July 10: Route 20 RBO/Open Swiss

The Route 20 Chess Club will hold a rated beginners' open and an open Swiss tournament in the Community Services Building (Building R) at Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, on Saturday, July 10 (map).

The rated beginners' open is for players who do not yet have U.S. Chess Federation ratings or are rated under 1200. It is a five-round Swiss tournament, with each player given 30 minutes to make all moves. The entry fee is $10 ($6 for Route 20 Chess Club members). Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place. For chess enthusiasts who have never taken part in official tournament play, an RBO is the ideal introduction.

The open Swiss will be played in four rounds, with each player given 45 minutes to make all moves. The entry fee is $20 ($12 for Route 20 Chess Club members), and at least 75 percent of entry fees will be returned as cash prizes. This event is intended for players with tournament experience.

USCF membership is required to participate in either event. Participants who are not USCF members may join at registration or purchase one-day tournament memberships for $12 ($7 for players from fourth grade to age 24, free for players entering kindergarten through third grade). Players who purchase tournament memberships may deduct the cost (minus $2) if they join the USCF after the day of the event.

Both events will begin at 10 AM. On-site registration will be held from 9 to 9:45 AM. Players may also register in advance through the "Register" button in the sidebar of this page or by check to the Route 20 Chess Club, c/o William Koester, 529 W. Avon St., Freeport, IL 61032. Advance registration is appreciated. Bring clocks; smoking is prohibited; site is wheelchair-accessible. For more information, e-mail us.