IM Goran Vojinovic Memorial Columbus Open takes place from June 26-28, 2026 in Newark, Ohio, USA. This is a chess tournament in Newark, Ohio, in 2026. The event features a 5-round Swiss format, seven sections, two schedule options, and a confirmed cash prize fund based on paid entries. In addition, the tournament includes FIDE rated upper sections, multiple US Chess rated class sections, and a hotel playing venue for a full weekend over-the-board chess experience.
Moreover, IM Goran Vojinovic Memorial Columbus Open offers a broad competitive structure for players of many levels in central Ohio. Because the event includes both 3-day and 2-day options, it can suit players who prefer either a traditional weekend pace or a more compressed schedule. Furthermore, the Newark hotel setting and section variety make this chess tournament in Ohio appealing for strong open players, class competitors, seniors, and improving club players.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | June 26-28, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Cherry Valley Hotel, 2299 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, OH, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss |
| ⭐ Rating | Major and U2200 sections are FIDE rated; all sections are US Chess rated |
| 📂 Sections | 7 |
| ⏱️ Time control | 3-day: G/90 + 30-second increment; 2-day: Rounds 1-2 G/75 + 5-second delay, Rounds 3-5 G/90 + 30-second increment |
| 💳 Entry fee | USD 139 by June 14; USD 150 through June 25; USD 160 on site until 1 hour before Round 1 |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 11,000 (approx.) |
| 👥 Capacity | 150 paid entries basis for prize fund |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | 80% of prizes guaranteed; double bonus team prizes available for eligible two-player teams |
🏆 Prize Fund
The published total cash prize fund is USD 11,000 based on 150 paid entries, with 80% of prizes guaranteed. In addition, the event includes section prizes across all seven groups and special double bonus prizes for eligible two-player teams.
Major
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | USD 2,000 |
| 2nd Place | USD 1,000 |
| 3rd Place | USD 500 |
U2200
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | USD 1,200 |
| 2nd Place | USD 600 |
| 3rd Place | USD 300 |
U1900
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | USD 1,000 |
| 2nd Place | USD 500 |
U1600
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | USD 800 |
| 2nd Place | USD 400 |
U1300
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | USD 600 |
| 2nd Place | USD 300 |
U1000
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | USD 400 |
| 2nd Place | USD 200 |
Seniors
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | USD 600 |
| 2nd Place | USD 300 |
Double Bonus Prizes
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Team Bonus | USD 200 |
| 2nd Team Bonus | USD 100 |
Double bonus prizes are available for eligible male-female, female-female, or family two-player teams with a combined average rating below 2200. On-site registration is allowed for that bonus, and there is no extra fee.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 5-round Swiss system with two schedule choices. First, the 3-day option plays at G/90 with a 30-second increment from move one. Therefore, players in that schedule receive a full classical weekend format.
