Minnesota International Chess Festival

U2200 and U1600 Sections are 5-round events with

3-day and 2-day schedules

August 19-21 or 20-21 

(August 19-24: FIDE Norm Open Section please visit here)

Players competing in the U2200 or U1600 sections may join the MN International Monday, July 22, (after round 4) with two 1/2 point byes and an entry fee of $200. Contact mnchessfestival@gmail.com with inquiries.

$2,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund

(provided by the University of Minnesota Chess Club)

Playing Site: Embassy Suites Bloomington (2800 American Blvd West, Bloomington, MN 55431; 952-967-8700). Due to event popularity, Chess Rate of $109 may sell out. Courtesy room blocks have been added at the nearby hotels. Please visit www.mnchessfestival.com for room rates and reservation links. 

Equipment: boards and sets are provided, please bring your clock if you own one.

Schedule: U2200 and U1600 sections are USCF rated 5-round Swisses. PLEASE NOTE: online registration for the 3-day schedule closes on Friday, August 19th at 5:00pm Central Time (it is possible to register in person between 5:00pm and 5:30pm). Online registration for the 2-day schedule closes on Saturday, August 20th at 8:00am (it is possible to register in person between 8:00am and 8:30am).

3-day round times:                      2-day round times:

Round 1: 7pm on 8/19               Round 1: 10am on 8/20

Round 2: 10am on 8/20             Round 2: 12pm on 8/20

                       Round 3: 3pm on 8/20 (3-day and 2-day schedules merge)

                       Round 4: 10am on 8/21

                       Round 5: 4pm on 8/21

Time Control: G/90 + 30 second increment (Rounds 1 & 2 for 2-day are G/30 + 30 second increment).

Prizes:  U2200 Section: $500-$200, top U2000 USCF $150, top U1800 USCF $150. U1600 Section: $500-$200, top U1400 USCF $150, top U1200 USCF $150. Unrated players can enter either section, but are only eligible for place prizes.

Entry Fee:  $89 by 7/19; $99 after 7/19; $119 after 8/14. $15 service charge for refunds. PLEASE NOTE: online registration for the 3-day schedule closes on Friday, August 19th at 5:00pm Central Time (it is possible to register in person between 5:00pm and 5:30pm). Online registration for the 2-day schedule closes on Saturday, August 20th at 8:00am (it is possible to register in person between 8:00am and 8:30am).

Byes: up to 2 optional half-point byes are allowed: must be requested before the start of the tournament. All byes requested after the start of round one are zero point byes.

Blitz Championship: Saturday, August 20th: Information and Registration.

Questions: mnchessfestival@gmail.com  

Minnesota International Festival Website