American Open Chess Championship

16/11/2025

A Look Back… as We Look Ahead to the 60th American Open!

As we prepare to celebrate the 60th American Open this November, we’re revisiting one of our favorite pieces of history — this classic Chess Life cover from 1965, featuring the very first American Open champion, Grandmaster Pal Benko, deep in thought over the board.

For six decades, the American Open has been a place where games became stories, friends and rivals meet over the board, and generations of players built memories that have shaped American chess.

✨ Now it’s your turn to be part of the next chapter.
There’s still time to join us for this milestone year — whether you’ve played every year or you’re returning after a decade away.

60th American Open
November 24–30, 2025
👉 Registration: www.americanopen.org

Come join us in the Main event with 4-day or 3-day options, or at any of the side events, such as the Blitz Tournament, the Grandmaster Simul, and Grandmaster Lectures.

12/11/2025

A Look Back at the 2010's 46th American Open

As we celebrate the 60th American Open, we’re taking a moment to remember the incredible players and moments from past years. Here’s a look back at the 2010 tournament — a snapshot of dedication, competition, and sportsmanship that defines the American Open tradition. (all photos by Chris Roberts)

Registration for the 60th American Open is still open! Join us as we continue this proud legacy.

Details and Registration at: www.americanopen.org

26/08/2025

The Early Bird Rate for the 60th American Open Chess Championship ends August 31st 🗓️

Sign up early and secure your spot at this year's milestone event during Thanksgiving week. There's the Main Tournament, Blitz Tournament, and Scholastic Tournaments.

👉 Register now at www.americanopen.org

09/08/2025

That time of the year again! Save the date for the 60th American Open. This year will be on November 24-30. The Main Event will have a Championship section with 9 rounds over 6 days! NORMs are possible in this section and games will be US Chess and FIDE rated.

08/11/2024

Looking for something to do on Thanksgiving? Join us at this year's American Open and reserve one of these seats to play! In addition to being a US Chess rated event, the Open, Expert, and Section A will also be FIDE rated. Additionally, the prize fund has been increased to $40,000 for the Main Event.
We are in the final weeks of registration. Don't miss out and sign up now. Details and registration for the Main Tournament, Scholastic Tournaments, and the Side Events (Chess Camp, Blitz, and Action) are at www.americanopen.org

05/11/2024

Looking for chess activities to do on Thanksgiving week but also got plans with friends and family? Consider the side events at the 59th American Open held at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Orange County. There is a chess camp for kids on Tuesday and Wednesday (11/26-27) from 9 am - 3 pm; Blitz Tournament on Saturday night (11/30) at 9:30 pm; and the Action Tournament (Game 30 min/d 5 sec) on Sunday (12/1) at 12 pm. Full details and to register is at www.americanopen.org

01/10/2024

Have you registered yet? The American Open is next month! For details and to register, visit www.americanopen.org

31/07/2024

We are now taking registration for the 59th American Open which will be on November 26 - December 1, 2024.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, the American Open offers something for everyone. In addition to the Main Tournament, there will be Scholastic tournaments for kids, and Action and Blitz tournaments for those who would like faster time controls.

Register early to save your seats. Details and registration at www.americanopen.org

18/10/2023

Thanksgiving weekend is about a month away! Don't Miss Out on the 58th American Open Chess Tournament! Sign Up Now Before Entry Fees Increase on November 1, 2023!

Here's what you can look forward to:

👑 Main Tournament: The 58th American Open
Date: (4-day) November 23-26; (3-day) November 24-26;
(Open section only) November 21-26

🌟 Scholastic Tournaments for young chess stars (concurrent with the Main Tournament
📆 Date: November 24-26

🎓 Masterclass with Grandmaster Melikset Khachiyan
Learn from 8-time American Open Champion, 2023 US Senior Chess Champion, and Head Coach of US Women Olympic Team since 2010

🚀 Action Tournament & Blitz Tournament

Hurry, entry fees are set to increase, and spots are filling up rapidly. Don't miss out on this year’s American Open!

🔗 Event Website: www.americanopen.org

Share this post, invite your friends, and let's play at the American Open. See you next month! 🤝♟️

Chess Championship

15/08/2023

We are now taking registrations for the 58th American Open. This year, it will be at the Hyatt Regency Orange County during Thanksgiving week! Join us for the Main Tournament, Scholastic, Blitz, or Action tournaments. For details and to register, visit

Chess Championship

19/11/2022

Getting to know World Chess Hall of Fame Inductee Grandmaster Eugene Torre