Catherine McLaughlin Rapid Open takes place on September 26, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. The event offers a one-day rapid chess tournament with 5 Swiss-system rounds at the Saint Louis Chess Club.
This is a chess tournament in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, in 2026. Players can compete in a US Chess-rated rapid tournament with a G/25 + 10 seconds time control and a guaranteed prize fund.
The tournament runs from noon to early evening, which makes it a practical Saturday event for local players and visitors. In addition, players need both Saint Louis Chess Club membership and United States Chess Federation membership to participate.
♟️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Tournament | Catherine McLaughlin Rapid Open |
| 📅 Date | September 26, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| 🏛️ Venue | Saint Louis Chess Club, 4663 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess-rated |
| 🔢 Rounds | 5 rounds |
| ⏱️ Time control | G/25 + 10 seconds |
| 💰 Prize fund | $1,000 guaranteed |
| 📝 Registration | https://register.stlchess.club/catherine-mclaughlin-rapid-open-09-26-26 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The Catherine McLaughlin Rapid Open uses a 5-round Swiss system. Each player receives 25 minutes for the game, plus a 10-second increment from move one.
The event gives players a compact rapid chess tournament format with five rated games in one day. Therefore, participants should stay near the playing hall between rounds and follow each new pairing promptly.
Players may request one half-point bye. However, they must declare it before the start of Round 1.
💰 Prize Fund
The confirmed prize fund is $1,000, unconditionally guaranteed.
Prize Fund Overview
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st place | $250 |
| 2nd place | $175 |
| 3rd place | $125 |
| U2200, 1st place | $100 |
| U2200, 2nd place | $75 |
| U2000, 1st place | $75 |
| U2000, 2nd place | $60 |
| U1800 | $50 |
| U1600 | $40 |
| Biggest upset | $50 |
🧩 Sections / Groups
The tournament runs as one open rapid event.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main event | Open 5-round Swiss tournament |
| Rating status | US Chess-rated |
| Prize categories | Overall places, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600, and biggest upset |
| Membership requirement | Saint Louis Chess Club and United States Chess Federation membership |
Players who are not Saint Louis Chess Club members may join online or buy a day pass at the front desk on the tournament day.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 12:00 PM | Round 1 |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 1:30 PM | Round 2 |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 3:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 4:30 PM | Round 4 |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Round 5 |
📝 Registration
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | $25 |
| Required membership | Saint Louis Chess Club membership and United States Chess Federation membership |
| Bye option | One half-point bye, declared before Round 1 |
| Registration page | https://register.stlchess.club/catherine-mclaughlin-rapid-open-09-26-26 |
Players should register through the Saint Louis Chess Club registration page. In addition, they should enter their USCF membership ID and confirm their Saint Louis Chess Club membership status during registration.
🏛️ Organizer
The Saint Louis Chess Club organizes the Catherine McLaughlin Rapid Open at its club venue in St. Louis. The event gives players a focused rapid chess day with rated games, guaranteed prizes, and a clear schedule.
📍 Venue
Saint Louis Chess Club, 4663 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
The tournament takes place at the Saint Louis Chess Club in the Central West End area of St. Louis. Players should use the full Maryland Avenue address for navigation and arrive before the first round starts at 12:00 PM.
🚆 How to Get There
The Saint Louis Chess Club is located in St. Louis’s Central West End neighborhood. Players can reach the venue by car, taxi, rideshare, public transport, or on foot from nearby hotels and local destinations.
Because the tournament starts at noon, participants should allow enough time for travel, parking, check-in, and seating before Round 1.
ℹ️ Other Information
The event runs from 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Both Saint Louis Chess Club membership and United States Chess Federation membership are required. Players who need a club day pass can purchase one at the front desk on the event day.
Participants agree to the club’s code of conduct and photo/video authorization during registration.
The Catherine McLaughlin Rapid Open offers a sharp one-day rapid chess event with guaranteed prizes at one of America’s best-known chess venues.
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $1,000
Organizer
The Saint Louis Chess Club is a nonprofit chess club and tournament organizer based in Saint Louis, Missouri, United States. It is known for hosting elite events and supporting chess participation year-round. Moreover, the club operates from a dedicated chess facility in the Central West End.
The club runs major invitationals and public events for players of many levels. In addition, it organizes the 2026 Saint Louis Masters as a high-profile FIDE-rated tournament in classical chess. Its calendar also includes open competitions and rapid and blitz chess side events.
Furthermore, the Saint Louis Chess Club invests in scholastic programs and adult improvement pathways. It also delivers structured chess training through classes, lectures, and coaching. As a result, it serves both competitive players and the wider community.
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