The 2026 Oregon Senior Open will be held May 2-3 at the Portland Chess Center. This is an opportunity to see some old friends, qualify to play in the Irwin National Tournament of Senior State Champions or just have some fun playing chess. This year features a new format and schedule – details below.
Eligibility: Open to all, including out-of-state residents, who will be at least 50 years old on August 3, 2026 (first day of the Irwin)
NEW Format: 4-round Swiss, Open and U1800; no play-up fee; up to one 1/2 bye is available if requested before round one; Regular US Chess rated.
Time Control: G/90; inc 30. Bring a digital clock.
Schedule: Saturday 12:45pm & 5:00pm; Sunday 10:00am & 2:45pm
Entry Fee: $35 online through May 1, $45 on site.
Prizes: $750 based on 30 entries.
Open Section: 1st-$140; 2nd-$100; 1st U2000-$60.
U1800 Section: 1st-$120; 2nd-$60; 1st U1600-$60; 1st U1400/Unrated-$60.
Bonus prizes (only one bonus prize per player; both sections eligible): age 60 & over-$30; age 70 & over-$25; age 80 & over-$20.
Open Champion & Irwin Nomination: 1st place in the Open Section receives free entry into next year’s Oregon Senior Open and will have their name engraved on the Dr. Ralph Hall Memorial Perpetual Trophy. The Irwin Nomination is awarded to the highest-placing Oregon resident in the Open Section.
Registration: Click here to register.
Tiebreaks for Irwin Qualification: Modified Median, Solkoff, and Cumulative, in that order
Hotels: The DoubleTree by Hilton Portland is within walking distance of the tournament site. You can book a room by using this link.