11th Annual Golden Buckeye Senior Open Chess Tournament
An Ohio Championship Event!
September 26-27, 2026, Salt Fork State Park, Cambridge, Ohio
A relaxed schedule, intimate atmosphere, rustic secluded venue and natural surroundings all combine to make a unique and memorable weekend! Must be 50 or older as of 12/31/26 to enter. Out of state players welcome! Held concurrently with the Salt Fork Adult Open, Seniors may enter either.
Site: Salt Fork State Park Lodge, www.saltforkstateparklodge.com, 11073 Natural Resources 3 Road, Kimbolton OH 43749 (near Cambridge). $149/night group room rate, special rates on cabins, some pet friendly. Call 800-ATA-PARK for reservations, ask for Golden Buckeye Chess Tournament room block (code GBCT2141). Rooms are likely to sell out, reserve early to stay on site, other hotels are 30 minutes away.
2 Sections Senior Championship, U1800. At organizer’s discretion, U1800 may be combined with Salt Fork Adult Open for pairings and/or prizes.
Format: 5 round Swiss, G/75, d10. One ½-point bye rounds 1-4, commit by end of round 2. Sets provided, please bring clocks! Optional Friday evening blitz, details below. Bonfire social Saturday evening, weather permitting.
Prizes: Trophies, Door Prizes. Ohio Senior Champion title & trophy to top-finishing Ohio resident in Senior section.
Entry Fee: $50 for entries paid by 5pm 9/21, $60 thereafter. No checks at door. Refund less $5 admin fee if withdraw by noon 9/25, then 50% until end of registration. Online entry/payment recommended due to increasing mail theft and delivery issues; if you choose to mail, send as early as possible to ensure receipt.
Schedule: Registration Sat 9-9:45am, rounds 10-2:15-6:30; Sunday 9:30-1:30. Bonfire social Saturday evening, weather permitting. Side blitz tournament Friday evening, G5 d/2, register on site by 7:45pm, round 1 8pm. Entry fee $15, 60-70% paid out as prizes; pairings & rounds at TD discretion.
Flyer and paper entry form at www.neilley.com/chess. More Info: Grant Neilley, grant@neilley.com (preferred) or 614-314-1102.
BACK AGAIN!! Bring an interesting set or chess related item to display on Saturday. Best of Show prize as voted by players. Background info on items welcome but not required.
Note: The playing hall tends to be cool, consider an extra sweater or jacket and dress in layers.