The 43rd Annual Reno Western States Open 2026 will take place from October 2 to 4, 2026, at the J Resort Casino Hotel in Reno, Nevada. Players may choose the standard three-day schedule, while players in the class sections may instead enter a two-day schedule on October 3–4.
The organizer runs six Swiss-system sections: Open, Expert, A, B, C, and D. All sections count toward US Chess ratings. In addition, the Open Section carries FIDE rating and offers 150 Enhanced US Chess Grand Prix points.
The advertised prize fund totals $27,500 based on 275 entries. However, the organizer guarantees $17,000, which consists of the full top-seven Open prizes plus half of all other advertised prizes. Moreover, the festival includes lectures, simultaneous exhibitions, a blitz tournament, and game-analysis sessions.
📌 Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Tournament | 43rd Annual Reno Western States Open 2026 |
| 📅 Main Tournament Dates | October 2–4, 2026 |
| 📅 Two-Day Schedule | October 3–4, 2026 |
| 🎭 Side Events | September 30–October 3, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Reno, Nevada, United States |
| 🏟️ Venue | J Resort Casino Hotel – 345 N. Arlington Avenue, Reno, NV 89501, United States |
| 🏛️ Organizer | Weikel Chess, LLC |
| ♟️ Format | Six-round Swiss system |
| 🧩 Sections | Open, Expert, A, B, C, and D |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess rating in all sections; FIDE rating in the Open Section |
| 🏅 Grand Prix | 150 Enhanced US Chess Grand Prix points |
| 💰 Prize Fund | $27,500 based on 275 entries; $17,000 guaranteed |
| 👤 Tournament Director | NTD Jerome V. “Jerry” Weikel |
| ♿ Accessibility | Accessible tournament venue |
| 🌐 Official US Chess Listing | https://new.uschess.org/43rd-annual-reno-western-states-open |
| 🌐 Official Tournament Website | https://sites.google.com/site/renochessclub/wso |
| 📄 Tournament Details | https://sites.google.com/site/renochessclub/wso/tournament |
| 📝 Entry Form | https://sites.google.com/site/renochessclub/wso/entryform |
| 🏨 Venue Website | https://www.jresortreno.com/ |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The organizer runs six Swiss-system rounds under both the three-day and two-day schedules. However, the Open Section offers only the three-day schedule.
Open Section
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🧩 Schedule Option | Three-day schedule only |
| 🔢 Rounds | 6 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 40 moves in 2 hours, followed by 55 minutes to finish |
| ⏲️ Delay | 5 seconds per move |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess and FIDE |
Class Sections – Three-Day Schedule
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🧩 Sections | Expert, A, B, C, and D |
| 🔢 Rounds | 6 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 40 moves in 2 hours, followed by 1 hour to finish |
| ⏲️ Delay | 5 seconds per move |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess |
Class Sections – Two-Day Schedule
The two-day schedule applies only to the Expert, A, B, C, and D Sections. Players complete three accelerated rounds on Saturday morning and afternoon. Afterwards, they merge into the regular schedule for Round 4.
| Rounds | Time Control |
|---|---|
| ⏱️ Rounds 1–3 | Game in 60 minutes with a 5-second delay |
| ⏱️ Rounds 4–6 | 40 moves in 2 hours, followed by 1 hour to finish, with a 5-second delay |
Byes
Players may request a half-point bye in any round if they submit the request by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3.
The Open Section allows a maximum of two half-point byes.
Pairing Rules
The organizer may move the highest-rated player from the next lower section upward when this action makes an odd-numbered section even.
Moreover, the tournament director does not normally change pairings solely to improve color alternation. The organizer may intervene when a pairing would create three identical colors in succession or a color imbalance of plus three. However, exceptional circumstances may still produce three identical colors in a row.
The organizer may use CCA ratings when necessary to protect sections against rating manipulation.
🏆 Prize Fund
The advertised prize fund totals $27,500 based on 275 entries. The organizer guarantees $17,000.
The guaranteed amount covers:
- The complete first-through-seventh-place Open prizes
- Half of every other advertised cash prize
Open Section – Overall Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Place | $2,000 |
| 🥈 2nd Place | $1,000 |
| 🥉 3rd Place | $900 |
| 4th Place | $800 |
| 5th Place | $700 |
| 6th Place | $600 |
| 7th Place | $500 |
If players tie for first place, the organizer holds a playoff for an additional $100 from the prize fund and the championship trophy.
