2026 Bradley Winter Open - CANCELED
Robert Michel Student Center
January 24th 2026
Swiss System in 2 Sections:
Open - All players of all strengths are welcome.
Reserve - Only available for players with Ratings 1400 or below.
Time Control:
Game 80 with 5 second delay
Schedule
*Check In: Players must check in by 8:45am.
Round 1 - 9:00 a.m.
Round 2 - 12 Noon
Round 3 - 3 p.m.
Round 4 - 6 p.m.
* Players arriving after 8:45 are not guaranteed to be paired for round 1.
Side Events
No Chess Store vendors will be on-site. Food is available in the cafeteria
Prizes
Open Section
Guaranteed Place Prizes . . . 1st $300, 2nd $150, 3rd $90
Class Prizes Guaranteed on 3 per class . . .
Expert (2000-2199) $90 & $60
Class A (1800-1999) $90 & $60
Class B (1600-1799) $90 & $60
Class C (Below 1600) $90 & $60
Upset . . . $30 (200 Point difference to qualify)
Reserve Section
Place Prizes Guaranteed . . . 1st $120, 2nd $90
Class Prizes Guaranteed on 3 per class. . .
Class E (1000-1199) $90 & $60
Class F (Below 1000) $90 & $60
Upset . . . $30 (200 Point difference to qualify)
Note: A class may be combined with a higher class if there are less than 3 players in that class. The top 3 rated players in the section are considered prize players, not class players. If there are not 3 players in the top class, all players in that class are considered to be prize players.
(example: only 2 Masters & 2 Experts attend, then all 4 players would be prize players and no expert prize would be awarded).
We have increased the prize fund by about 10% this year.
Tournament Fees
Saturday Tournament Entry Fee is $50 , if paid by January 16, 2026
$60 afterwards
Online entry closes January 23, 2026.
$70 at the Door.
$10 play up fee for players under 1400 playing in the Open section.
Masters play free in Peoria, we appreciate their participation.
Postal registration
Send mailed entries to:
Bradley Winter Open
1116 N Parkside Dr
Peoria, IL 61606
Be sure to include:
Name, postal & email addresses
USCF ID number
Your Section (Grade)
Your Check
Check the attendees list for confirmation
Mailed entries must be RECEIVED by end of business day, January 23, 2026
More Information
Byes. A half-point bye for any round is available during pre-registration only. Once pairings are posted for the first round, no additional half-point byes will be granted. Only one half-point bye is available per player.
If you need to miss more than one round, please let us know but the remaining bye will not affect your score.
Remember, no prize money will be given to players who do not play the final round and fail to notify the TD of their withdrawal before final round pairings are made.
Sets, Boards & Clocks will be provided. Private equipment may be used in a game if both parties agree, however, organizer provided equipment must be used in cases of equipment dispute. Direct any Questions to info@BradleyWinterOpen.com or call 309-981-7210, please mention the this tournament in your message
Directions to Bradley University
The tournament is being held at the Bob Michel Student Center, 915 Elmwood in Peoria
From I-74 take University Street Exit (91) South. Turn Right into the Bradley campus (4th traffic light) immediately after passing Main Street (3rd traffic light). Go straight through the 1st intersection. Turn Left into the Bradley Visitors parking area halfway down the block. The Student Center will be a half block beyond the parking lot. Walk and turn to your right at the intersection. The Chess Tournament will be in the second building on your left at 915 Elmwood.
From Downtown Peoria (or entering the city from the highways along the river), turn away from the river on Main Street. Travel up the hill and Turn Left on University Street. Turn Right immediately into the Bradley campus. Go straight through the 1st intersection. Turn Left into the Bradley Visitors parking area halfway down the block. The Student Center will be a half block beyond the parking lot. Walk and turn to your right at the intersection. The Chess Tournament will be in the second building on your left at 915 Elmwood.
Historical Note: Over the years, many masters as well as most of Peoria's and Central Illinois' own top players have played in the BWO. Competition is keen, but it is a good way to improve your play by playing against stronger players. The average rating of the tournament winners is about 2200, however, there will also be prizes distributed by rating classes, so you will be competing against your own rating group for prizes while playing strong competition.