81st Ohio Chess Congress & State Championship (FIDE) takes place from August 28-30, 2026 in Blue Ash, Ohio, USA. This is a chess tournament in Blue Ash, Ohio, in 2026. The event features six sections, a 5-round Swiss format, FIDE rated upper sections, and a substantial guaranteed cash prize fund. In addition, players may choose either a 3-day schedule or a 2-day option, which makes the tournament practical for both traditional weekend competitors and players who prefer a more compressed format.

Furthermore, 81st Ohio Chess Congress & State Championship (FIDE) stands out as a major late-summer chess event in Ohio. Because the tournament includes the Ohio State Championship title in the Open section, it carries extra prestige for strong local players. Meanwhile, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Blue Ash gives the event a comfortable hotel setting in the Cincinnati area, so this over-the-board chess tournament in Blue Ash can work well for both regional participants and visiting players.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The listed total cash prize fund is USD 18,500 based on 240 paid entries. In addition, the event awards cash prizes across all six sections and includes a doubles prize.

Open

Under-2200

Under-1900

Under-1600

Under-1300

Under-1000

The Under 1000 section also awards trophies to the top finishers, and any player who scores 4.0 points in that section receives a trophy.

Doubles Prize

The doubles prize goes to the best male-female or female-female two-player team by combined score across all sections. The team must average under 2200, players may compete in different sections, and prize limits do not apply to this bonus.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 5-round Swiss system with two schedule choices. In the 3-day schedule, every round is played at 90 minutes per player with a 30-second increment from move one. That format gives the event a serious long-play character and creates enough room for full middlegame battles and technical endgames.

Meanwhile, the 2-day option speeds up the first half of the tournament. In that schedule, Rounds 1 and 2 use 60 minutes plus a 10-second increment, while Rounds 3 through 5 switch to the longer G/90 +30 format. In addition, players must request byes by 12:30 PM on Saturday. Official August 2026 US Chess regular ratings are used, although higher foreign, FIDE, or other over-the-board ratings may be applied when appropriate. Notation is required in all sections, and only US Chess-approved electronic score sheets are allowed.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Chess Earth organizes 81st Ohio Chess Congress & State Championship (FIDE) in Blue Ash. In addition, the event carries Ohio state championship status and combines a broad class structure with a FIDE rated top end. Because of that setup, players can expect a tournament that balances strong competition, practical organization, and a traditional large-field weekend atmosphere.

• Email: admin@chessearth.com

• Website: https://www.chessearth.com/

🏨 Venue

Embassy Suites by Hilton Blue Ash, 4554 Lake Forest Dr, Blue Ash, OH 45242, USA

The playing site is a hotel venue in Blue Ash near Cincinnati, which can make the tournament especially convenient for weekend visitors. In addition, the event uses a full hotel setup, so players can keep lodging and tournament play in one location. Complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and on-site amenities also add comfort across the full weekend.

🛎️ Accommodation

Embassy Suites by Hilton Blue Ash, 4554 Lake Forest Dr, Blue Ash, OH 45242, USA

The organizer lists a chess rate of USD 145 for a two-room suite with one king bed and USD 155 for a two-room suite with two double beds. In addition, players should reserve by August 15 before rooms are gone in order to secure the chess discount rate.

🚗 How to Get There

Players arriving by car can reach the venue directly in Blue Ash and use the hotel’s complimentary self-parking. In addition, the location works well for players coming from Cincinnati and other parts of southwest Ohio.

Meanwhile, out-of-town visitors flying in can use Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is the main airport serving the area. Because the hotel sits in the Blue Ash business district rather than directly at the airport, rideshare or car travel is the most practical choice for many players.

If you want a major Ohio chess tournament with state championship significance, FIDE-rated upper sections, and a broad class structure, 81st Ohio Chess Congress & State Championship (FIDE) offers a strong competitive weekend in Blue Ash.