3rd Annual Vankleek Hill Open - August 10 & August 11, 2024

3rd Annual Vankleek Hill Open

An EOCA Grand Prix Event

The opening event of the 2024-2025 Eastern Ontario Grand Prix takes place at the Vankleek Hill Curling Club, in the middle of the “Gingerbread Capital of Ontario”, in Vankleek Hill. Enjoy a weekend of chess in a town with a rich history, situated about halfway between Montreal and Ottawa. Between rounds you could visit the Vankleek Hill Museum, Beau's All Natural Brewing Company, Arbor Gallery Cultural Centre, or go for a walk down touristy Main Street.

Event Date: Saturday August 10 to Sunday August 11, 2024.

Place: Vankleek Hill Curling Club, 136 Bond Street, Vankleek Hill ON, K0B 1R0. There is plenty of free parking on-site.

Type: Regular Swiss Open, pairings in Open Section and an U1600 Section.

A Word on Sections: Players must have a CFC rating below 1600 at the time of the tournament (or be unrated CFC, FQE, USCF and FIDE) to play in the U1600 section, otherwise they play in the Open Section. For players with no CFC rating but with a FQE, FIDE, or USCF rating, I will take the higher of these ratings, for which section you go into. Players with a CFC rating between 1500-1599 may play in the Open Section if they explicitly indicate this to me prior to Round 1 – and pay an additional $20 play-up fee (i.e., $80 Open Section entry fee + $20 play-up fee = $100) – otherwise they will be paired in the U1600 section. Players below 1500 must play in the U1600 Section.

Rounds: 5 rounds — Saturday @ 9am, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday @ 9am and 2pm.

Time Control: Game in 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move, starting from Move 1. The default time shall be 30 minutes after white’s clock has been started (i.e., if one player has not arrived at the board, within 30 minutes after white’s clock has been started, they shall be considered to have forfeited the game to their opponent). This will apply to all rounds, except Round 1, where the default time shall be 60 minutes.

Prizes: Sections and prizes are based on entries and may change.

Entry Fee: $80 for Open Section if pre-registered, $100 at site. $60 for U1600 Section if pre-registered, $80 at site. Cash or e-transfer to jsztukachess at gmail dot com ONLY. Free entry for GMs/WGMs & IMs/WIMs, if pre-registered by July 19, 2024. $40 for FM/WFM if pre-registered by July 19, 2024 and $60 for National Masters if pre-registered by July 19, 2024.

CFC or FQE membership is required. If you do not have a regular CFC membership, Tournament Memberships will be available for $20. All games will be CFC rated.

A limited number of clocks and sets will be provided, so please bring your own equipment if possible.

Requesting byes: A maximum of two ½ point byes can be given in the first three rounds, which must be requested before Round 1.

Organizer: Jeremy Sztuka Tournament Director: Jeremy Sztuka

Registration options:

1. Send an email to jsztukachess at gmail dot com. Please note in your email if any byes will be needed (or not).
2. Register on-site on Saturday August 10 between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM.

Please note in regard to both Options above – in order to finalise registration, payment of entry fee (cash or etransfer) is due by 8:30am on August 10 in order to ensure eligibility for a pairing in Round 1. No cheques.

About the Venue: The room at the Curling Club has ample space, including air conditioning plus a refrigerator, kitchenette, and coffee maker on site. Coffee, tea, and bottled water will be available to all players.

Additional Information

Directions From Ottawa: Follow the 417 East to exit 27, Highway 34. Turn left to go north on Highway 34 (6.6km) into Vankleek Hill, turn right at the first light and go 500 meters, then turn left at Stanley Avenue, go 140 meters, and turn left at Bond Street (first left) – Vankleek Hill Curling Club will be on your left.

Directions From Montreal: Go on Autoroute 40, then continue on to Highway 417 West at Quebec-Ontario border. Follow the 417 West to exit 17, Regional Road 10. Turn right to go west on Regional Road 10 (6.7km) into Vankleek Hill, then turn right at Stanley Avenue, go 140 meters, and turn left at Bond Street (first left) – Vankleek Hill Curling Club will be on your left.

Directions from Kingston/Toronto: Take Highway 401 East, and get off at Exit 789 (Cornwall). Go north 36km on Highway 138 to Highway 417 and get on Highway 417 East. Follow the 417 East to exit 27, Highway 34. Turn left to go north on Highway 34 (6.6km) into Vankleek Hill, turn right at the first light and go 500 meters, then turn left at Stanley Avenue, go 140 meters, and turn left at Bond Street (first left) – Vankleek Hill Curling Club will be on your left.

Where to Stay:
 I recommend Quality Inn & Suites in nearby Hawkesbury (a 10 minute drive away). Phone # 613- 632-5941. Website: https://www.choicehotels.com/ontario...ity-inn-hotels
 There is also a Travelodge in Rigaud, Quebec, approximately a 20 minute drive away, phone # 450- 451-4726 and their website is: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/en-ca/...iguad/overview
 There is also a Microtel in Casselman, Ontario at 17 Industriel St, Casselman, ON K0A 1M0, approximately a 30 minute drive away, phone # 613-427-3550 and their website is: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/en-ca/...dham-casselman
 There are other various smaller motels available in surrounding areas as well
*I would recommend booking a hotel/motel sooner rather than later as during the summer they tend to fill up fast!

Where to Eat:
 I highly recommend Anne’s Chip Stand for lunch (they are open 11am-7pm). They are located at 5135 Highway 34, a 5-minute drive north of Vankleek Hill.
 Other options in town include The Broken Kettle Bakery & Barkery, 52 Main Street East, (open 10am-4pm Saturday, closed Sunday); and Herb's Travel Plaza Restaurant, 21160 Service Rd (open 7 days a week, broad hours).
 For fast food, within walking distance of the Curling Club, there is also a Tim Hortons.