24th Chicago Open Kicks Off Today

The 24th Chicago Open promises to have something for everyone over the course of five days. The jewel of the Continental Chess Association's midwest circuit begins May 21 for Open Section players only. 4-day, 3-day and 2-day options begin tomorrow for the other seven sections.

20 Grandmasters are already pre-registered with hours to go before the event launches.  American GM's such as Daniel Naroditsky, Samuel Sevian, Josh Friedel and Conrad Holt join international GM's Illia Nyzhnyk, Andrey Stukopin and Bartiomiej Macieja.

Illinois may be fielding the most GM's it has ever seen in this event with Boris Avrukh, Vladamir Georgiev, Nikola Mitkov, Dmitry Gurevich and Mesgen Amanov all registered.

Nearly 700 entrants have signed up with over 100 in the Open. Registration remains open at this hour.

Once again, GM John Fedorowicz will entertain the masses with free game analysis and many entertaining stories involving chess legends.

The official tournament announcement can be viewed at http://www.chesstour.com/chio15.htm.

Once again, the Westin Chicago North Shore will be the host site.