Columbus Day Weekend Discovers Midwest Class

Four Grandmasters have thrown their hats into the ring along with more than 50 others in the Premier Section of the 24th Annual Midwest Class. The five-round event is organized by the Continental Chess Association and is once again hosted at the Westin North Shore in Wheeling.

GM's Borish Avrukh, Vladimir Georgiev, Ashwin Jayaram, Alexander Goldin are expected to be among the leading contenders for the $2,000 championship prize.

All totaled, $20,000 in prize money will be awarded in seven sections. Once again, an $800 stipend will be award too the top male-female combined score.

Along with the three-day stalwarts who began competition Friday, players can join the tournament Saturday due to a two-day option. Both groups merge in round three as of 5pm Saturday.

In contrast to some class events with clear segmentation, the CCA has opted for overlapping sections with ranges such as 1700-2099, 1500-1899, 1300-1699, and 1100-1499.  Under 1300 and Under 1100 sections are also available, with the latter section offering discounted entry fees and plaques as well as cash prizes.

Rounds Saturday kick off at 11am for both the 3-day and 2-day competitors.

Registration can be accomplished here.

The ICA's listing for the event is posted here.

A blitz competition is slated for Saturday night with registration at the tournament site.

The Midwest Class represents the penultimate event of the 2015 Illinois Tour with the Illinois Class to follow.