Beyond the quiet intensity of its game halls, the Chicago Open fosters a unique festival-like atmosphere. As of April 25, 50 players are registered, including 20 first-time participants. We’re on a similar pace to last year and are expecting around 110 players total. If you haven’t signed up yet, don’t miss the early bird registration deadline on May 4th. Register now to save on entry fees! This year, attendees can pick up exclusive merchandise, including branded pens, stickers, and magnets. And thanks to the growing creative spirit in the community, participants can expect more than games. There’s art, storytelling, and innovation woven into the fabric of the event. A Tournament with a Festival Spirit Take Gavin Wallace, for example. He has made waves not just on the board but also through his contributions off it. Known for importing and refurbishing antique Go sets, Gavin shares: “I love spending money… I'm not rich though, I need some extra cash to feed that sickness. Thus resale.” Gavin also donates high-quality equipment, including six slate and shell sets to the Evanston Go Club. "Everyone has been so kind and welcoming to me... I like to bring in affordable high quality equipment.” Gavin’s community-driven spirit reflects what makes the Chicago Open come alive. Trivia Night Returns...With a Twist! One of the standout events from last year, Trivia Night, is back. And so is its enthusiastic host, Peter Leung. “I had a great time it last year,” Peter says. “ love seeing everyone’s enthusiasm for it.” Known for bringing intellectual flair and a touch of humor, Peter wants to shift gears this time "Last year I focused on historical topics, with themes of famous games and legendary players. After attending the Go Congress last year and meeting many of the hardworking organizers and dedicated Pros, I really want to highlight the AGA, and the modern Pro scene.” Peter also captures the feel of the tournament. “During the tournament rounds there's almost an eerie quiet, where the only sound is the steady clack of Go stones hitting the board. The rhythmic thud manifesting each player’s deep focus betrays the serene near-silence." The Art of Design Meets the Art of Go The visual identity of the Chicago Open gets a refresh every year, and for that, we can thank graphic designer and Go player Aaron Czarnecki. “Design, in its most basic form, is about conveying information but it's also so much more than that; it's also where creativity and feeling meld with logic." Aaron describes his design process in detail. "My process for design usually starts with trying to find the feeling that I'd like to evoke,” Aaron says. “As with any other form of creativity, a lot of design is about what it makes people feel. This year, I really wanted to make things bright and lively like the coming Spring, a feeling that is also mimicked in the energy of the event itself.” AGA Support and National Spotlight AGA Executive Editor Chris Garlock will attend the tournament in person, providing live commentary and support. With top-tier equipment including AI boards and live-streaming on both YouTube and Twitch, this year’s Chicago Open stepped into the national spotlight. As Aaron puts it, "Go a shared language that allows me to have a conversation with anyone, no matter if we share a language or not." Sponsorships The 2025 Chicago Open is grateful for the generous sponsorship of Downtown Evanston, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting events and businesses in the Evanston downtown district. As part of their support, Downtown Evanston has donated $250 worth of gift certificates, redeemable at over 60 local businesses. These gift cards will be awarded to winners of Trivia Night and the main tournament, offering a great opportunity to explore and enjoy the vibrant Evanston community. Online Go Server (OGS), one of the world’s most popular online platforms for playing Go, is offering over 100 free membership vouchers, enough for every tournament participant! Thanks to OGS, players will have the chance to sharpen their skills online long after the event concludes. The 2025 Chicago Open would also like to thank continued sponsorship from Baduk Club, Yellow Mountain, and American Yunguseng Dojang. Players can look forward to prizes from a variety of Go and local organizations.
