Michael A. Selig Memorial / 60th NorthEastern Open 2027
The Michael A. Selig Memorial / 60th Northeastern Open 2027 will take place on February 6–7, 2027, at the Holiday Inn Manitowoc in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, United States. This long-running chess championship welcomes players of all levels, from experienced competitors to newcomers seeking US Chess-rated tournament experience.
The event honors Michael A. Selig, the founder of the Northeastern Open Chess Championships and a longtime contributor to Wisconsin chess. He organized and directed tournaments throughout the state and led the Appleton Chess Club for decades. The championship continues his legacy through competitive chess and regional participation.
The 60th edition features three sections: Open, Reserve, and Novice. The Open and Reserve sections each offer five rounds of classical chess, while the Novice section features six shorter games. Participants can compete for cash prizes, rating-class awards, and trophies. The tournament is also part of the 2027 Wisconsin Chess Tour.
♟️ Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | February 6–7, 2027 |
| 📍 Location | Manitowoc, Wisconsin, United States |
| 🏨 Venue | Holiday Inn Manitowoc |
| 🏛️ Organizer | Wisconsin Chess Association / Mike Nietman |
| ♟️ Format | Swiss-system tournament |
| 🧩 Sections | Open, Reserve, Novice |
| 🔢 Rounds | 5 (Open/Reserve); 6 (Novice) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/90 +30 sec; G/45 +15 sec |
| 🏆 Prize Fund | $1,725 based on 80 entries |
| ✅ Rating | US Chess rated |
| 🌐 FIDE Rated | No |
| 📝 Registration | https://www.kingregistration.com/event/NorthEasternOpen60 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The championship uses a Swiss-system format. All sections are US Chess rated, and players must hold a valid US Chess membership.
| Section | Rounds | Time Control |
|---|---|---|
| Open | 5 | G/90 +30 sec |
| Reserve | 5 | G/90 +30 sec |
| Novice | 6 | G/45 +15 sec |
In the Open and Reserve sections, players receive 90 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment after every move. The Novice section provides 45 minutes per player, with a 15-second increment.
Tournament pairings will be managed through WinTD software. NEWCA procedural rules will apply throughout the championship.
Half-Point Byes
Open and Reserve players may request one half-point bye in any round.
Players rated 2100 or higher may request a full-point bye in Round 1 if they preregister and make the request in advance.
The Novice section allows up to two byes. Players should confirm the applicable bye scoring and request procedure with the organizer.
🏆 Prize Fund
The published cash prizes total $1,725, based on 60 entries in the Open section and 20 entries in the Reserve section.
These are participation-based prizes, not a guaranteed fixed prize fund. Actual payouts may depend on the final number of entries.
🥇 Open Section
Prize calculation: Based on 60 entries
| Prize Category | Award |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | $350 |
| 2nd Place | $250 |
| 1900 Class | $190 |
| 1800 Class | $180 |
| 1700 Class | $170 |
| 1600 Class | $160 |
| Under 1600 | $150 |
| Published Total | $1,450 |
A traveling trophy will also be awarded to the highest-finishing competitor from Northeastern Wisconsin.
🥈 Reserve Section
Prize calculation: Based on 20 entries
| Prize Category | Award |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | $100 |
| 2nd Place | $75 |
| 1200 Class | $50 |
| Under 1200 | $50 |
| Published Total | $275 |
🏅 Novice Section
The Novice section offers high-quality marble trophies to the top five finishers.
No cash prizes are advertised for this section.
🧩 Sections / Groups
The championship offers three sections to accommodate different playing strengths.
| Section | Rating Eligibility | Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| Open | All players | 5 |
| Reserve | Under 1500 US Chess | 5 |
| Novice | Under 1000 US Chess | 6 |
Open
The Open section has no upper or lower rating restriction. It is suitable for experienced players and ambitious competitors who prefer to compete in the strongest available field.
Players rated 2200 or higher qualify for a complimentary entry when they preregister. However, the normal entry fee will be deducted from any prize money they win.
Reserve
The Reserve section is restricted to players with a US Chess rating below 1500. It provides a separate competitive field with cash prizes for overall placement and rating categories.
Novice
The Novice section is open to players rated below 1000. Its shorter games and six-round schedule provide additional tournament experience within a single weekend.
