3rd Annual Benjamin Franklin Open will take place from July 31 – August 2, 2026, in Westampton, New Jersey, USA. This is a chess tournament in Westampton, New Jersey, USA, in 2026.

Moreover, the event offers a 5-round weekend Swiss format at Hilton Garden Inn Mount Holly/Westampton. Players can choose between Premier, Under 1800, and Under 1400 sections.

In addition, the Premier section is FIDE-rated, while all sections are US Chess-rated. Therefore, the Benjamin Franklin Open gives players a practical summer tournament with flexible schedules, a guaranteed prize fund, and strong regional access near Philadelphia and Trenton.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Main Time Control

Players receive Game in 110 minutes, plus a 10-second increment. Therefore, the main schedule gives players enough time for serious rated games.

The tournament uses a 5-round Swiss System. In addition, the Premier section counts for FIDE rating and US Chess rating.

2-Day Schedule

The 2-day schedule starts on Saturday. Round 1 of the 2-day schedule uses Game in 45 minutes + 10-second increment.

After that, the 2-day schedule merges with the 3-day schedule for Round 2. As a result, players in the Under 1800 and Under 1400 sections can choose a shorter weekend option.

Pairings and Forfeit Rule

Players may request up to two half-point byes. Moreover, on-site registration closes 30 minutes before Round 1.

The forfeit time is 30 minutes. Therefore, a player who does not arrive within 30 minutes after the scheduled start may lose by forfeit unless the tournament director decides otherwise.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The tournament has a $3,500 guaranteed prize fund. Each section has separate prizes for the top three players.

The Premier section offers the highest first prize. Meanwhile, the Under 1800 and Under 1400 sections give class-level players clear prize targets.

Premier Section Prizes

Under 1800 Prizes

Under 1400 Prizes

🏆 Sections / Groups

Tournament Sections

The Premier section is the strongest group. Therefore, it suits players who want FIDE-rated competition and the full three-day schedule.

Meanwhile, the Under 1800 and Under 1400 sections give players more flexibility. They can choose either the 3-day or 2-day schedule.

Rating and Play-Up Rules

Players may not play up by more than 100 rating points. However, they may use either a live unpublished rating or a published rating to qualify for a higher section.

A player may also use a FIDE rating to qualify for the Premier section. In addition, the tournament director may use a live rating for pairing purposes when a player uses it to qualify.

Unrated Player Rules

Unrated players may enter the Under 1400 section. However, they need special permission from the tournament director to play in a higher section.

Players with foreign ratings, FIDE ratings, or provisional US Chess ratings do not count as unrated. Moreover, the tournament director may assign a rating to a player when needed.

📅 Schedule

3-Day Schedule

2-Day Schedule

The Premier section must use the 3-day schedule. Therefore, Premier players should plan to start on Friday evening.

📝 Registration

Entry Fees

Registration Details

Players should register early to secure the lowest entry fee. In addition, early registration helps players choose the correct section and schedule.

On-site registration closes 30 minutes before the first round. Therefore, players who register at the venue should arrive early enough to complete the process.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

DMV Chess organizes the 3rd Annual Benjamin Franklin Open in Westampton, New Jersey. As a result, the tournament gives players from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Virginia, and the wider Mid-Atlantic region a strong summer weekend event.

Moreover, the format combines a guaranteed prize fund, three rating sections, and flexible schedule options. The hotel venue also makes the event practical for both local players and visitors.

Phone: +1 703 609 0499

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Hilton Garden Inn Mount Holly/Westampton – 111 Hancock Lane, Westampton, NJ 08060, United States

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place at Hilton Garden Inn Mount Holly/Westampton. Therefore, players should use the Hancock Lane address when planning arrival.

The hotel offers plenty of parking. In addition, its location gives players convenient road access from several major Mid-Atlantic cities.

🏨 Accommodation

Hotel Venue

The event takes place inside Hilton Garden Inn Mount Holly/Westampton. Therefore, players may choose to stay at the playing site or use nearby hotels in the Westampton and Mount Holly area.

Staying at or near the venue can make the schedule easier. This is especially useful for players who choose the 3-day schedule and start on Friday evening.

✈️ How to Get There

Regional Access

Westampton is located in Burlington County, New Jersey. Moreover, the venue is within practical driving distance of several major cities.

Local Planning

The first 3-day round starts at 7:00 PM on Friday. Meanwhile, the 2-day schedule starts at 11:00 AM on Saturday.

As a result, players should choose the schedule that best fits their travel plan. They should also allow time for hotel check-in, parking, registration, and finding the playing room.

ℹ️ Other Information

Under 1400 Pairing System

The Under 1400 section uses Monrad Swiss pairings. Therefore, players in a wide rating range should get more balanced pairings than in a standard Swiss section.

This can help reduce large rating mismatches. As a result, the section may feel more practical for developing and lower-rated players.

Equipment and Related Event

Boards and pieces are provided for all players. However, players should bring a clock if they have one.

A separate Benjamin Franklin Open Scholastic event is also listed. Therefore, families with scholastic players should check the related scholastic event before registering.

Finally, the 3rd Annual Benjamin Franklin Open offers a guaranteed prize fund, flexible schedules, rated sections, and a practical hotel venue in Westampton, New Jersey.