32nd Space Coast Open Chess Festival
Prize fund fully guaranteed!
An event created by chess players for chess players!
This page was last updated April 28, 2026.
Dates: April 23-25, 2027 or April 24-25, 2027
See our list of Past Space Coast Open Champions here
A US Chess Heritage Event!
US Chess Grand Prix Points: 120 (Enhanced)
Master/Expert and Under 2000 Sections FIDE Rated (USCF ratings used for pairings and prizes)
5 Round Swiss System, G/90+30 second increment for all sections except U1200, which is G/90 d5 (2-day rounds 1-2 for all sections G/60 d5).
Spacious, first-class playing facility! 1 mile from Melbourne International Airport. 10 minutes from the beach!
Hilton Melbourne at Rialto Place, 200 Rialto Place, Melbourne, FL 32901. Hotel room booking link below. Free parking. No resort fees!
Special Prizes:
Top Upsets: Rds 1-4: Book Prize. Limit one per player.
Wojtkiewicz Brilliancy Prizes: 1st $200, 2nd $100, 3rd $50 (Judge: IM Javad Maharramzade)
Book Prizes to oldest player, youngest player, player who has traveled the longest distance.
All, Fine Print:
IMPORTANT: By registering for, participating in, or otherwise attending an event organized by the Space Coast Chess Foundation, Inc. (SCCF) you agree to the rules, policies, and terms set forth on our web site: https://www.spacecoastchessfoundation.org/event-rules
Chess set and boards not provided but a chess vendor will be onsite.
Players in Master/Expert and Under 2000 sections are required per FIDE regulations to turn in white copies of completed scoresheets at completion of each round.
Rated players may play in eligible sections as shown in above Section prize details. Unrated may play in any section except Master/Expert but may not win over $300 prize or trophy. Unrated not eligible for U1000 or U800 prizes.
½-point Bye available any round if requested in advance and before round 2 (limit 2).
No Smoking. No computers. No electronic devices during play. Wheelchair accessible.
No food or outside beverages are allowed in the playing hall or any of the other meeting rooms used for the chess tournament and side activities.
Additional Events:
Worldwide Broadcast: the top 6 boards will be broadcast on lichess with live commentary (details to be announced)
Free Master and GM lectures:
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Saturday: TBD
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Sunday: TBD
Books and Equipment by Orlando Chess & Games: Friday – Sunday
Chess on the Beach T-shirts:
Our copyrighted Chess on the Beach T-shirt is available for advance online purchase at the link below.
Orlando Chess & Games will offer a similar T-shirt at the site!
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Lots of colors are available, both men’s and women’s styles.
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Two Design Themes are available: white text (best for dark shirts) and dark text (best for light-colored shirts).
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Shop here: https://www.zazzle.com/store/IRTCustomFabrics?rf=238539699927486672