Feb. Wilson Chess FIDE Plus Score #19 takes place on Sunday, February 28, 2027, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville in Lisle, Illinois. Organized by Wilson Chess, the one-day tournament features three rounds of long time-control chess in three rating-based sections: Major, Reserve, and Booster.

The Major and Reserve sections are FIDE rated, while the Booster section is US Chess rated only. Every section uses the same G/60 +30-second increment time control, giving players 60 minutes plus 30 seconds after every move. This provides a serious classical-style playing experience while allowing all three rounds to be completed in one day.

Rather than using a conventional fixed prize fund, the tournament follows Wilson Chess’s Plus Score format. Cash awards are based on the number of points a player scores within their section: $125 for 3.0/3 in Major, $50 for 2.5/3 in Reserve, and $25 for 2.0/3 in Booster.

♟️ Event Details

The February edition is the 19th tournament in the Wilson Chess FIDE Plus Score series. Major and Reserve provide FIDE-rated competition, while Booster offers a US Chess-rated option for players under 1600.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

All three sections play three long games at G/60 +30. The 30-second increment begins from move one and gives players additional thinking time throughout the game.

Because Major and Reserve are FIDE rated, games in those sections are submitted for international rating subject to the published eligibility requirements.

The Booster section follows the same playing schedule and time control but is not submitted for FIDE rating.

🏆 Prize Fund

Wilson Chess does not advertise a fixed overall prize fund for this event. Instead, the tournament uses its Plus Score system, in which published cash awards are tied directly to the score achieved by a player.

Therefore, the three published amounts should not be added together and presented as a $200 guaranteed prize fund. The event announcement specifically describes the prizes as being based on points scored.

The Major section requires a perfect 3/3 score for its award. Reserve players reach the published prize threshold with 2.5/3, while Booster players need 2.0/3.

🧩 Sections / Groups

The tournament offers three rating-based groups. Major and Reserve are FIDE rated, while Booster is intended for lower-rated players and receives US Chess rating only.

The Major section has a maximum FIDE rating of 2399.

Players who want to enter the next higher section may do so only when they are within 100 rating points of that section. A separate $20 play-up fee applies.

For example, a player below 1900 must be within 100 points of the Major threshold to play in Major. The same published 100-point restriction applies when moving from Booster eligibility into the next section.

🗓️ Schedule

All three rounds are played on Sunday, February 28. The first two rounds have fixed starting times, while Round 3 begins after Round 2 but cannot start before 5:00 PM.

The four-hour gap between the first two scheduled rounds accommodates games played at the long G/60 +30 time control.

Players should plan for a full tournament day because the precise starting time of Round 3 depends on the completion of the preceding round.

📝 Registration

Entry fees increase as the tournament date approaches. Advance registration offers the lowest rate, while late and onsite entries are accepted at the highest published fee.

The $20 play-up fee does not remove the rating requirement. A player must still be within 100 rating points of the next section.

Refunds are available subject to a $15 processing fee.

Official registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/WCFeb27FIDE19

👥 Organizer

Wilson Chess organizes the FIDE Plus Score series along with scholastic and other rated tournaments in Illinois.

When contacting the organizer about this event, players should reference February FIDE Plus Score #19.

📍 Venue

The tournament is held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville, a hotel and conference venue located along the I-88 Corporate Corridor west of Chicago.

DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville – 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, IL 60532, United States

The hotel provides meeting facilities, an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary on-site self-parking.

🚆 How to Get There

The DoubleTree is located approximately 27 miles west of Chicago and is adjacent to the I-88 Research Corridor. Driving or rideshare is generally the most straightforward way to reach the venue.

Players flying into the Chicago area should arrange a rental car, taxi, or rideshare because the hotel does not provide an airport shuttle.

ℹ️ Other Information

Players may request a maximum of one bye. The bye must be committed before the start of Round 2, so participants should make their plans early in the tournament.

Because boards, sets, and clocks are supplied, players do not need to bring their own tournament equipment.

The Major section is restricted to a maximum FIDE rating of 2399 under the published event conditions.

The tournament has no residency restriction, allowing eligible players from outside Illinois and outside the United States to participate subject to the applicable membership and rating requirements.

Official tournament listing:
https://new.uschess.org/feb-wilson-chess-fide-plus-score-19

Official registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/WCFeb27FIDE19