2026 Great Lakes Festival

*FIDE rated event*
This event is limited to 50 participants. Please register as soon as possible.
STANDINGS AND PAIRINGS – expect about 30 minute before round time

April 24-26 (or 25-26 for 2-day schedule)
If you are looking to register for the U.S. Amateur North Championship, use this link: U.S. Amateur Embassy Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Brookfield
1200 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005 (262) 782-2900

Chess Rate is $119 (King bed or two Queen beds; please reserve by April 12th): Book your room here. If the link doesn't work, please contact the organizers and we will make sure you get the chess rate! Free Breakfast and Free Cocktail reception ($40 daily value!). Free Internet. Free parking. Hotel has no outside food/drink policy in the meeting rooms and public spaces (personal water bottles are ok). 

EQUIPMENT: uniform equipment (boards, sets, clocks) is provided and should be used

ENTER: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/2026GreatLakes

QUESTIONS: Alex Betaneli This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

$1,200 Prize Fund
1st place: $500
2nd place: $300
Top u2201: $200
Top u2001: $200

FIDE rated (except for Round 1 of the 2-day schedule). Although the event is aimed at the players rated 2000+, all are welcome to participate. Please note that the U.S. Amateur Championship is held simultaneously, offers a smaller EF and has three sections (u2200, u1701, and u1301).

Notation is mandatory for the entire game (except for Round 1 of the 2-day schedule).

Accelerated pairings might be used.

Organizers reserve the right to choose the highest of the published ratings (Regular, Rapid, Online Regular, Online Rapid, FIDE) for the purpose of section selection, pairings, and prizes. Only regular ratings are affected by this event.

Unrated players may not participate, but can register for the US Amateur North 

ENTRY FEES

• $89 online by April 6th
• $99 online by April 20th
• $119 after that or onsite 
• 3-day entries after 6:00pm Friday receive ½-point bye for round 1
• 2-day entries after 8:00am Saturday receive ½-point bye for round 1
• players rated under 2000: $50 "play up" fee

1/2 point byes OK all rounds, must commit before round 1 (maximum 2); please email organizers

TIME CONTROLS AND PLAYING SCHEDULE

3-day G/90+30 second increment

• Friday 7:00pm
• Saturday 11:00am, 4:00pm
• Sunday 10:00am, 3:00pm

2-day Round 1: g/30+5 second increment, then merges with 3-day schedule

• Saturday: 9:00am
• Saturday: 11:00am, 4:00pm
• Sunday: 10:00am, 3:00pm

Refund Policy: If you register for the tournament and are unable to make it, please notify us at least one hour in advance of the start of round one. If this is done, then the IAC will refund your entry fee less the cost of online registration ($1) and payment processing ($0.30 + 2.9% of the entry fee.)