Final Update

All of the final standings are now complete and can be accessed via the menu above.  The PGN database has now been updated and totals 137 games, 126 of which are from the Open Section.  I have also added captions to the photo gallery, which now totals 69 pictures from the event, but I do not know some of the people.  If you happen to know who the missing ones are, can you please email the names (referencing the photo number) to chris@chesstournamentservices.com.

Video Roundup

Betsy Dynako put together this video roundup of some of the action from the 2008 Chicago Open along with footage of the Armageddon play-off between GMs Akobian and Petrosian.

Akobian Takes Championship

Akobian took the blitz tie-break by beating Petrosian in a thrilling game that went down to the wire. You can view the game in the games viewer and click here for the final round up report.

We Have Another American GM! (Oh, and Yeh, There Will Be An Exciting Finish!)

Josh Friedel looks to have secured his 2500 rating in style after winning against a 2600+ GM while GMs Nakamura and Petrosian, the two highest rated players in the tournament, look set for a final round showdown. Read all about it here.

An Endgame Lesson... Courtesy of GM Nakamura

GMs Nakamura and Petrosian have now caught the rest of the leaders and it's all to play for on the final day. Get your endgame lesson by clicking here.

GMs to the Front

It's all about the GMs as most of them saw of their "lesser" opposition to make the real fighting begin from round 5 onwards. Find out about life on the top boards in round 4 here.

Trio at the Top

After three exciting rounds here in Chicago, the tournament is being led by GMs Atanas Kolev, Alex Yermolinsky and Nikola Mitkov. Read all about the excitement in this round 3 round up.

The Quest for 2500

IM Josh Friedel managed to score a vital victory in round 2 as his quest to reach FIDE 2500 continues and the 3-day schedule introduced 3 new GMs into the tournament. Read more about it in this round 2 report.

"Wanna Get Away?"

Day one report from Chris Bird who had an embarrassing moment while 90% of the Grandmasters participating in the 4-day schedule won their games. Click here for the report.

Live Coverage Begins

Live coverage of games from this year's Chicago Open has commenced! Click on our special Live Games Viewer to pick and choose which games you want to watch.

$100,000 Prize Fund Unconditionally Guaranteed!

This year's Chicago Open will have ten sections with the addition of the Under 1000 and Under 700 sections.  The total prize fund for the event will be $100,000 with the Open Section winner receiving $10,000 while the majority of the other section winners will be playing for a $5,000 first prize.  For complete information on the prize fund, please visit the Tournament Information Page.

This Year We're In Wheeling

This year the event will be held at the Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel in Wheeling, Illinois.  The hotel is located just a few miles north of the Chicago O'Hare Airport.  The rate to stay at the hotel is just $90/night (based on 1-4 in room) but reservations must be made by May 9th otherwise there is no guarantee of the rate or availability!  To book your stay, please call the hotel at 800-223-3000.

Advance Entry List

Want to see who you're up against?  Check out the Advance Entry Page for information on who is playing.  Also remember to check that your registration information is correct too!