Flathead Chess

2026 Big Sky Country Open

An MCA Grand Prix Event

The Flathead Valley Chess Club proudly presents the 2026 season opener for the 2026-2027 MCA Grand Prix season!

Dates: 09/19/2026-09/20/2026

Location: Hilton Garden Inn- 1840 US Hwy 93 S, Kalispell, MT 59901

Format: Five rounds, Swiss pairings

Time Control: G/90; d30 (Game in 90 minutes; 30 seconds delay before each move)

Entry Fee: $45 for registration ($40 if registered online before noon, Saturday, September 5, 2026)

Entry Fee to be paid in Cash during registration Saturday morning.

Registration:

USCF membership required. USCF membership can be attained at https://new.uschess.org or during registration (Please arrive 30 minutes early if registering on the day of the tournament).

MCA membership for MT residents required. MCA annual membership is $15. Family membership available for $40.

Check-in: Saturday, September 19 at 8:15 AM.

On-site Registration & Entry Fees: 8:15-8:45 am Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Entry Fee must be paid by the end of registration to be paired.

Rounds: Saturday: 9:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 6:30 PM

            Sunday: 8:30 AM, 1 PM or ASAP

Byes: One 1/2-point bye available. *Note: in the event of an odd number of players, a 1 pt bye will be assigned as needed.

Byes for rounds must be requested before the start of the previous round. (For example, if you are in need of a round 3 bye, then you must request it before round 2 begins)

Prize Fund: Based on 30 paid entries. Prizes may be added or increased with additional entries.

                 1st Place: $500

                 2nd Place: $300

                 3rd Place: $200

                 Best Score U1300: $150

                  Best Score U1000: $150

                  Biggest Upset: $100

We are pleased to offer a special tournament lodging option at the Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell. Tournament participants and guests can reserve rooms at a rate of $189 per night, subject to availability. We encourage players to book early to secure accommodations for the event weekend. Book a hotel room here: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=FCAKSGI&groupCode=FHCHST&arrivaldate=2026-09-18&departuredate=2026-09-20&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

For all questions, contact Luke at 406-475-6029

Club Chess

The club meets every other Tuesday beginning at 5:00 PM in the basement at the Eagles Club (37 1st St W). Take the stairs immediately inside the main entrance down. Our next meetups are:

• July 28
• August 11
• August 25

We welcome all ages and skill levels. We host rated and non-rated tournaments from time-to-time. Drop by and check the scene out for free. Annual membership dues of $30 are required for continuing players.

Community Chess

Join us for casual chess each Thursday beginning at 4:00 PM at Steam Mountain Games in the Kalispell Center Mall.

Chess at the mall is the best place to get your feet wet. We welcome all ages and skill levels. Yes, absolute beginners are welcome! And it's FREE!

Supporters