Last year 186 daring souls waged chess battle Labor Day Weekend in the Chicago north suburb of Northbrook at an event known as the 2016 Illinois Open.
It continued a tradition that predates the history of the US Chess MSA (back to 1992) tracing back to the mid-1970's. Coincidentally, the 2015 Illinois Open also attracted 186.
Will this year's IL Open crack 200 entrants? You too can be part of the fun -- but to do so at the lowest possible entry fee, you must register by midnight Friday, August 11.
After that, you'll still be eligible for a slice of the $10,000 in guaranteed prizes -- but it will cost a few shekels more to enter.
Since 2000, the Illinois Open has eclipsed 200 players three times -- with 247 being the most in 2001.
See listing elsewhere on this site for complete details.
In addition to adding to Illinois Tour points, Open players may get a chance to play one of three grandmasters -- and all players will have a chance to earn a FIDE rating (in the international chess organization). Don't worry: no separate FIDE membership is required -- and the ICA is taking care of all the fees. A forthcoming article will outline some of the differences between FIDE and US Chess rules -- stay tuned.
For those whose chess isn't quite up to vying for the Open State Championship, there is also an Under 1800 Reserve Section (also FIDE-rated) and a Saturday-only scholastic event with U1200 and U700 sections -- and a very low entry fee.
So come be part of the fun at the Crowne Plaza Northbrook Labor Day Weekend -- but don't turn into a pumpkin at midnight Friday.