The Hilton Garden Inn at the Indianapolis Airport will once again host the Indianapolis Open, marking the tournament’s 20th anniversary. Scheduled for August 22–24, 2025, the event offers players a chance at a guaranteed $15,000 prize fund across five sections, along with 100 Enhanced US Chess Grand Prix points.
The tournament features both a three-day and a two-day schedule. The three-day option begins Friday evening, while the two-day option starts Saturday morning. Rounds conclude Sunday afternoon. Blitz specialists will also have an opportunity to compete in a Saturday night blitz tournament beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Prize Fund and Sections
The five sections are designed to give players of all levels competitive opportunities:
- Major (1900 and up): $1800–900–500–300, plus a $100 clear-first bonus. The top U2300 earns $600–300.
- U2100: $1000–500–300–200, with $400–200 for the top U1900 (no unrated).
- U1800: $1000–500–300–200, with $400–200 for the top U1600 (no unrated).
- U1500: $800–500–300–200, with $300–150 for the top U1300 (no unrated).
- U1200: $700–400–300–200, with $300–150 for the top U1000 (no unrated).
Unrated players have prize limits of $100 in U1200, $200 in U1500, and $300 in U1800. Mixed Doubles bonus prizes will also be awarded ($500–300–200) to the best male/female two-player teams with an average rating under 2200.
Early Entries and Top Seeds
As of mid-August, 147 players have registered. Leading the Major Section is GM Semen Khanin (USCF 2690, FIDE 2595) of Texas, the top seed in the field. Other top contenders include:
- Mauro Alberto Lopez (MI, USCF 2352)
- Saumil Padhya (IL, USCF 2337)
- Sharath Radhakrishnan (OH, USCF 2310)
- Aidan Baker (IL, USCF 2186)
The combination of experienced masters and ambitious rising players promises sharp competition at the top boards.
Event Logistics
The Indianapolis Open is both USCF and FIDE rated. Free parking, complimentary airport shuttle service, and wireless internet are provided to participants. Hotel rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn are offered at a special chess rate of $124, with reservations recommended before August 8.
Entry fees are $118 online at chessaction.com through August 19, and $140 afterward or on-site until one hour before the first round. Grandmasters may enter free but will have $100 deducted from any prize winnings. Re-entry is available for $50, though not from Major to Major.
Looking Back: 2024 Indianapolis Open
Last year’s Indianapolis Open saw GM Mark Paragua dominate the field with a 4.5/5 score, conceding just one draw en route to the $1,900 first prize. Paragua, a veteran presence on the U.S. circuit, capped his run with a final-round win over Chris Ping Liu to secure clear first.
The runner-up spot went to Savio Bennihyn Joseph Benher (2225), who scored 4.0/5 and took home $900. Benher’s result included draws against both top boards he faced, showing solid consistency throughout.
Three players tied at 3.5 points to round out the top five:
- Michael Ocido (2215), who rebounded from a second-round loss with three strong results to earn $425.
- Marcus Zheng (2130), steady across all five rounds with two wins and three draws.
- Chris Ping Liu (2080), who notched key wins but fell to Paragua in the final round.
The 2024 edition reflected the event’s tradition of mixing seasoned grandmasters with rising regional players, a balance that continues into the 20th anniversary year.
Tradition Continues
Since its founding, the Indianapolis Open has grown into a staple of the U.S. tournament calendar. With enhanced Grand Prix points, a strong open section, and prizes down to the scholastic levels, the 20th edition reflects its enduring appeal to both elite and club players alike.
I’m the senior editor of Attacking Chess, a keen chess player, rated above 2300 in chess.com. You can challenge me or asking questions at Chess.com.