Open Section – Rating Prizes
| Rating Category | Prizes |
|---|---|
| ⭐ 2399 and Below | 1st: $1,000; 2nd: $500 |
| ⭐ 2299 and Below | 1st: $1,000; 2nd: $500 |
Class Section Prizes
| Section | Prizes |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Expert | 1st: $2,000; 2nd: $1,000; 3rd: $500; 4th: $300; 5th: $200 |
| 🏆 Section A | 1st: $1,800; 2nd: $900; 3rd: $500; 4th: $300; 5th: $200 |
| 🏆 Section B | 1st: $1,700; 2nd: $800; 3rd: $400; 4th: $300; 5th: $200 |
| 🏆 Section C | 1st: $1,500; 2nd: $700; 3rd: $400; 4th: $300; 5th: $200 |
| 🏆 Section D | 1st: $1,000; 2nd: $500; 3rd: $300; 4th: $200 |
Section D – Under-1200 Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Under 1200 | $400 |
| 🥈 2nd Under 1200 | $200 |
| 🥉 3rd Under 1200 | $100 |
Senior and Club Prizes
| Category | Prizes |
|---|---|
| 👤 Top Senior Age 65+ | $200 |
| ♟️ Club Championship | 1st: $600; 2nd: $300 |
Prize Restrictions
Provisionally rated players may receive no more than half of the first-place prize in their section. However, this restriction does not apply to the first-through-seventh-place Open prizes.
GMs and IMs who use the free-entry offer cannot win the Open rating prizes for players rated 2399 and below unless they pay the applicable entry fee.
Unrated players receive free tournament entry but cannot win cash prizes.
Trophies
The organizer lists trophies for:
- Open Champion
- First through third place in Expert, A, B, C, and D
- Top unrated player
- Top senior
- Club Champion
♟️ Sections / Groups
Players enter one of six separate rating sections. Moreover, players may play in a higher section, subject to the applicable entry fee.
| Section | Rating Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Open | Primarily 2200 and above; lower-rated players may enter by paying the higher Open fee |
| ♟️ Expert | 2000–2199 |
| ♟️ Section A | 1800–1999 |
| ♟️ Section B | 1600–1799 |
| ♟️ Section C | 1400–1599 |
| ♟️ Section D | 1399 and below, including unrated players |
All players need a current US Chess membership. Unrated players compete in Section D unless they choose to play up.
The tournament director may apply CCA ratings where appropriate. In addition, the organizer may move a player into the next higher section to create an even number of participants.
📅 Schedule
All times use local Pacific Time in Reno.
Side Events
| Date and Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, September 30, 19:00 | Clock simultaneous exhibition and game analysis with GM Sergey Kudrin – $30; participants should bring a clock |
| Thursday, October 1, 17:00–20:00 | On-site registration |
| Thursday, October 1, 18:00–19:15 | Free lecture by IM John Donaldson |
| Thursday, October 1, 19:30 | Simultaneous exhibition with GM Nick de Firmian – $20 |
| Thursday, October 1, 19:30 | Blitz tournament, Game in 5 minutes with no delay – $25; 80% of entry fees form the prize fund |
| Saturday, October 3, 15:00–16:30 | Free game and position analysis with IM John Donaldson |
Three-Day Main Tournament
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, October 2 | 09:00–10:00 | On-site registration |
| Friday, October 2 | 12:00 | Round 1 |
| Friday, October 2 | 19:00 | Round 2 |
| Saturday, October 3 | 10:00 | Round 3 |
| Saturday, October 3 | 18:00 | Round 4 |
| Sunday, October 4 | 09:00 | Round 5 |
| Sunday, October 4 | 16:00 | Round 6 |
Two-Day Schedule – Class Sections Only
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, October 3 | 09:00–10:00 | On-site registration |
| Saturday, October 3 | 10:30 | Round 1 |
| Saturday, October 3 | 12:45 | Round 2 |
| Saturday, October 3 | 15:00 | Round 3 |
| Saturday, October 3 | 18:00 | Round 4 and merge into the regular schedule |
| Sunday, October 4 | 09:00 | Round 5 |
| Sunday, October 4 | 16:00 | Round 6 |
The Open Section does not offer the two-day schedule.
📝 Registration
Players may enter in advance by mail or email. In addition, the organizer accepts on-site entries during the published registration periods.
