Join the Fun in Orlando for the US Open
July 26, 2011
orlando260.jpgAnticipation builds for the US Open in Orlando (July 30-August 7) and it's not to late for you to join the fun. The chess festival offers ample opportunities for chess, side events and skittles. USCF Director of National Events Pat K. Smith said, " I think the players will love the location", the Hyatt Regency Airport Hotel. Pat also pointed out that,"Food is easily accessible and very affordable." You can choose from three schedules. The leisurely Traditional features daily rounds and gives you plenty of time to enjoy sides and area theme parks. The six-day features two daily games until Friday night when play merges. The four-day, perfect for the busy chessplayer runs August 4-5 (three games per day) before merging. See full schedule details on the official website and sign up at the USCF webstore.

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Defending US Open Champ, GM Alejandro Ramirez
Who's Playing?
Grandmasters slated to play include defending champion, GM Alejandro Ramirez, GM Loek Van Wely and GM Aleksandr Lenderman. Other stars pregistered on the official site include IM Daniel Naroditsky, who recently scored his first GM norm in Spain, FM Alisa Melekhina and World Open Under 2400 co-champ Robert Perez.  See current list of advance entries here.  The US Open is unique because unlike many major American opens, professionals and class players all join the same section, giving amateur players a chance to face some of the best players in the country.

Side Event & Worskhops Galore
The US Open is famous for its great variety of side events and this year is no exception. Highlights include the US Open Bughouse tournament on July 31, the US Open Fischer Random Championship on August 2nd, the US Open G/15 on August 3rd  and the US Open Blitz Championship on August 6th. See full details on uschess.org/tournaments/2011/usopen/ and register online (except for bughouse.) Also see a color-coded chart of the US Open Workshops & Meetings, which stretch from August 3rd-7th


Denker, Barber and US Junior Girls Open

Find out more about the 2011 US Girls Junior Championship, 2011 Denker Tournament of High School Champions and the 2011 Barber Tournament of K-8 State Champions. And read CLO editor Jennifer Shahade's blog to hear more about her plans for the US Open. 

Register for the US Open and side events at the USCF webstore.