71st Annual Maryland Open takes place from May 8-10, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland, USA. This is a chess tournament in Rockville, Maryland, in 2026. The event features seven sections, a 5-round Swiss structure, multiple schedule options, FIDE rating in the top three sections, and a large guaranteed cash prize fund. In addition, the tournament uses increment time controls in the upper sections and shorter controls in the lower sections, which gives players several practical choices based on rating and schedule.

Moreover, 71st Annual Maryland Open is one of the best-known weekend chess events in Maryland. Because the tournament runs at the Rockville Hilton and offers both 3-day and 2-day options in several sections, it can suit ambitious competitors as well as players who need a more compact schedule. Furthermore, the venue’s location next to a DC Metro stop makes this over-the-board chess tournament in Rockville convenient for both local players and visitors.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The confirmed total cash prize fund is approximately USD 14,225. Moreover, the tournament uses score-based prizes rather than place-based prizes, so the final score determines the payout. All listed prizes are guaranteed. In addition, if the Championship section pays less than USD 1,500 in total, the organizer adds money to the top score group to bring that section to USD 1,500.

Championship

Under 2200

Under 2000

Under 1800

Under 1600

Under 1300

Under 1000

Unrated players face prize limits in the lower sections. In particular, the organizer caps unrated prizes at USD 100 in U1000, USD 200 in U1300, and USD 400 in U1600. In addition, the Under 1000 section also awards trophies to the top five finishers and the top Under 800 player.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The top five sections, from Championship through U1600, use a 5-round Swiss with G/90 plus a 30-second increment in the standard schedule. However, players who choose the 2-day schedule in those sections play the first two rounds at G/45 plus a 30-second increment. Therefore, the event gives stronger sections both a full 3-day route and a compressed 2-day option.

Meanwhile, the U1300 and U1000 sections use shorter controls. In those sections, the base control is G/75 with a 5-second delay, while Rounds 1 and 2 on the 2-day schedule use G/45 d5. Additionally, the U1300 3-day schedule uses G/75 d5 for all rounds. The tournament also applies minimum ratings in the top six sections, which helps reduce mismatches.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Maryland Chess Association organizes 71st Annual Maryland Open as one of its flagship open tournaments in Rockville. In addition, the association regularly runs major Maryland events for adult and scholastic players. Because of that experience, players can expect a structured weekend event with broad section coverage and practical tournament operations.

• Address: 1827 Thornton Ridge Road, Towson, MD 21204, USA

• Email: tournaments@mdchess.com

• Website: https://mdchess.com/

🏨 Venue

Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, USA

The playing site is the Rockville Hilton, which hosts the tournament in Rockville. In addition, the organizer highlights the hotel location as a practical benefit because it sits next to a DC Metro stop. Players also receive a published tournament room rate and an entry-fee discount if they stay at the hotel.

🛎️ Accommodation

Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, USA

The organizer lists an official room rate of USD 149 per night. In addition, players who stay at the hotel receive a USD 5 entry-fee discount. The official booking method is the tournament hotel reservation link provided by the organizer.

🚗 How to Get There

The venue is on Rockville Pike in Rockville, which makes it straightforward to reach by car from the surrounding Maryland and Washington, DC area. In addition, the organizer emphasizes the hotel’s location next to a DC Metro stop, so rail access is also a practical option for many players.

Meanwhile, players who stay at the Rockville Hilton can keep tournament logistics simple because the hotel and playing site are the same location. As a result, the event can work well for both local competitors and visiting players who want a convenient weekend setup.

If you want a major weekend chess tournament in Rockville with many sections, flexible schedules, and a deep guaranteed prize structure, 71st Annual Maryland Open offers one of the strongest open events on the Maryland calendar.