4th Annual Independence Day Open takes place from July 5-9, 2026 in Dulles, Virginia, USA. This is a chess tournament in Dulles, Virginia, in 2026. The event features three main sections, a long multi-day Swiss format, FIDE rated upper sections, and a substantial guaranteed cash prize fund. In addition, the tournament includes the Independence Day Open Blitz on July 7, which adds a FIDE-rated blitz side event at the same venue during the festival.

Moreover, 4th Annual Independence Day Open offers a strong holiday-week chess experience in the Washington area for serious competitors across several rating groups. Because the schedule stretches over three to five days depending on section, players can settle into a deeper competitive rhythm than in a standard weekend open. Meanwhile, the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott makes travel easier for visitors, and top boards are broadcast online at https://www.chess.com/events/info/4th-annual-independence-day-open for players and followers who want to watch the action live.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The combined confirmed cash prize fund for the main event and the blitz side event is approximately USD 10,950. The main event accounts for USD 10,700 based on 100 full paid entries, while the blitz adds USD 250 in guaranteed prizes.

Main Event – Premier

Main Event – U2200

Main Event – U1600

Unrated players in the U1600 section are limited to USD 200.

Main Event – Mixed Doubles

The mixed doubles award goes to the best male-female two-player team by combined score across all sections. The team must have a combined average rating below 2200, and registration must be completed before the start of Round 3.

Independence Day Open Blitz

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The main event uses a long-play format with 90 minutes per player and a 30-second increment from move one. That pace gives competitors enough time for serious calculation, deeper middlegame planning, and full endgame play over several days.

The structure changes by section. The Premier section runs for 9 rounds across five days, the U2200 section has 7 rounds across four days, and the U1600 section plays 5 rounds across three days. In addition, the forfeit time in the main event is 30 minutes. The Premier section also offers GM and IM norm possibilities, which raises the competitive level at the top of the tournament.

The Independence Day Open Blitz is a separate side event on July 7. It runs as a 9-round Swiss and uses a 3-minute time control with a 2-second increment. As a result, players can shift from long games in the main event to a much faster FIDE-rated evening competition on the same festival schedule.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Atlantic Chess Association organizes 4th Annual Independence Day Open and its side events as part of its active calendar of rated tournaments in the DC metro area. In addition, the association has built a visible schedule of holiday and seasonal events, which gives players a familiar and growing regional organizer. Because of that experience, participants can expect a competitive environment with clearly defined sections and practical event operations.

• Email: director@atlanticchessassociation.com

• Phone: +1 703 975 6032

• Website: https://www.atlanticchessassociation.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantic_chess

🏨 Venue

Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Dr, Dulles, VA 20166, USA

The playing venue is a hotel site near Washington Dulles International Airport, which can make travel much easier for out-of-town players. In addition, the event benefits from a tournament-friendly setup with on-site lodging and free daytime parking. The airport-area location also helps reduce transfer time for players arriving by air.

🛎️ Accommodation

Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Dr, Dulles, VA 20166, USA

The organizer lists a chess rate of USD 109 per night for a single-bed room and USD 119 per night for a double-bed room. In addition, the last day to book under that rate is June 12, 2026.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Chantilly

A second chess rate is available at USD 99 per night. Breakfast is included.

🚗 How to Get There

Players arriving by car can use Washington Dulles Airport Road without tolls to reach the venue. In addition, the hotel offers free daytime parking, which can make the trip more convenient for local participants.

Meanwhile, visitors flying into Dulles can use the hotel’s free shuttle service to and from the terminal every 15 minutes. The venue is also presented as convenient to the Silver Line Metro area, so public transport can work well for many players.

🧾 Other

The main event is supported by live top-board coverage on Chess.com, which gives players, fans, and organizers an easy way to follow featured games during the tournament. For broadcast details and event coverage, visit https://www.chess.com/events/info/4th-annual-independence-day-open.

If you want a long-format summer chess tournament in Virginia with FIDE-rated upper sections, a blitz side event, and a travel-friendly hotel venue, 4th Annual Independence Day Open offers a strong competitive experience near Washington Dulles.