♟️ About Weikel Chess, LLC

Weikel Chess, LLC is an experienced over-the-board chess tournament organizer based in Reno, Nevada, United States. Led by National Tournament Director Jerome V. “Jerry” Weikel, the organization specializes in large US Chess-rated tournament weekends that bring together grandmasters, international masters, experienced club players, juniors, seniors, and amateur competitors. Its tournaments combine serious competition with clearly defined rating sections, substantial prize funds, and structured playing conditions.

Weikel Chess works closely with the wider Reno chess community, while RenoChess.org serves as the main online information hub for its major tournaments. The organization handles tournament registration, player communication, section placement, pairings, tournament direction, prize administration, and on-site operations. Moreover, its flagship events regularly include FIDE-rated competition alongside US Chess rating and Enhanced Grand Prix points.

The organization has extensive experience with multi-section tournaments that accommodate players across a broad rating range. In addition to the main classical competitions, Weikel Chess frequently adds lectures, simultaneous exhibitions, blitz tournaments, and game-analysis sessions with titled players. Therefore, its Reno events function as complete chess weekends rather than only standalone tournaments.

🏆 Reno Western States Open

One of the principal events organized by Weikel Chess is the Reno Western States Open, a long-running tournament with an established place on the American chess calendar. The 43rd Annual Reno Western States Open 2026 takes place from October 2–4, 2026, at the J Resort Casino Hotel in Reno. The event features six sections: Open, Expert, A, B, C, and D.

All sections receive US Chess rating, while the Open Section is also FIDE-rated. Furthermore, the tournament carries 150 Enhanced US Chess Grand Prix points and advertises a $27,500 prize fund based on participation. The tournament also offers side events before and during the main competition. The 2026 program includes a clock simultaneous exhibition, instructional lectures, blitz chess, a grandmaster simul, and game-analysis sessions. Consequently, visiting players can combine tournament competition with additional opportunities to learn from experienced titled players.

♜ Reno Larry Evans Memorial Open

Weikel Chess also organizes the annual Reno Larry Evans Memorial Open, named in honor of American Grandmaster Larry Evans. The tournament follows a structure similar to the Western States Open and provides several rating-based sections. In addition, class players can choose between different schedules, allowing competitors to select the format that best fits their travel plans.

The 13th Annual Reno – Larry Evans Memorial Open 2026 took place in April 2026. It offered six sections, US Chess rating, FIDE-rated competition where applicable, Enhanced Grand Prix points, and a substantial advertised prize fund. Side activities have traditionally formed an important part of the Larry Evans Memorial weekend. These include lectures, simultaneous exhibitions, blitz tournaments, and game-analysis sessions. Therefore, the tournament continues the broader event model that has become characteristic of major Weikel Chess weekends in Reno.

🎯 Tournament Direction and Player Experience

Jerry Weikel holds the rank of US Chess National Tournament Director, one of the highest tournament-directing classifications within the United States Chess Federation. Weikel Chess publishes detailed tournament regulations covering time controls, section eligibility, entry fees, prize structures, half-point byes, schedules, registration deadlines, and other competition rules. Moreover, the organization coordinates discounted accommodation with its tournament hotels for visiting players.

The tournaments typically provide separate rating classes so players can compete for prizes against opponents of similar strength. At the same time, the Open Section gives strong players an opportunity to face titled competitors and earn FIDE-rated results. Weikel Chess also maintains traditional advance-registration options by email and mail. During tournament weekends, dedicated telephone numbers provide players with direct access to the organizer for last-minute logistical questions.

🥇 Jerome V. “Jerry” Weikel

Jerome V. “Jerry” Weikel combines tournament-directing experience with a long competitive chess background in Nevada. Reno Chess Club records identify Weikel as a three-time Nevada State Chess Champion and a seven-time Reno Chess Club Champion. He has also served in leadership positions within the Reno Chess Club, including several periods as club president.

His involvement in Reno chess extends across decades. Historical tournament records document Weikel directing and organizing major Reno competitions, club championships, memorial events, regional tournaments, and other rated competitions. This combination of organizer, tournament director, club leader, and competitive player gives Weikel Chess extensive practical knowledge of tournament operations. As a result, the organization continues to provide established annual chess events for players traveling to Northern Nevada from across the United States.