The Bradley Summer Open is the longest running university sponsored tournament in the nation. It was also the first tournament run by the GPCF in 1964. It has been held every year since. 2020 will be it's 58th year (we missed twice during the pandemic) and it has long been a USCF Heritage event.
David Taylor, a Decatur expert then and now an over-the- board and correspondance master and 7th US Correspondance Champion, was our first winner. finishing ahead of a small contingent that included Peoria Expert John Roecker. That event was organized and directed by Murrel Rhodes.
Over the years the attendance has varied, never reaching 100. Attendance had slowed in the 1990s and early 2000s, missing drawing even 20 players from 2005 until 2008. Bradley's support never waivered the BSO has averaged over 40 players per year for the past 5 years.
The BSO is a 4 round one day Swiss System tournament. The original format was a single open section, open to all players. Today the format has changed a little with a Reserve section open to players 1400 and below. The dates have varied little over the years, but usually it has been held in the fall when the students return from summer break.
Greater Peoria Chess Foundation
The GPCF is the driving force behind Peoria Chess. We provide sets and boards to the local school chess programs and tournaments and activities. The Foundation supplies the fiscal muscle to promote chess in the Greater Peoria area. Our youth chess programs involve 100s of youths of various ages and have included the state champions both individual and school team. See our web site for more details on our services. The GPCF is proud to hold this online tournament in support of IESA. Profits (revenues minus direct expenses) will be donated to IESA.
Greater Peoria Chess Foundation
The GPCF is the driving force behind Peoria Chess. We provide sets and boards to the local school chess programs and tournaments and activities. The Foundation supplies the fiscal muscle to promote chess in the Greater Peoria area. Our youth chess programs involve 100s of youths of various ages and have included the state champions both individual and school team. See our web site for more details on our services. The GPCF is proud to hold this online tournament in support of IESA. Profits (revenues minus direct expenses) will be donated to IESA.
US Chess Federation
The US Chess Federation (US Chess) is the official governing body and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization for chess players and chess supporters in the United States. Our mission is to empower people, enrich lives, and enhance communities through chess. Our vision is that chess is recognized as an essential tool that is inclusive, benefits education and rehabilitation, and promotes recreation and friendly competition.
US Chess represents the United States in the World Chess Federation (FIDE), connecting our members to chess players around the world. Founded in 1939 with the merger of the American Chess Federation and the National Chess Federation, US Chess has grown to serve over 93,000 members and 2,000 affiliated chess clubs and organizations today.
US Chess rates tournaments played throughout the US giving players an official ranking for tournament seeding purposes. Ratings also give players an idea of how they fare in comparison to players in other areas.
US Chess Federation
The US Chess Federation (US Chess) is the official governing body and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization for chess players and chess supporters in the United States. Our mission is to empower people, enrich lives, and enhance communities through chess. Our vision is that chess is recognized as an essential tool that is inclusive, benefits education and rehabilitation, and promotes recreation and friendly competition.US Chess represents the United States in the World Chess Federation (FIDE), connecting our members to chess players around the world. Founded in 1939 with the merger of the American Chess Federation and the National Chess Federation, US Chess has grown to serve over 93,000 members and 2,000 affiliated chess clubs and organizations today.
US Chess rates tournaments played throughout the US giving players an official ranking for tournament seeding purposes. Ratings also give players an idea of how they fare in comparison to players in other areas.