Unrated players may enter any of the three sections.
📅 Schedule
All times are local to Manitowoc, Wisconsin (Central Standard Time).
Open & Reserve — 5 Rounds
| Date | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, February 6 | Round 1 | 10:00 AM |
| Saturday, February 6 | Round 2 | 2:30 PM |
| Saturday, February 6 | Round 3 | 7:30 PM |
| Sunday, February 7 | Round 4 | 10:00 AM |
| Sunday, February 7 | Round 5 | 3:00 PM |
Novice — 6 Rounds
| Date | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, February 6 | Round 1 | 10:00 AM |
| Saturday, February 6 | Round 2 | 1:00 PM |
| Saturday, February 6 | Round 3 | 3:30 PM |
| Saturday, February 6 | Round 4 | 6:30 PM |
| Sunday, February 7 | Round 5 | 10:00 AM |
| Sunday, February 7 | Round 6 | 1:00 PM |
On-Site Registration
Saturday, February 6: 8:45–9:30 AM
Players registering at the venue must complete the process before the first-round pairings are finalized at 9:30 AM.
📝 Registration
Players can register through King Registration or submit their entries directly to the tournament organizer.
Official Registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/NorthEasternOpen60
Online Entry Fees
The following published online fees include credit card processing charges.
| Section | By Feb. 2 | Late Online |
|---|---|---|
| Open | $47.61 | $52.75 |
| Reserve | $32.17 | $37.32 |
| Novice | $21.88 | $27.03 |
Early online registration deadline: Tuesday, February 2, 2027.
Standard Entry Fees
The organizer’s US Chess listing also provides the underlying entry fees before online processing charges.
| Section | Advance Entry | At Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Open | $45 | $50 |
| Reserve | $30 | $35 |
| Novice | $20 | $25 |
US Chess membership is mandatory. Special two-month membership options are available for eligible participants.
Registration by Mail
Checks should be made payable to Mike Nietman and mailed to:
Mike Nietman
2 Boca Grande Way
Madison, WI 53719
United States
Cancellations & Refunds
Preregistered players who cannot attend may request a refund before the first-round pairings are prepared.
The organizer must receive the cancellation notice before 9:30 AM on Saturday, February 6.
Refunds exclude applicable online registration charges or other processing fees already paid by the organizer.
👤 Organizer
Organizer Name: Wisconsin Chess Association / Mike Nietman
Contact Person: Mike Nietman
Email: mike.nietman@charter.net
Phone: +1 608-467-8510
For tournament questions, players should contact Mike Nietman before February 5, 2027.
📍 Venue
Holiday Inn Manitowoc – 4601 Calumet Avenue, Manitowoc, WI 54220, United States.
The championship will take place at Holiday Inn Manitowoc, a hotel and conference venue near Interstate 43 and US Highway 151.
The property provides meeting facilities, guest rooms, dining options, and complimentary parking. Its location also offers convenient road access for players traveling from Green Bay, Sheboygan, Milwaukee, and other Wisconsin communities.
Hotel website:
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/manitowoc/mtwwi/hoteldetail
🏨 Accommodation
The host hotel advertises a special tournament accommodation rate of $99 per night.
Players must mention the chess tournament when reserving their rooms to request the special rate.
The official registration page lists February 2, 2027, as the hotel-rate cutoff. However, the US Chess tournament listing specifies January 29. To avoid missing the discounted rate, players should reserve by January 29 and confirm the applicable cutoff directly with the hotel.
Hotel Reservations: +1 920-682-6000
The organizer encourages players to stay at the host hotel because room bookings help support the event’s costs and prize structure.
Players should also confirm the hotel’s cancellation terms when booking. The tournament information recommends cancellation at least 48 hours before the event to avoid charges.
🚗 How to Get There
By Air
Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) is the nearest practical airport with scheduled commercial flights. It is approximately 44 miles (71 km) from the tournament hotel.
Travelers can also consider:
| Airport | IATA | Approx. Road Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Austin Straubel International | GRB | 44 mi |
| Appleton International | ATW | 68 mi |
| Milwaukee Mitchell International | MKE | 84 mi |
A rental car or prearranged transfer is generally the most practical option for the final journey to Manitowoc.
The hotel does not advertise an airport shuttle service for GRB or MKE.
