The 13th Annual Reno – Larry Evans Memorial Open is set to welcome chess competitors to downtown Reno, Nevada, from April 3–5, 2026. Organized by Weikel Chess, LLC and tournament director Jerry Weikel, this flagship event features a 6-round Swiss system held at the J Resort Casino Hotel.
Tournament Structure and Ratings
The event is divided into six rating-based sections to accommodate players of all skill levels:
Open Section: Open to players rated 2200 and above; this section is both FIDE and US Chess rated.
Class Sections: Includes Expert (2000–2199), A (1800–1999), B (1600–1799), C (1400–1599), and D (Under 1400).
Flexible Scheduling: While the Open Section follows a 3-day schedule, class sections offer a 2-day option starting Saturday that merges with the main rounds.
Prize Fund and Special Awards
The tournament boasts a total prize fund of $27,500 (based on 275 entries), with $17,000 guaranteed. Key prizes include:
Open Section: 1st place receives $2,000, with prizes extending to 7th place ($500).
Section Winners: Top prizes for Expert ($2,000), Section A ($1,800), Section B ($1,700), Section C ($1,500), and Section D ($1,000).
Special Categories: Awards are available for the Top Senior (65+) ($200) and Club Champions ($600 for 1st).
Unrated Players: May compete in Section D but are not eligible for cash prizes.
Registration and Logistics
Players must have a current US Chess membership to participate.
Entry Fees: Range from $180 to $300 depending on the section and rating.
Discounts: Seniors aged 65 and older receive a $20 discount on their entry fee.
Deadlines: Mail-in entries must be postmarked by March 27, while email entries are accepted until March 31, 2026. Late fees apply after March 6.
Venue and Accommodations
The J Resort Casino Hotel, located at 345 N. Arlington Avenue, offers discounted room rates for participants starting at $92.66 (Sun–Thu) and $149.41 (Fri–Sat), including taxes. To secure the “chess rate,” reservations must be made by March 20, 2026, using the code CHESS 42026.
