2026 Golden Gopher Open
September 25 - 27, 2026
7th Golden Gopher Open
Sept 25th - Sept 27th, 2026
$5,000 Projected Prizes!
Coffman Union, 3rd Floor: 300 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN
Important information about the Playing Rooms:
If you are playing in the 3-day sections, Friday's evening Round 1 will be in the St Paul Student Center
Saturday and Sunday: Open, U1800, and U1400 will play in the Mississippi Room
The U1000 will play in Room 303 and 305
Skittles Rooms:
Saturday: Room 324
Attention UMN Students and Faculty:
Are you a UMN Student or Faculty? Entry is free, please fill out the google form
For onsite registration, it would be preferable to email us at chess@umn.edu
No Memberships are required except for a current (not expired) US Chess Membership
Is US Chess membership is current? CLICK HERE If you are new to US Chess, there is a two step process.
Step 1 is creating your User Profile (a member ID will be generated upon profile creation)
Step 2 is joining US Chess (you will use your profile/Member ID to pay for a US Chess Membership)
Create your User Profile! https://new.uschess.org/form/first-time-member-new-player-
Have you created your User Profile? Now you need to join or renew! https://new.uschess.org/user/login?destination=/form/membership
If these links do not work, try https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess
Or, go to https://new.uschess.org/ > JOIN > Become a Member
Other Ratings outside of the US
If you have a foreign rating outside of US Chess, you must disclose it when signing up.
PARKING AND HOTEL INFORMATION
There is a Gophers Game on Saturday Sept 26th. It is a road game, but plan accordingly
Make use of the Light Rail, Park and Rides, or carpool if you do not plan to park in the ramps/garages
Useful Links
Parking and Transportation
Parking Facilities
Campus Connector
Expect higher rates for hotel stays, feel free to use the following link:
https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/overnight-accommodations-visitors
Hotels on the St Paul Campus and Roseville are not as impacted, rates are subject to change
Parking Facilities are listed here:
https://pts.umn.edu/park-and-drive/general-information/facilities?type=116&area=All&cost=All
East River Road Garage and Church Street Garage are recommended
Online Pairings and Standings (link not ready)
| SECTIONS | PRIZES |
|---|---|
|
Open |
|
|
Under 1800 |
|
| U1400 $35 before 9/17/26 $45 before 9/24/26 $55 onsite |
|
| U1000 Saturday Only $30 before 9/17/26 $40 before 9/24/26 $50 onsite |
|
| Questions? | Contact David Schabert chess@umn.edu |
| Notes: |
For onsite entry, we are unable to accept cash payments. We will need Paypal or Venmo for registration.
Prizes will be paid through Paypal or check after the event has concluded. |
| EVENTS | SCHEDULE |
|---|---|
|
Open, U1800 and U1400 |
|
|
Open, U1800 and U1400 |
|
| U1000 Saturday only Time Control: 45 min + 5 sec delay |
|
|
Minnesota Golden Gophers |
Row the Boat with PJ Fleck! @Husky Stadium, Seattle |
| Skittles | Designated rooms TBA, however, all of Coffman Union is space for use |
|
Northern Open |
Click Here for Details |
Important Information
- Limit of two half point byes
- All half point bye requests must be requested before the start of Round 3
- Half point byes cannot be rescinded after the start of Round 3
- Bring your own clocks. Sets will be provided
- All class prizes are based on 5 players per class
- Contact David Schabert at chess@umn.edu for any questions, Subject: Gopher Open 2026
- For onsite entry, we are unable to accept cash payments. We will need Paypal/Venmo/Credit Card for registration.
- Check back here for any new information and updates regarding the Golden Gopher Open, we will constantly be making timely updates to this
- Unrated USCF players must disclose their FIDE rating if they have one.
- Online pairings will be posted on