56th Annual Continental Open takes place from August 13-16, 2026 in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA. This is a chess tournament in Woburn, Massachusetts, in 2026. The event features seven sections, a 7-round Swiss format, FIDE rated upper sections, and a major guaranteed cash prize fund. In addition, the tournament offers multiple schedule options, which makes it suitable for players who prefer either a longer four-day route, a faster three-day format, or a two-day class section schedule.

Moreover, 56th Annual Continental Open stands out as one of the biggest summer chess events in Massachusetts. Because the tournament combines a deep prize structure with a wide class breakdown from the Premier section to Under 1100, it can attract strong masters, ambitious class players, and developing competitors alike. At the same time, the Woburn hotel venue, free parking, and airport-area access make this over-the-board chess tournament especially practical for both regional players and visitors.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The guaranteed total cash prize fund is USD 30,000. In addition, the tournament awards prizes across all seven sections and includes a mixed doubles bonus competition.

Premier

Under-2100

Under-1900

Under-1700

Under-1500

Under-1300

Under-1100

Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes

The mixed doubles bonus goes to the best male-female two-player team by combined score across all sections. The team must average under 2200, players may compete in different sections and schedules, and registration must be completed before both players begin Round 2. Unrated prize limits also apply: USD 100 in Under 1100, USD 200 in Under 1300, USD 300 in Under 1500, USD 400 in Under 1700, USD 500 in Under 1900, and USD 600 in Under 2100. Any remaining balance from a limited prize goes to the next eligible player.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 7-round Swiss structure with different schedules depending on section. In the top five sections, the main pace is 40 moves in 80 minutes followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second delay throughout. That format gives players a full long-play event with enough room for complex middlegames and serious endgame play.

Meanwhile, the schedule options create extra flexibility. The four-day schedule runs from Thursday through Sunday, while the three-day option for Premier through Under 1500 compresses the first two rounds into Friday before merging at the Friday evening round. In addition, the Under 1300 and Under 1100 sections use a two-day format with Game 60 and a 10-second delay throughout. Players may take up to two byes in any rounds, although they must commit before Round 3.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Continental Chess Association organizes 56th Annual Continental Open as part of its long-running calendar of major open tournaments across the United States. In addition, the organizer is well known for heritage events, multi-section class tournaments, and hotel-based weekend competitions with large prize funds. Because of that experience, players can expect a familiar tournament structure with clearly defined sections and established procedures.

• Address: PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803, USA

• Email: director@chess.us

• Website: https://www.chesstour.com/

🏨 Venue

Hilton Boston/Woburn Hotel, 2 Forbes Road, Woburn, MA 01801, USA

The playing site is a full-service hotel venue in Woburn, just north of Boston. In addition, the tournament benefits from free parking, which can simplify arrival for players driving in from around New England. The hotel setting also helps keep lodging and tournament play in one place throughout the event.

🛎️ Accommodation

Hilton Boston/Woburn Hotel, 2 Forbes Road, Woburn, MA 01801, USA

The organizer lists an official chess room rate of USD 169 per night. In addition, players should reserve by July 23, 2026, because the special rate may increase after that date.

🚗 How to Get There

Players arriving by car can head directly to the Hilton Boston/Woburn Hotel and use the free parking available at the venue. In addition, the Woburn location works well for players traveling from the greater Boston area and elsewhere in New England.

Meanwhile, visiting players can use the hotel as a convenient tournament base for the entire event. As a result, this chess tournament in Woburn offers a practical setup for a long summer competition with multiple schedule options and a large field.

If you want a major Massachusetts open with seven sections, flexible scheduling, and one of the strongest guaranteed summer prize funds in the region, 56th Annual Continental Open offers an excellent competitive opportunity.