February Monday Slow 2027 takes place in Chicago, Illinois, United States, from February 1 to 22, 2027, with games on four consecutive Mondays. The event is organized by Chicago Chess Center (CCC).

The competition is Classical and US Chess-rated, with four rounds paired using the Monrad Swiss system. Each game uses 90 minutes per player plus a 30-second increment. There are three independent sections: Open, U1800 and U1200, with limited opportunities to play in a higher-rated group.

Entry is free, although CCC membership is required after two events. Players may enter the entire series or register for one Monday. All games begin at 6:15 PM Central Time, with check-in due by 6:10 PM. Players who complete at least three rounds may qualify for trophies and other awards.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The organizer uses US Chess ratings and a Monrad Swiss system designed to reduce rating gaps between opponents. Players complete one slow game per week.

🏆 Awards

Participants must play at least three rounds to qualify for prizes. Each section awards its own top-three trophies.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The competition has three separately paired groups, each with a rating threshold and the organizer’s specified play-up options.

📅 Schedule

Four rounds are scheduled on Monday evenings in February 2027. All times below are Chicago local time (Central Standard Time); no ending times or awards ceremony are announced.

📝 Registration

Registration is free, and the organizer allows players to participate in one selected week. CCC membership is required after two events. Register using the official platform; an enquiry submitted through MyChess.Events does not automatically become an official entry.

Check in by 6:10 PM for each round you play, either in person or by email. The organizer’s official registration page contains the current instructions.

🏛️ Organizer

Chicago Chess Center (CCC) is a Chicago nonprofit that runs rated tournaments, weekly chess sessions and educational programs. The February Monday Slow provides the center’s players with structured, long-time-control games spread across four Monday evenings.

📍 Venue

The event is held at Chicago Chess Center, 166 W Washington St, Unit 600, Chicago, IL 60602, USA, on the sixth floor of a downtown Loop building. Registered participants should follow the center’s current ButterflyMX intercom instructions for entry.

🏨 Accommodation

These five hotels are in Chicago’s Loop, in the wider neighborhood of the playing venue. Because this tournament consists of four separate Monday evenings, the suggested hotel dates are Jan 31 – Feb 2, 2027, around Round 1 only. Change them as needed for the Feb 8, 15 or 22 games; a month-long stay is not assumed.

🍽️ Nearby Restaurants & Cafés

These three verified Loop establishments are useful options around the Monday evening playing schedule. Their locations and Monday services are listed publicly. The exact walking distances from the chess center have not been independently measured.

🚆 How to Get There

The venue is in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, close to CTA rail and bus stops. Leave enough time for weekday traffic and the building’s sixth-floor access.

🚇 CTA ‘L’ Trains

Washington/Wells is served by the Brown, Orange, Pink and Purple lines. The Clark/Lake complex also serves the Blue and Green lines. See the official Clark/Lake station page or CTA trip planner.

🚌 CTA Bus

The club identifies a Washington & LaSalle stop opposite the center. Check current bus connections using the CTA website.

🚉 Regional & Intercity Rail

Arrivals at Ogilvie Transportation Center or Chicago Union Station can continue through the Loop on local transit or on foot. Check Metra and Amtrak for relevant services.

✈️ Airports

Chicago O’Hare and Chicago Midway both have CTA connections into downtown: the Blue Line from O’Hare and the Orange Line from Midway. Consult Chicago’s official airport information before traveling.

🚗 Driving & Parking

The center points to two nearby public garages: Washington Wells iParkit, 217 W Washington St, and Washington Franklin iParkit, 230 W Washington St. Confirm prices independently; parking is not included in registration.

🚶 Walking & Entrance

Locate the 166 W Washington Street building and take the elevator to Unit 600. Tournament participants should follow the organizer’s up-to-date ButterflyMX instructions; see the official venue guide.

ℹ️ Other Information

Chess sets and clocks are supplied by the organizer. Review the pre-tournament reminders and current eligibility policy before the first game.

Useful Official Links