Entry Fees
| Section or Category | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Open – Rated 2200+ | $194 |
| 🏆 Open – Rated 2000–2199 | $250 |
| 🏆 Open – Rated 1999 or Below | $300 |
| ♟️ Expert Section | $194 |
| ♟️ Section A | $193 |
| ♟️ Section B | $192 |
| ♟️ Section C | $191 |
| ♟️ Section D | $180 |
| 📅 Two-Day Schedule – Class Sections | $190 |
| 👑 GM and IM | Free when entered by September 4 |
| 🆕 Unrated Player | Free tournament entry; US Chess membership purchase required |
Discounts and Additional Fees
| Fee or Discount | Amount |
|---|---|
| 👤 Senior Discount – Age 65+ | $20 discount |
| ⏰ Late Fee after September 4 | $11 |
| 🏟️ On-Site Late Fee | $22 |
| 🔄 Section Change Fee | $10 |
GMs and IMs must enter by September 4 to receive free entry. Otherwise, the applicable late fee applies.
Unrated players must purchase or extend a one-year US Chess membership. Moreover, they cannot win cash prizes.
Advance-Entry Deadlines
| Registration Method | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 📮 Entry without Late Fee | September 4, 2026 |
| ✉️ Last Date to Mail an Entry | September 25, 2026 |
| 📧 Last Date to Email an Entry | September 29, 2026 |
| 🏟️ Three-Day On-Site Registration | October 1, 17:00–20:00, or October 2, 09:00–10:00 |
| 🏟️ Two-Day On-Site Registration | October 3, 09:00–10:00 |
Mail Registration
Make checks payable to:
Weikel Chess, LLC
6578 Valley Wood Drive
Reno, NV 89523
United States
Email Registration
Send the completed entry information to:
Official Registration Resources
Entry form:
https://sites.google.com/site/renochessclub/wso/entryform
Official tournament details:
https://sites.google.com/site/renochessclub/wso/tournament
US Chess event listing:
https://new.uschess.org/43rd-annual-reno-western-states-open
🏛️ Organizer
| Contact Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Organizer Name | Weikel Chess, LLC |
| 👤 Contact Person | Jerome V. “Jerry” Weikel |
| wackyykl@aol.com | |
| 📞 Phone Number | +1 775-747-1405; +1 775-336-7377 |
📍 Venue
J Resort Casino Hotel – 345 N. Arlington Avenue, Reno, NV 89501, United States.
The tournament takes place at the J Resort Casino Hotel in downtown Reno. The property includes hotel accommodation, restaurants, event spaces, and free covered self-parking.
Moreover, J Resort offers accessible rooms on request. All hotel rooms are non-smoking, while the tournament listing confirms that the playing venue is accessible.
Players should bring chess clocks. The organizer provides chess sets.
Venue website:
https://www.jresortreno.com/
🏨 Accommodation
The playing venue offers official discounted accommodation for tournament participants.
| Stay Period | Official Room Rate |
|---|---|
| 🛏️ Sunday–Thursday | $104.01 per night |
| 🛏️ Friday–Saturday | $138.06 per night |
The rates apply to single or double occupancy and include taxes and fees.
| Booking Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏨 Hotel | J Resort Casino Hotel |
| 📞 Reservations | +1 866-386-7829 |
| 🔑 Group Code | Westernchess1026 |
| 📅 Chess-Rate Deadline | September 18, 2026 |
| 💳 Deposit | First-night deposit required by September 18 |
| 👨👩👦 Guests Under 21 | Must check in with an adult |
| 🌐 Hotel Website | https://www.jresortreno.com/ |
Players without a confirmed reservation pay the hotel’s prevailing rate at the time of booking or arrival. Therefore, participants should reserve before September 18 to secure the official chess rate.
✈️ How to Get There
J Resort stands in downtown Reno, a short road transfer from Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
| Travel Option | Recommended Route |
|---|---|
| ✈️ From Reno-Tahoe International Airport | Use the complimentary J Resort airport shuttle, a taxi, or a rideshare service |
| 🚌 J Resort Airport Shuttle | Operates from 05:00 to 23:00; call +1 775-348-2255 to arrange transportation |
| 🚕 Taxi and Rideshare | Pick-up takes place outside baggage claim Door D |
| 🚆 By Train | Amtrak’s California Zephyr serves Reno. Continue from Reno Station to J Resort by taxi, rideshare, or local transportation |
| 🚗 By Car | Enter 345 N. Arlington Avenue, Reno, NV 89501 into the navigation system |
| 🅿️ Parking | J Resort provides free covered self-parking |
Official Travel Resources
Reno-Tahoe International Airport ground transportation:
https://www.renoairport.com/parking-transportation/ground-transportation/
Amtrak Reno Station:
https://www.amtrak.com/stations/rno
J Resort:
https://www.jresortreno.com/
Shuttle and public-transport schedules may change. Therefore, travelers should recheck the official information shortly before departure.
