Full Line Up of Events Accepting Registrations for 8/16 & 8/17; Illinois Chess Tour Returns To Peoria

Some weekends it seems like the chess calendar aligns on a single large event and all eyes are focused there. Then there are times such as next weekend where everywhere you look, there's a fantastic tournament available for all tastes and abilities.

Nine Eight different tournaments in all, all to be rated by the USCF, all occuring between Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17, most are one-day, with a two-day state championship.

The 2014 Illinois Chess Tour travels to downstate Peoria for the eighth of twelve stops. Saturday's Bradley Summer Open features a $1000 guaranteed prize fund covering two sections: Open and Reserve, both providing Game/80, 5-second delay time controls.

The Greater Peoria Chess Federation is running the event for the 51st time, at the Michel Student Center, the same site of the first such tournament in 1964. 

Organizer Murrel Rhodes indicates the average rating of past winners has been about 2200 but that the event offers generous prizes distributed across the full-range of rating classes, even upset prizes in both sections. Early registration continues through August 14 providing an economical $30 entry fee, $5 more at the door.  Register here.

The Iowa State Chess Association is offering four events this weekend, kicking off with the Iowa Quick Chess Championship on Friday, August 15.  They're offering $20 on-site entry fees for Illinois residents with a chance to win $100, a trophy and presumably the prestigious Iowa Quick Chess Champion title! Six rounds of Game/10 plus 2-second delay. More information here. What a fun way to spend a Friday night!

The IASCA is also hosting the 60th Iowa Open which is the two-day event of the weekend, Saturday and Sunday at the Marriot Hotel and Convention Center in Coralville, IA, near Iowa City. The five-round Swiss-paired event is both USCF- and FIDE-rated featuring Game 90, 30-second increment time controls. Illinois residents can get a $59 entry fee on-site with a chance to win $550 (based on 65 entries).  More information here. (Certain titled players will have entry fees waived).

For those preferring a one-day event, on Saturday the Iowa association offers an Under 1600 Reserve tournament, 4-rounds, Swiss-paired, Game/75 with 5-second delay. Illinois-registered entrants pay $35 for a chance to win $140 plus a trophy for first place with other prizes available. Listing is here.

Also, at the same Coralville site on Saturday, the Rated Beginners Open will appeal to the Under 1200 or unrated crowd, with five rounds and a Game/30 plus a 5-second delay time control. Illinois folks get a $20 entry fee bargain with a broad range of trophies available as prizes. Listing is here.

For those in the Chicago-area seeking to stay closer to home, the Chess IQ center in Skokie is offering a four-round event with Game/60 plus 30-second increment time controls in two sections, Open and U1500. Open players can win up to $80 with a perfect score while Reserve players can win free entry to any one-day tournament at the center, redeemable within 30 days. Details here. (Event Cancelled)

In Chicago's south suburb of Glenwood, the local club is hosting a three-round Quad-style tournament with $35 entry fees for a chance to win $50. Club members receive a $10 discount. The time control is Game/70 with no delay indicated. Details here.

For an encore on Sunday, the Glenwood Chess Club is hosting its monthly rated $5 event, three rounds, Game/45 with a 5-second delay. No prizes, but for a five buck entry fee, what are you expecting! Listing here.

Up in the northern suburb of Chicago Northbrook, also on Sunday, Renaissance Knights is hosting a four-section tournament with various time controls. On-site entry fees are $40 for a chance to win $50 in the Open section. Certain discounts available. Listing here.

All of the tournament hosts listed above are valued affiliates of the Illinois Chess Association with the exception of Renaissance Knights.

Whatever you end up doing on this upcoming chess-filled weekend, I would love to hear from all players regarding the good, the bad and the ugly. I can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..