A relaxed schedule, intimate atmosphere, rustic secluded venue and natural surroundings all combine to make a unique and memorable weekend! Must be 50 or older as of 12/31/25 to enter. Out of state players welcome! Held concurrently with the Salt Fork Adult Open, Seniors may enter either.
Site: Salt Fork State Park Lodge, www.saltforkstateparklodge.com, 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755 (near Cambridge). $149/night group room rate, special rates on cabins, some pet friendly. Call 800-ATA-PARK for reservations, ask for Golden Buckeye Chess Tournament room block (code GBCT2141). Reserve early to ensure room on site, other hotels are 30 minutes away.
2 Sections Senior Championship, U1800. At organizer’s discretion, U1800 may be combined with U1800 section of Salt Fork Adult Open for pairings and/or prizes if 5 or fewer entries in either.
Format: 5 round Swiss, G/75, d10. One ½-point bye rounds 1-4, commit by end of round 2. Sets provided, please bring clocks! Optional Friday evening blitz, details below. Bonfire social Saturday evening, weather permitting.
Prizes: Trophies to top players in each section. Ohio Senior Champion title & trophy to top-finishing Ohio resident in Senior section. First time players in this event, and returning players who recruit first time players, will be entered in drawings for a gift certificate good towards lodging, gift shop or restaurant purchases at this event or elsewhere.
Entry Fee: $50 for entries paid by 9/15, $60 thereafter. No checks at door. Enter online (check or credit card) or mail entry with check payable to Fellowship of the King Chess Club, c/o Grant Neilley, 13270 Saylor Rd, Baltimore, OH 43105. Refund less $5 admin fee if withdraw by noon 9/19, then 50% until end of registration. Online entry/payment recommended due to increasing mail theft and delivery issues; if you choose to mail, send as early as possible to ensure receipt.
Schedule: Registration Sat 9-9:45am, rounds 10-2:15-6:30; Sunday 9:30-1:30. Bonfire social Saturday evening, weather permitting. Side blitz tournament Friday evening, G5 d/2, register on site by 7:45pm, round 1 8pm. Entry fee $15, 60-70% paid out as prizes; pairings & rounds at TD discretion.
Flyer and paper entry form at www.neilley.com/chess. More Info: Grant Neilley, grant@neilley.com (preferred) or 614-314-1102.
BACK AGAIN!! Bring an interesting set or chess related item to display on Saturday. 4 Categories: Staunton, Figurine/Theme, Miniature/Travel, and Other. Held in conjunction with the Salt Fork Adult Tournament, free entry on site, category self-selected, multiple entries allowed per player. Top prize in each category as voted by players in both events is a state park gift certificate. Previous winning items not eligible for prizes but may display. “Other” may include historical style sets, boards, clocks, artwork, posters, pins, apparel, tournament bulletins, magazines, books… anything chess aficionados might find of interest! Background info on items welcome but not required.
Note: The playing hall tends to be cool, we suggest an extra sweater or jacket, and dress in layers.