60th Iowa Open: Early Registration Continues for 2-day Open August 16-17, 1-day RBO and Reserve

Illinois' neighbors to the west will be hosting a diverse chess weekend August 15-17 with something for everyone.

The Iowa State Chess Association, an affiliate of the Illinois Chess Association, is the sponsoring organization with Mark Capron and Bill Broich serving as Chief TD's. The events are being held at the Marriot Hotel and Conference Center in Coralville, IA, just northwest of Iowa City. Estimated travel time from Chicago is 3.5 hours.

Early registration discounts are still available through August 11 and IM's and GM's receive free entry into the Open (with entry fee deducted from winnings). Organizers are even offering discounts for out-of-state residents -- and waiving the membership requirement for the IASCA (although membership does have its privileges).

The Reserve (Under 1600) and Rated Beginner's Sections (U1200) are one-day events, Saturday, August 16. The Open is both FIDE- and USCF-rated, spanning two days, 8/16 and 8/17.  There's a $550 guaranteed first prize -- and a trophy to boot, with over $2000 in prizes for the Open and Reserve combined.

The event has a rich history with Illinois players doing well in recent times. NM Pete Karagianis was co-champion in 2002 and 2007 and sole champion in 2009. Illinois-registered IM Stanislau Smiatankin won back-to-back championships in 2003 and 2004. The late NM Jon Burgess was co-champion in 2006.

Defending champion IM Michael Brooks of Missouri and 2014 World 12-and-Under Champion Awonder Liang of Wisconsin have already registered for this year's event.

The chess weekend kicks off Friday evening with a six-round Quick Chess tournament (Game/10 with 2-second delay) promising a $100 first prize and various cash under-prizes.

For more information, contact the Chief TDs: Mark at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Bill at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..