Main Tournament
6-days Tu 11/24 – Sun 11/29
4-days Th 11/26 – Sun 11/29
3-days F 11/27 – Sun 11/29
Classical Time Controls
- NORMS possible for Championship Section (9 Rounds and fulfills FIDE 1.13A requirement for FIDE Title Regulations which requires a minimum of 3 days with only 1 round.)
- FIDE and US Chess rated for Open, Expert*, and Section A*
- 4-days or 3-days available for the Expert, Sections A-C, and Under 1400
Scholastic
For Players in K-12th Grade
11/27 Friday
11/28 Saturday
11/29 Sunday
- Trophies for individuals and teams
- Three divisions: Novice, Junior Varsity, and Varsity
- Only Friday, Saturday, or Sunday
Side Events
Short on Time? Join a Side Event
- Senior Tournament – Monday & Tuesday
- Chess Camp – Monday to Wednesday 10 to 3 pm
- Blitz Tournament – Saturday 9:30 pm
- Action Tournament– Sunday 12:00 pm
- Grandmaster Lecture – Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm
LATEST POSTS
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Grandmaster Simultaneous Exhibition at the American Open
Featuring Guinness World Record Holder GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami Get ready for the opportunity to play a Grandmaster! The American Open Chess Championship is hosting a Simultaneous Exhibition with Grandmaster Ehsan Ghaem Maghami, the Guinness World Record Holder for the most simultaneous chess games ever played. He will play against multiple players at the same…
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Grandmaster Lectures by GM Melik Khachiyan
We are excited to announce that during the American Open, we will have two lectures by Grandmaster Melik Khachiyan, 8 -time American Open Champion, FIDE Trainer, 2023 US Senior Champion, and Head Coach for the US Women’s Olympic Chess Team! Sign up now to save your seat! GM Lecture with Melik Khachiyan $30.00 Save your…
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Looking for Something Fun for Your Kids This Thanksgiving Week? Try Chess Camp!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while it is a great time for family, food, and fun — it can also mean some free time for kids during the beginning of the week. If you’re wondering how to keep your child engaged, learning, and having a great time during the break, we have the…
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Introducing the American Open Senior Tournament!
Great chess. Great company. An even greater cause. This year, the 61st American Open is proud to welcome a special new addition to our Thanksgiving chess celebration: the inaugural American Open Senior Tournament, presented by Kings for Cure! Taking place November 23–24, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Orange County, this exciting two-day event invites chess…
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Scholastic Tournament Registration Is Now Open!
The American Open is more than a tournament—it’s an experience for the entire chess community. And we’re excited to announce that registration for the 61st American Open – Scholastic Tournaments is now officially OPEN! If you have a young chess player in your family ready to compete, this is a great opportunity to bring them…
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🎉 Exclusive Disneyland Ticket Offer for American Open Attendees
The Disneyland Ticket Store for American Open participants is now open! These are specially-priced Disneyland® Resort Theme Park tickets exclusively for American Open attendees, their friends, and family to enjoy before, during, or after the tournament week. These special ticket prices are not available for purchase once the tournament starts on November 23. Important Dates to Note:…