US Masters / NC Open Blitz takes place on November 28, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. This is a chess tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, in 2026. The event gives players a fast and competitive over-the-board chess tournament option during Thanksgiving weekend at Hilton Charlotte University Place. It features a two-section blitz chess tournament, carries both US Chess and FIDE Blitz rating, and offers a guaranteed USD 2,000 prize fund.
Moreover, this chess tournament in Charlotte adds an exciting speed-chess option alongside the US Masters and North Carolina Open. The event welcomes outside entries, while players already competing in the main weekend events receive free entry. In addition, the late-night schedule, clear section split, and FIDE Blitz rating make this chess event in Charlotte especially attractive for players who want a sharp, high-energy rated blitz tournament in North Carolina.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | November 28, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Charlotte, North Carolina, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 6-round Swiss blitz tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess Blitz rated and FIDE Blitz rated |
| 📂 Sections | Blitz Championship, Under 2000 |
| ⏱️ Time control | G/3 + 2-second increment |
| 💳 Entry fee | Free for players in the US Masters, NC Open, or NCO Scholastic; $40 for other players |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 2,000 (approx.) |
| 👤 Eligibility | Open to all players |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | On-site registration only; no online or emailed registration |
🏆 Prize Fund
The guaranteed cash prize fund totals $2,000.
| Section | Cash prizes |
|---|---|
| Blitz Championship (2000+) | $600, $300, $200, $100; Top U2400 USCF: $100; Top U2200 USCF: $100 |
| Under 2000 | $250, $150, $100; Top U1700: $60; Top U1400: $40 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 6-round blitz format. Each player receives 3 minutes for the game plus a 2-second increment from move one. In addition, both sections are US Chess Blitz rated and FIDE Blitz rated. November US Chess regular ratings are used for pairings and prizes. However, the chief arbiter may use live ratings, US Chess Blitz ratings, FIDE Classical ratings, FIDE Blitz ratings, or other higher ratings when appropriate.
The event also applies section rules connected to the main weekend tournaments. Players in the NC Open Championship section play in the Blitz Championship. Meanwhile, players in Under 2000 or lower sections of the main event play in the Under 2000 blitz section. On-site registered players enter the section that matches their rating. Moreover, players may not play up unless the chief arbiter approves it.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blitz Championship | 2000+ | FIDE Blitz rated |
| Under 2000 | Under 2000 | FIDE Blitz rated |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 28, 2026 | Saturday | 4:00 PM-8:45 PM | On-site registration |
| November 28, 2026 | Saturday | 9:00 PM | Round 1 |
| November 28, 2026 | Saturday | ASAP | Rounds 2-6 |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | On site only |
| Entry fee | Free for players in the US Masters, NC Open, or NCO Scholastic; $40 for other players |
| Registration time | Saturday 4:00 PM-8:45 PM |
| Late entry | Entries after 8:45 PM receive a round 1 bye |
| Online registration | Not available |
| Email registration | Not available |
| Membership | US Chess membership is required |
👥 Organizer
Charlotte Chess Center runs this Thanksgiving weekend blitz event in Charlotte and continues to stage one of the strongest schedules of rated tournaments in the region. In addition, the organizer combines major classical events, scholastic tournaments, and side competitions to create a full festival atmosphere for players across many rating levels.
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Address: 8629 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA
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Phone: +1 980-265-1156
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Website: https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/ncoblitz
🏨 Venue
Hilton Charlotte University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA
The tournament takes place at Hilton Charlotte University Place in the University area of Charlotte. Moreover, the venue offers free internet and free parking, which helps players and guests throughout the weekend. The official hotel rate is $139 per night, and the booking deadline for that rate is November 10, 2026.
🛎️ Accommodation
The official hotel is Hilton Charlotte University Place. The confirmed room rate is $139 per night. In addition, players may need to use the “edit stay” option in the booking system to match their exact tournament dates. The organizer also asks players to contact them if the booking link does not display the correct rate.
🚗 How to Get There
Players can reach the venue easily by car in the University Place area of Charlotte. In addition, the hotel provides free parking, which makes arrival easier for local and visiting participants. Travelers coming from elsewhere can continue into Charlotte and reach the venue by rideshare, taxi, or rental car.
🧾 Other
The organizer provides boards, sets, and clocks, and all players must use that equipment. In addition, attendance at the event gives the organizer permission to take and use photographs and video related to the tournament.
Finish the weekend in Charlotte with a fast, competitive blitz event and enjoy another strong rated tournament during the Thanksgiving chess festival.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $2,000
Organizer
The Charlotte Chess Center serves as the Carolinas’ premier hub for competitive and scholastic chess, fostering growth since its founding in 2011. Each year, CCC organizes flagship tournaments such as the Charlotte Open, the Carolinas Classic, the U.S. Masters Chess Championship, and the Charlotte Summer Open, drawing hundreds of players from across the Southeast. These events feature USCF- and FIDE-rated sections, norm-eligible formats, and high-level prize funds, ensuring both rising talents and seasoned masters enjoy world-class competition under professionally managed conditions.
Beyond its major tournaments, the Center sustains an active calendar of year-round programs: weekly classes for all ages, intensive summer camps, master-level lectures, scholastic leagues, and a thriving membership community. CCC partners with schools, libraries, and regional clubs to deliver outreach initiatives, online coaching, and regular casual play nights—creating a chess ecosystem that supports beginners through titled professionals and cements Charlotte’s reputation as a chess destination.