ℹ️ Other Information
American Classic and Heritage Event
The Reno Western States Open carries the US Chess designation “An American Classic and Heritage Event.” Moreover, the tournament awards 150 Enhanced Grand Prix points.
US Chess Membership
Every participant needs a current US Chess membership. The organizer can process new memberships and renewals at the venue.
Unrated players receive free tournament entry. However, they must purchase or extend a one-year US Chess membership and cannot win cash prizes.
Playing Equipment
The organizer supplies chess sets. Players should bring their own chess clocks, especially for the main tournament and the Sergey Kudrin clock simultaneous exhibition.
Playing Up
Players may enter a higher section. However, lower-rated players who enter the Open Section must pay the applicable higher entry fee.
Provisional Ratings
Provisionally rated players may win no more than half of the first-place cash prize in their section. This restriction does not apply to the seven primary Open prizes.
Section Changes
The organizer charges $10 when a player changes sections.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in the chess playing room. The hotel applies its own rules elsewhere on the property.
Side-Event Prize Fund
The October 1 blitz tournament uses a time control of Game in 5 minutes with no delay. The organizer places 80% of the blitz entry fees into its prize fund.
Tournament Information
Official US Chess listing:
https://new.uschess.org/43rd-annual-reno-western-states-open
Official tournament website:
https://sites.google.com/site/renochessclub/wso
Tournament details:
https://sites.google.com/site/renochessclub/wso/tournament
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $27,500
Organizer
♟️ About Weikel Chess, LLC
Weikel Chess, LLC is an over-the-board chess tournament organizer based in Reno, Nevada. The organization manages major US Chess-rated competitions for players from beginner and class levels through grandmaster level. Its events combine structured tournament direction, multiple rating sections, substantial prize funds, and clearly published playing conditions.
The organization works closely with the Reno Chess Club, which provides the principal online information hub for its tournaments. Public tournament records document Jerome Weikel’s directing work from at least 1999, when he served as chief tournament director for the Denker championship. Therefore, the organization benefits from decades of practical experience in American tournament chess.
Jerome V. “Jerry” Weikel leads the organization and serves as its chief tournament director. He holds the rank of US Chess National Tournament Director. Moreover, he manages registration, pairings, tournament policies, player communication, and on-site operations for Weikel Chess events.
🏆 Major Reno Chess Tournaments
Weikel Chess organizes two established annual tournament weekends in Reno: the Reno Western States Open and the Reno Larry Evans Memorial Open. These events attract players from Nevada and other parts of the United States.
The Western States Open traditionally takes place during the fall. Its 2026 edition uses a six-round Swiss format with Open, Expert, A, B, C, and D sections. In addition, class players may choose between two-day and three-day schedules, while the Open Section follows the full three-day program.
The Larry Evans Memorial Open provides a second major tournament weekend during the spring. It also offers six rating-based sections and separate schedule options. Consequently, players can compete against opponents within an appropriate rating range while still participating in a large shared chess festival.
Both tournaments have welcomed grandmasters, international masters, experienced club competitors, seniors, juniors, and unrated players. Meanwhile, rating-based prizes give players in every section meaningful competitive goals.
♜ Tournament Direction and Player Services
Weikel Chess publishes detailed regulations before each event. These regulations cover time controls, section eligibility, prize distribution, half-point byes, pairing procedures, late-entry fees, and US Chess membership requirements.
Players can submit advance entries by mail or email. For selected events, the organizer also accepts telephone registration. Moreover, Weikel Chess provides tournament sets, publishes registration deadlines, and explains when players should bring their own chess clocks.
The organization also coordinates discounted accommodation with the tournament hotel. As a result, visiting players can arrange their tournament entry and lodging through clearly identified channels. Special activities may include blitz tournaments, lectures, clock simultaneous exhibitions, and post-game analysis sessions.
🥇 Leadership and Competitive Experience
Jerry Weikel brings experience as both a tournament director and competitive player. Reno Chess Club records identify him as a three-time Nevada State Chess Champion and a seven-time Reno Chess Club Champion as of 2013.
He has also directed club championships, memorial tournaments, regional opens, and nationally recognized scholastic competition. Therefore, his work covers both local club events and large multi-section tournaments with complex operational requirements.
Today, Weikel Chess continues to provide a consistent tournament structure in Reno. At the same time, its association with the Reno Chess Club connects visiting competitors with Northern Nevada’s broader chess community.
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