By Car
Holiday Inn Manitowoc is located near Interstate 43, Exit 149, at the junction with US Highway 151.
Drivers should take the exit toward Manitowoc and follow Calumet Avenue to the hotel.
Complimentary on-site parking is available.
Local Transportation
Manitowoc has local transportation services, although players arriving from regional airports should arrange their onward journey before traveling.
The hotel advertises a limited local shuttle service with advance notice, subject to availability. Guests should contact the property directly to confirm whether it can serve their travel needs.
ℹ️ Other Information
Tournament Equipment
Chess sets and boards will be supplied by the organizers.
Players must bring their own chess clocks.
Tournament Rules
NEWCA procedural rules will govern the competition, and pairings will be generated using WinTD.
Players should confirm any special questions about bye requests, rating eligibility, or prize distribution directly with the tournament organizer.
Tournament Heritage
The Northeastern Open has a long history in Wisconsin chess. The championship now honors its founder, Michael A. Selig, who played an important role in regional chess organization and tournament development.
The 2027 edition continues that tradition while offering competitive opportunities across several rating levels.
Wisconsin Chess Tour
The championship is an official 2027 Wisconsin Chess Tour event. Players participating in other events within the state tour may therefore find this tournament particularly relevant.
Official Tournament Registration:
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/NorthEasternOpen60
US Chess Tournament Listing:
https://new.uschess.org/michael-selig-memorial60th-northeastern-open
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $1,725
Organizer
♟️ About Wisconsin Chess Association
Wisconsin Chess Association (WCA) is the statewide organization supporting and promoting chess throughout Wisconsin, United States. Its purpose is to strengthen chess activity across the state through tournaments, cooperation with local clubs, player development, and coordination between organizers.
The association plays an important role in Wisconsin’s competitive chess structure. It works with tournament directors and local organizers to maintain a coordinated statewide schedule, while its tournament clearinghouse helps reduce conflicts between major weekend events. In addition, WCA supports both adult and junior chess and provides pathways for Wisconsin players to participate in important national competitions.
Mike Nietman serves as President of the Wisconsin Chess Association. He is also an experienced tournament organizer and director who has been involved in Wisconsin chess for many years. Alongside his work with WCA, he organizes events including the Michael A. Selig Memorial / Northeastern Open and has played a major role in preserving several established Wisconsin tournament traditions.
🏆 Tournaments & Activities
The Wisconsin Chess Association sponsors and supports a broad programme of state championships and recurring tournaments. These include the Marshall Rohland Memorial / Wisconsin Closed Championship, Arpad Elo Open, William Martz Memorial / North Central Open, Wisconsin Memorial, Game/60 State Championship, and the Wisconsin Rapid and Blitz State Championships.
WCA also supports the Wisconsin Junior Open and Veterans Tournaments. These events are particularly important because they help determine Wisconsin representatives for national invitational competitions connected with the U.S. Open.
The association additionally sanctions the Wisconsin Women’s Championship and Wisconsin Collegiate Championship. Beyond individual tournaments, it administers the Wisconsin Chess Tour, which connects qualifying events held throughout the state and rewards strong performance across the season.
Another important part of WCA’s work is coordination between tournament organizers. Organizers can submit events to the association’s statewide calendar, while the tournament clearinghouse helps them select dates that avoid unnecessary conflicts with other established competitions.
📜 History & Achievements
Wisconsin has a long and active chess tradition, and the Wisconsin Chess Association has played a central role in maintaining that tradition through state championships, tournaments, junior programmes, and cooperation with local clubs.
The association has also helped Wisconsin host major national events. Most recently, Wisconsin hosted the 2025 U.S. Open in Middleton, where 512 players competed. Wisconsin players represented almost one quarter of the field, demonstrating the strength of chess participation within the state.
WCA also preserves several historic tournament traditions. One example is the Northeastern Open, founded by Michael “Mike” Selig. After Selig’s passing, Mike Nietman continued the event and renamed it the Michael A. Selig Memorial / Northeastern Open Chess Championship in recognition of its founder.
The tournament reaches its 60th edition in 2027, continuing a long-running Wisconsin chess tradition. The event remains part of the Wisconsin Chess Tour and welcomes players across several rating sections.
Hotels Near the Venue
Find nearby accommodation for this tournament location.
