Oregon Junior Open 2026,  September 5-6, 2026, Labor Day Weekend

Organized by Chess A2Z, the Oregon Chess Federation (OCF), and the Portland Chess Club (PCC), the 2026 Oregon Junior Open is the first event of its kind in Oregon and will be held alongside the 76th Oregon Open. Open to junior players under age 21, regardless of rating or state of residence. All proceeds will go to the OCF and PCC to support and grow youth chess.

Commemorative T-Shirt
Players who register by Friday, August 7 will receive a free 2026 Oregon Junior Open commemorative T-shirt. Additional shirts may be available for purchase at the tournament while supplies last.

Format:  The tournament is a 6-round Swiss paired event with three rounds per day and is open to everyone born on or after September 6, 2005. Both Oregon and out-of-state players are welcome. Up to two half point byes are available if requested before round one. Electronic devices, including phones, smart watches, earbuds, and other communication devices, are not permitted during play. Players are expected to follow US Chess rules and demonstrate good sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

Sections:  There are four sections: Open, U1000, U700 and U400. Players may play up one section (can’t play up more than one section). The official September US Chess published regular ratings are generally used for section eligibility and pairings.

Time Control:  G/45;+5 (forty-five minutes per player with 5 seconds added for each move). 

Supplies: All sets, boards and clocks are provided by the organizer.

Schedule: Check-in from 10am to 10:45am on Saturday, September 5th . Players meeting at 10:45am. Sat: Rd 1: 11am, Rd 2: 1:30pm, Rd 3: 4pm,  Sun: Rd 4: 10am, Rd 5: 12:30pm, Rd 6: 3pm. Award Ceremony: 5pm or as soon as possible

Rated: All the sections are US Chess rated.

Entry Fee: $60 if registered by Friday, August 7, $70 if registered afterward. Registration closes on Friday, September 4 at 6:00pm. 

Awards: Trophies for the top 5 finishers in each section. Plus medals for players with 3.5 points and above. Even medals for players with 3.0 points.

Location: Holiday Inn Portland Airport, 8439 Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97220. There is free parking in the hotel parking area. Hotel rooms for any of the nights of September 4- September 8 are available at a special chess rate of $84 plus tax per night for single or double rooms. The hotel chess rate is not guaranteed to be available after July 30, or even earlier if the room block is sold out. Use this link or call 1-888-465-4329 to reserve a room. If reserving by phone, use the following group SRP code: CHS.

Blitz: 6-round Swiss in one section, G/3;+2. Play starts at 6:00 PM on Saturday, September 5, and will likely finish around 7:30 PM. Register online here. Entry fee: $15. Trophies will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in each rating group: 1000+, U1000, U700, and U400. 

Photo Release: Chess A2Z may photograph or record portions of the tournament to celebrate our players and share highlights with our community. By registering, you grant permission for your child’s image to be used in educational or promotional materials. If you would prefer your child not appear in photos, please let us know — we are happy to accommodate.

Cancellation & refund policy:

Please submit your withdrawal request through nachesshub.com. Once the withdrawal is complete, your refund will processed in 2-4 business days.

• Withdrawal requests received on or before August 31, 2026 will receive a full refund minus a $5 processing fee.
• Withdrawal requests received between September 1 and September 4, 2026 (6:00 PM Pacific) will receive a 50% refund.
• No refunds will be issued after 6:00 PM Pacific on September 4, 2026, except in cases of documented medical emergencies or other extraordinary circumstances approved by the organizers.

Blitz: Full refund before September 4 at 6:00 PM. No refunds afterward.