2026 South Dakota Governor’s Cup

Presented by Chess Weekend, Inc. and the South Dakota Chess Association
US Chess Grand Prix Points: 80

$12,000 prize fund unconditionally guaranteed

October 16-18 or 17-18, 2026

Denny Sanford Premier Center  (Sioux Falls Convention Center)
1201 N West Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107

Hotel special rates:

Sheraton Sioux Falls Hotel & Convention Center, 1211 North West Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 
Last date to make reservations: September 18, 2026
$139.00 room (2 Queens) Available on 10/16 - 10/19 only
$159.00 room (1 King) Available on 10/15 - 10/19 
Book your group rate with Sheraton Sioux Falls
To make a reservation by phone, please call 888-627-8088 and ask for the Governors Cup Chess Weekend group block and reference code GO7604.

AmericInn by Wyndham Sioux Falls North, 3300 W Russell St, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107
Hot breakfast: Included in rate, served 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Last date to make reservations: September 18, 2026
$109.00 room (2 Queens) Available 10/15-10/19
Book your group rate with AmericInn by Wyndham Sioux Falls

Tournament format
5 rounds, Swiss System, choice of two-day or three-day playing schedule

Sections and Prizes

  • Premier(FIDE Rated): $1500-900-400-250, U2300 $650-400-200, U2100-$650, 400, 200, U1900 $600-375-175

  • Reserve Under 1800: $1100-500-250, U1600 $600-350-175, U1400 $600-350-175

  • Booster Under 1200: $400-250-150, U1000 $250-150 

October 2026 Official Regular US Chess rating will be used. Unrated players may play in any section, but qualify for top prizes in each section only.

Entry Fee

  • Premier and Reserve: $89; Booster $59 early mail-in or online by 9/1/2026

  • Premier and Reserve: $109; Booster $69 early mail-in or online by 10/1/2026

  • Premier and Reserve: $129; Booster $89 online after 10/1/2026 and on site

  • Booster players rated 900 or higher may play up to Reserve section at Reserve section entry fee.

  • Reserve players may play up to Premier section for $20 additional.

  • Re-entries for $50 with appropriate byes

  • GMs and IMs free entry if registered by 10/1/2026

  • $10 Discount for SDCA members

Registration
Register online here.
Mailed entries must be received three weeks before the tournament starts and should include player name and US Chess ID, section you’re registering for, full address, phone and email. Checks payable to and mailed to Chess Weekend, 21694 Doud Ct., Frankfort, IL 60423. We do not accept checks on-site. 

Time Controls and Playing Schedules
1/2 point byes OK all rounds, must commit by end of round 2

3-day Schedule; G/90;+30 second increment

  • On-site registration 6:00-6:30 pm

  • Friday 7:00 pm

  • Saturday 10:00 am, 4:00 pm

  • Sunday 10:00 am, 3:30 pm

2-day Schedule

  • On-site registration 8:45-9:30 am

  • Saturday (G/60;d5) 10:00 am, 1:00 pm

  • Saturday (merged - G/90;+30 increment) 4:00 pm

  • Sunday (merged - G/90;+30 increment) 10:00 am, 3:30 pm

Side Event: Saturday Night Blitz

$500 prize fund based on 30 entries. More info here.

Other information
Please bring sets and clocks.
For more information: chessweekend.com or glenn@chessweekend.com

Click here to enter