000, including the Reno Western States Open, the Colorado Open, and the California State Championship. Under Jerome Weikel’s direction, the company delivers professional tournament administration—online pairings, certified arbiters, and engaging side-events—while partnering with regional clubs to grow the game at all levels.
📞 CONTACT DETAILS
- Address: 6578 Valley Wood Dr, Reno, NV 89523, USA
- Phone (home): (775) 747-1405
🌟 WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
The 42nd Annual Reno Western States Open delivers a rich blend of heritage, prize incentives, and competitive rigor in a first-class venue. Whether you chase title norms in the Open, target class prizes, or enjoy world-class simuls and lectures, this festival offers an unforgettable chess experience in Reno’s vibrant resort district. Secure your entry today and make your next move at one of America’s longest-running opens!
Additional Details
Playing Venue - J Resort Casino Hotel (formerly Sands Regency)
Prize Fund - $27,500
Organizer - Weikel Chess, LLC
Organizer Phone - +1 (775) 747-1405
Number of rounds - 6 (3-day) or 4 (2-day, all but Open)
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
Weikel Chess, LLC has directed some of America’s most respected open tournaments since 2000. Under the leadership of Jerry Weikel, the company produces the Reno Western States Open, the Colorado Open, and the California State Championship, all recognized Heritage Events on the US Chess Grand Prix circuit. Each year these tournaments draw hundreds of competitors—from Grandmasters chasing norms to scholastic players seeking rating gains—thanks to Weikel Chess’s reputation for flawless pairings, clear communication, and engaging side events (simuls, lectures, blitz).
Beyond marquee opens, Weikel Chess runs training workshops, school outreach programs, and monthly club events in Reno and the wider Nevada region. Their team of certified National TDs and FIDE Arbiters ensures every event—from local Swiss to six-round Heritage Opens—adheres strictly to USCF and FIDE regulations while maintaining a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.