The Canadian Open is Canada’s most prestigious chess tournament in terms of breath and depth of tournament participants, prize fund, opportunities for norm, national support and overall quality of tournament organization. Key tournament highlights include the following:

• A total of five sections by rating, with opportunities for GM and IM norm in the Master section
• FIDE Rated in all sections
• Skill level of players range from Grand Masters (GM) to Novices
• Guaranteed cash prize fund minimum of $20,000 (Note: Prize fund may be higher based on registrations and available sponsorships. Prize fund will be updated to reflect any changes)

This year, we’re offering a unique opportunity to talented Nigerian players to participate in the 2020 Canadian Open. The winners of each section of this qualification tournament will be offered a unique opportunity to participate to join other competitors in Canada for this event. The organizers will be providing limited support to qualified players including FREE accommodation and allowance. See details below:

Format: Swiss system, 5 rounds in 5 Sections – MASTER; U2200; U2000; U1800; U1600. All Sections are rated FIDE

Time control: 90’/end + 30” increment. Clocks and chess sets are available for rent. You can bring your own.

Organizer: Obinna Ogbonnaya in partnership with Elevate My Chess Canada Inc.

Chief Arbiter: Obinna Ogbonnaya, International Arbiter

When: Saturday, February 29 – Sunday, March 1, 2020.
Rounds @ Saturday 9:00 am, 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am, 3:00 pm.

Where: National Institute for Sports Gymnasium, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria

Entry fees: Early Bird: MASTER NGN7,500 | U2200 NGN6,500 | U2000 NGN6,000 | U1800 NGN5,500 | U1600 NGN5,000 if paid by Feb 17, 2020. Add NGN1,000 afterwards. Add N2,000 on site. No cash reimbursements. Full refund less 5% admin fees if you withdraw on or before Feb 17, 2020.

Prizes: Certificates of Qualification for the 2020 Canadian Open Chess Championship in corresponding section. Trophies or medals for the top 3 in every section. The winner of every section will receive an allowance of CAD300 for MASTER, CAD200 for U2200 and CAD100 for each of the other sections (based on minimum of 200 total paid registrations. Allowance may be prorated if less than 200 registered players) to attend the Canadian Open in Toronto, Canada in July 2020. In addition, winners of the MASTER and U2200 will get FREE accommodation (worth over CAD500) for the duration of the tournament. This money is payable upon successful completion of all rounds of the Canadian Open Chess Championship.


Registration: Step 1: Make payment to GTB Account Name: Kenneth Green | Account Number: 0037907265. Obtain payment confirmation number, where applicable.
Step 2: Complete this Registration form

Information: For information on the 2020 Canadian Open Chess Championship, visit https://elevatemychess.com/co/ | For questions, e-mail ogbonnayaobinna@yahoo.com