Western Open

History of the Western Open

Before the Chess Club at UWM revived the tournament, the Western Open was last held in 2007 in Milwaukee, WI by Arlen Walker of the Milwaukee Chess Foundation. Before it discontinued, the Western Open was Wisconsin's longest-running annually-held chess tournament and was believed to be the second-oldest continuing tournament in the country after the U.S. Open. During the 1950s, this tournament attracted the likes of World Champion and Grandmaster Bobby Fischer; be a part of history and join us in reviving this legendary tournament!

In 2024, the Western Open served as the site of the Wisconsin G/60 State Championship, sanctioned by the Wisconsin Chess Association.

The 2025 Western Open is not being held. Check back later for information about a potential 2026 Western Open!