Meanwhile, the 2-day option compresses the first part of the event. In that schedule, Rounds 1 and 2 use G/75 with a 5-second delay, while Rounds 3 through 5 switch to G/90 with a 30-second increment. In addition, the Major and U2200 sections are FIDE rated. The event uses June official US Chess ratings, although higher foreign, FIDE, or other over-the-board ratings may be applied when appropriate. Players may request up to two half-point byes, but not in the last round, and zero-point byes are allowed in any round.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major | 1900 and up US Chess or FIDE | FIDE rated; 1800-1899 may play up for an extra fee |
| U2200 | 1800-2199 US Chess or FIDE | FIDE rated; 1700-1799 may play up for an extra fee |
| Seniors | Born in or before 1971; under 1800 US Chess | US Chess rated |
| U1900 | Players under 1900 | US Chess rated |
| U1600 | Players under 1600 | US Chess rated |
| U1300 | Players under 1300 | Unrated players allowed |
| U1000 | Players under 1000 | Unrated players allowed |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 26, 2026 | Friday | 6:00 PM | Registration ends for 3-day schedule |
| June 26, 2026 | Friday | 7:00 PM | Round 1 for 3-day schedule |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | 9:00 AM | Registration ends for 2-day schedule |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 AM | Round 2 for 3-day schedule |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 AM | Round 1 for 2-day schedule |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | 1:30 PM | Round 2 for 2-day schedule |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | 5:00 PM | Round 3 |
| June 28, 2026 | Sunday | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| June 28, 2026 | Sunday | 4:00 PM | Round 5 |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Online registration |
| Entry fee | USD 139 by June 14; USD 150 through June 25; USD 160 on site |
| Deadlines | Hotel chess rate must be reserved by June 5; early entry rate ends June 14 |
| Payment method | Re-entry available for USD 50 |
| Refund policy | 100% refund before May 31; 80% refund before June 14; 50% refund before June 21; no refund after that |
| Check-in rules | 3-day registration ends Friday at 6:00 PM; 2-day registration ends Saturday at 9:00 AM |
| Capacity rules | Prize fund based on 150 paid entries |
| Organizer notes | Major and U2200 play-up fee is USD 40; T-shirt fee is USD 5 |
👥 Organizer
CCL Chess School organizes IM Goran Vojinovic Memorial Columbus Open as part of its active tournament calendar in Ohio. In addition, the organizer supports regular competition, coaching, camps, and community chess activity throughout the year. Because of that experience, players can expect a well-structured weekend event with clear section rules and practical tournament procedures.
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Email: 614chessTD@gmail.com
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Phone: +1 614 404 0248
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Website: https://cclchess.com/im-goran-vojinovic-memorial-columbus-open/
🏨 Venue
Cherry Valley Hotel, 2299 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, OH, USA
The tournament takes place at a hotel venue in Newark, which gives players the convenience of having the playing site and lodging in one location. In addition, the event offers a dedicated chess room rate for participants. Sets and clocks are also provided, which can make weekend preparation easier.
🛎️ Accommodation
Cherry Valley Hotel, 2299 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, OH, USA
The organizer lists an official chess rate of USD 139 per night for single or double occupancy. In addition, players must reserve by June 5 to secure that special rate for one or two nights.
🚗 How to Get There
Players arriving by car can head directly to Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark and use the hotel venue as their base for the full tournament weekend. In addition, staying on site can simplify check-in, round preparation, and breaks between games.
Meanwhile, players who choose the official hotel rate can reduce local travel during the event. As a result, this chess tournament in Newark offers a practical setup for both Ohio players and visiting competitors.
If you want a multi-section classical chess tournament in Ohio with FIDE rated upper sections, flexible scheduling, and a strong weekend prize structure, IM Goran Vojinovic Memorial Columbus Open offers an excellent competitive opportunity.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $11,000
Organizer
CCL Chess School is a respected chess academy and tournament organizer based in Powell, Ohio, with a strong presence in the Columbus chess community. Founded in 2007 by National Master Alan Casden, the program has built a distinct identity around team-based instruction and long-term player development. Moreover, it serves ambitious students through a structured coaching model that emphasizes both improvement and personal growth. As a result, CCL has become a recognized name in Ohio chess training and competitive youth development.
The school runs a broad mix of coaching programs, camps, and competitive events throughout the year. In addition, it organizes open chess tournaments, scholastic competitions, training camps, and regular events that support classical chess, rapid play, and blitz preparation. Its coaching team includes titled and master-level instructors, which strengthens its reputation among serious students and families. Therefore, CCL Chess School stands out as both a high-level chess organizer and a serious learning environment for developing players.
Beyond tournament activity, the academy is especially known for its community-driven philosophy and collaborative coaching structure. Furthermore, it places strong emphasis on youth development, individualized progress, and a student-first approach that has helped shape many of Ohio’s strongest young players. Its long-running local presence and consistent programming also give it a meaningful role in the broader regional chess community. Consequently, CCL Chess School remains an important chess academy for families seeking strong coaching, tournament experience, and long-term competitive growth.
