The NATIONAL OPEN is one of America’s longest running premier Open tournaments. No tournament in U.S. history was handled with more regard for the comfort and convenience of the players than the first National Open and we are proud to continue the tradition of this National Championship.

First established by Ed Edmondson in 1965, Fred Gruenberg brought the tournament back to Las Vegas in 1983. He and Alan Losoff organized the National Open for over 25 years and added to its well-deserved reputation as The Chess Vacation of the Year. Over the years, with additional championships and events, the National Open has grown to become the centerpiece of the Las Vegas International Chess Festival.

Alan and Janelle Losoff have organized the tournament since Fred retired in 2009, but he continues to support the tournament as a player and with the “Freddie” awards for promising players under the age of 15.

The National Open is a 7 round (9 rounds for the Open Section) Swiss System tournament, and you can choose between the standard 4-day or alternate 3-day or 2-day playing schedules. Half-point byes are available for all rounds, with proper notice to the Tournament Directors or with your advance entry. The Open, Under  2300 and Under 2100 Sections will be FIDE rated.

Chess sets and boards are provided for tournament play only, not for skittles.  Please Bring Increment-capable Chess Clocks. Live broadcasts of select games from the National Open, and other events will be available here and on some of our sponsor web sites.

Thank you to our many loyal players who keep coming back year after year, for the Chess Event of the Year!

US Chess National Championship

The U.S. Women’s Open draws women and girls from all over the world. A great tournament played in a friendly atmosphere.

• 5 Round Swiss System Tournament
  • US Chess & FIDE Rated
  • 60 Grand Prix Points
• Time Control:  Game/90 minutes +30 second increment
• Entry Fee: $125 by 5/26, $150 later.
• Late Registration:  8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Wednesday.
  • Players may register later with a 1/2 point bye in round 1.
• Meet & Greet: 9:15 a.m.
• Rounds:
  • Wednesday 9:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.
  • Thursday 9:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
• Awards Thursday 7:00 p.m.
• 1/2 point bye available in any round (limit 2) if requested in advance. Thursday byes must be requested before the start of round 3 and cannot be cancelled.
• Please bring Chess Clocks.

Membership in the U.S. Chess Federation is required of all players except foreign GMs, IMs, WGMs or WIMs. Players will not be allowed to complete the tournament without a valid membership.

Open to players with gender “F” in their US Chess profile.

For players age 14 and under, the International Youth Championship highlights a weekend of chess fun.  Players compete for trophies, chess prizes and a computer loaded with software and chess videos.

Side events include

• Simul for Kids
• Youth Blitz Tournament
• Trophy Tournament
• Puzzle Competition
• Grandmaster Chess Camp (for all ages)
• and more

Hundreds of girls and boys from all over the world compete for trophies, prizes and the thrill of the game. Players are grouped by age and rating so everyone can be competitive. The tournaments are Swiss System events, which means that every player gets to play all rounds: no eliminations.

The youth events are separated from the adult events but players, parents and coaches are welcome to participate or watch any of the chess festival events. Many of the kids participate in the open side events and lectures.

For Players of all Ages and Playing Strengths

Small class sizes and top notch instructors make this mini-camp a great opportunity to hone your game. Children and adults are welcome.

Players will be divided into groups of similar strength and ages to maximize the learning experience. Each group will have sessions with several different instructors.  This format allows the instructors to tune each session to the strengths and needs of the students. It’s almost like one on one instruction from some of the top names in chess.

2026 Instructors

Schedule

Registration Fees

• Full Day $120 by May 26, $150 later
• Half Day (a.m. or p.m.) $75 by May 26, $90 later

Here’s what some previous participants had to say

• I liked the small groups with instructors of differing backgrounds.
• One instructor’s idea of having students play a game and taking turns commenting on the moves was very instructive.
• I learned more than I thought I would.
• I liked almost everything: it was exciting and fun to learn. Thank you to all the coaches.
• It went too fast.
• Great stuff, great teachers, nice campers, very fun. Thanks!