The dust has barely settled from the Midwest Class but for 2014 Illinois Tour stalwarts, it's on to the Quad Cities for this year's penultimate tour event. This marks the first time this tournament has been included in the Tour lineup but marks the fifth year for the Quad-City Classic, to be held in Moline on Saturday, October 25.

According to Rick Rector, "The Illowa Chess Club, or as it is now called, the Illowa Bi-State Chess Club, has been around for decades in the Quad-Cities."  Straddling the mighty Mississippi River, Rector explains the club serves both Illinois and Iowa. "Nowadays we meet in Moline but we have met on the Iowa side of the river, too."

The tournament announcement indicates that in addition to cash prizes that trophies will be awarded. The four-round Swiss will feature two sections, an Open and a Reserve designated for Under 1400's.

Rector describes the Illowa club, an Illinois Chess Association affiliate, as "a club of about 15-20 guys who get together on Tuesday nights. We play a series of four-round monthly tournaments which leads up to a club championship. Those that don't wish to play in the monthly events can play skittles in the side room."

Supporting a new generation of chess enthusiastists, Rector suggests, "We have begun getting more kids to come, and president Gary Nordick and a couple of other guys, Roger Kromphardt and George Meister, have taken them under their collective wing."

Beyond the four-round monthlies, the club has three open months where we schedule blitz, bughouse and quick tourneys, and a pizza night. Rector suggests these events are aimed at attracting new members.

Although usually held in October at Augustana College, this year's event will be held at the site of club meetings, the Moline Dispatch Annex. Complete details can be found on the link provided above or at the club's website.

Current tour standings are posted on the tour page. The 2014 tour concludes with the ICA-organized Illinois Class announced here.