The location may be unfamiliar, but nothing can stop the Greater Peoria Open! The 2013 version is the 49th incantation, making it one of the nation's longest running chess events. The April 20-21st five-rounder is slated for the AmericInn on the northside of Peoria.

This is the second leg of the 2013 Illinois Chess Tour -- with the third leg, the Normal Open, coming up two weeks later, May 4.

The GPO is also a Heritage event and awards six Grand Prix points.

After its launch in 1965 at the Jefferson Hotel in downtown Peoria, the Greater Peoria Chess Federation's premier event has enjoyed several locations including the Lakeview Museum for the past decade.

The museum in the process of relocating to the riverfront and was not available this time around. Never fear, the AmericInn (and Mike Leali) to the rescue!

According to Murrel Rhodes, who helped organize the early GPO's, the tournament attempts "to draw strong players so the local players will have an opportunity to test their playing acumen against masters. To this end we offer free entry to all players of master strength (2200) or better."

If you're a few rating points shy, never fear. There is also a $5 discount available for all current ICA members, and a reduced entry fee for unrated first-timers.

Game/120 with 5-second delay competition will take place in two sections, Open and Reserve (Under 1800) with generous class prizes and upset awards as well as section distributions for 1st-3rd in the Open and 1st and 2nd in the Reserve.

Says Murrel about the expected turnout: "The high watermark was well over 100, but it's been perhaps 20 or 25 years" since the event exceeded the century level. "We expect 50 or 60 players this year."

Event details are posted in the Open calendar elsewhere on the ICA site as well as at the GPCF site. A USCF TLA is also posted here. Wayne Zimmerle will once again serve as chief TD.

If anyone should need assistance with transportation or shared accommodations to this -- or any other Illinois Chess Tour event -- feel free to contact this article's author at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  The AmericInn is offering a "chess rate" of just under $90 for a two-queen bed room.

Murrel indicates putting on the GPO is truly a team effort. He quipped: "Peoria is a friendly place to play chess, but we do take it seriously as long as the clock is running."

Hope to see you Saturday in P-Town!