Earliest Registration Rate to 2017 Illinois Open Expires Friday at Midnight; Don't Be A Cinderella (She Delayed Castling)

 

Last year 186 daring souls waged chess battle Labor Day Weekend in the Chicago north suburb of Northbrook at an event known as the 2016 Illinois Open. 

It continued a tradition that predates the history of the US Chess MSA (back to 1992) tracing back to the mid-1970's. Coincidentally, the 2015 Illinois Open also attracted 186.

Will this year's IL Open crack 200 entrants? You too can be part of the fun -- but to do so at the lowest possible entry fee, you must register by midnight Friday, August 11.

After that, you'll still be eligible for a slice of the $10,000 in guaranteed prizes -- but it will cost a few shekels more to enter.

Since 2000, the Illinois Open has eclipsed 200 players three times -- with 247 being the most in 2001. 

See listing elsewhere on this site for complete details.

In addition to adding to Illinois Tour points, Open players may get a chance to play one of three grandmasters -- and all players will have a chance to earn a FIDE rating (in the international chess organization). Don't worry: no separate FIDE membership is required -- and the ICA is taking care of all the fees. A forthcoming article will outline some of the differences between FIDE and US Chess rules -- stay tuned.

For those whose chess isn't quite up to vying for the Open State Championship, there is also an Under 1800 Reserve Section (also FIDE-rated) and a Saturday-only scholastic event with U1200 and U700 sections -- and a very low entry fee.

So come be part of the fun at the Crowne Plaza Northbrook Labor Day Weekend -- but don't turn into a pumpkin at midnight Friday.