2019 U.S. Chess Open (Orlando, Florida)

The U.S. Open will hold its 120th edition in the home of the Disney Corporation, Orlando, Florida. This is America’s longest-running tournament and will also be the host for the 80th Delegate’s Meeting. Players and Delegates will be among the many groups conferring at the Rosen Centre Hotel (9840 International Drive), the site of the 2014 U.S. Open. That tournament was won by GM Conrad Holt and since then a new crop of young players has emerged.

During the 2014 U.S. Open, chess players had to share the Rosen Centre with LeakyCon (Harry Potter fan convention), Tuskegee Airmen, and Teen pageant contestants. Perhaps they thought it was cool to be in the same hall with chess players. It should be an interesting mixture of events yet again! Last year’s event was held in Middleton, Wisconsin with blindfold extraordinaire GM Timur Gareyev winning the event. Thus, he qualified for the U.S. Championship and famously affected the championship on the final day.

GM Timur Gareyev, 2018 U.S. Open Champion

The U.S. Open has a different feel from Continental Chess Association (CCA) events in that it is more designed for vacationers and conferees as opposed to professional chess. However, strong players and legendary figures in chess will dot the field as many of them make their annual sojourn. Some even hold records for attending consecutive tournaments.

The business of the U.S. Chess organization will be conducted by the body starting August 7th and end on the 11th. Delegates’ meetings will be on the 10th and the 11th. Concurrently the U.S. Open will have three schedules. Please join us in the “Sunshine State,” visit all the tourist attractions and play some chess! Details here!