The Thanksgiving Open Blitz takes place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott in Dulles, Virginia. Organized by the Atlantic Chess Association, the tournament is a fast-paced nine-round Swiss played in a single Open section during the 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Open weekend.
All games use the standard international blitz time control of G/3+2, giving each player three minutes plus a two-second increment per move. The tournament is FIDE rated, while registration also requires a valid US Chess ID. With nine games scheduled in one evening, players get a substantial amount of competitive blitz without separate rating sections.
The event offers a $250 guaranteed prize fund, including prizes for first and second place and an additional U1800 class award. The first round is scheduled for approximately 8:00 PM, with the remaining rounds played as soon as possible afterward.
♟️ Event Details
Thanksgiving Open Blitz is a one-evening side event during the Atlantic Chess Association’s Thanksgiving tournament weekend. The competition is open to players in a single section and combines nine FIDE-rated blitz rounds with guaranteed cash prizes.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| 🏷️ Title | Thanksgiving Open Blitz |
| 📅 Date | November 14, 2026 |
| 🌎 Country | United States |
| 📍 City | Dulles, Virginia |
| 🏨 Venue | Washington Dulles Airport Marriott |
| 👥 Organizer | Atlantic Chess Association |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round Swiss System |
| 🧩 Sections | Open |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/3+2 |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated |
| 🪪 US Chess ID | Required for registration |
| 💰 Prize Fund | $250 guaranteed |
| 💳 Entry Fee | $30–$35 |
| 🌐 Event Type | Over-the-board |
| ♿ Handicap Accessible | No |
| 🏠 Residency Restriction | None |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
All nine rounds use G/3+2. Each player starts with three minutes and receives a two-second increment after every move, creating the standard fast-paced format used for FIDE-rated blitz competition.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| ♟️ Pairing System | Swiss System |
| 🔢 Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/3+2 |
| ➕ Increment | 2 seconds per move |
| ⭐ FIDE Rated | Yes |
| 🧩 Playing Section | Open |
Players from different rating levels compete together in the same Open section. The U1800 award is a prize category within the Open section, not a separate playing group.
🏆 Prize Fund
The tournament offers $250 in guaranteed cash prizes. Unlike the prize funds of some larger weekend tournaments, these awards are not dependent on reaching a specified number of entries.
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Place | $125 |
| 🥈 2nd Place | $75 |
| 🎯 U1800 Class Prize | $50 |
| 💰 Total Guaranteed Prize Fund | $250 |
The U1800 award gives a lower-rated player an additional prize opportunity while everyone continues to compete in the same Open section.
🧩 Sections / Groups
Thanksgiving Open Blitz has one Open section. There are no separate championship or rating-based groups.
| Section / Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Open | All tournament participants |
| U1800 | Class prize category within the Open section |
Therefore, the U1800 designation affects prize eligibility only and does not create a separate pairing pool.
🗓️ Schedule
All nine rounds are played on Saturday evening. The tournament begins at approximately 8:00 PM, and the organizer intends to start each subsequent round as quickly as practical after the preceding round finishes.
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| ♟️ Round 1 | Approximately 8:00 PM |
| ♟️ Rounds 2–9 | As soon as possible after each preceding round |
Because blitz games are short and the later rounds do not have fixed published starting times, players should plan to remain at the venue continuously from the beginning of Round 1 until the tournament concludes.
📝 Registration
Advance registration is available through CaissaChess. The entry fee increases on tournament day, so registering no later than November 13 provides the lower rate.
| Registration Period | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| By November 13, 2026 | $30 |
| November 14, 2026 | $35 |
A valid US Chess ID is required on the registration form.
Withdrawals are subject to a $10 processing fee.
Official registration:
https://caissachess.net/register/11114502
👥 Organizer
The Atlantic Chess Association organizes Thanksgiving Open Blitz as part of its program of classical, rapid, blitz, scholastic, and other rated chess events.
| Contact | |
|---|---|
| 👥 Organizer Name | Atlantic Chess Association |
| 👤 Contact Person | Shilpa Vaidya |
| ✉️ Email | director@atlanticchessassociation.com |
| ☎️ Phone | +1 703 975 6032 |
📍 Venue
The tournament takes place at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, the same hotel hosting the associated Thanksgiving Open weekend events.
Washington Dulles Airport Marriott – 45020 Aviation Dr, Dulles, VA 20166, United States
The airport hotel location is particularly convenient for players traveling from outside the Washington metropolitan area.
🚆 How to Get There
The venue is located beside Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The hotel provides transportation and parking options that make the tournament accessible for both local players and those arriving by air.
| Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| ✈️ From Dulles Airport | Free hotel shuttle to/from the airport terminals |
| 🚌 Hotel Shuttle | Approximately every 15 minutes |
| 🚇 Metro | Washington Dulles International Airport is served by the Silver Line |
| 🚗 Driving | Washington Dulles Airport Road can be used to reach the venue without a toll |
| 🅿️ Parking | Free daytime parking published for tournament visitors |
Players arriving shortly before the tournament should allow enough time to reach the hotel from the airport terminal or parking area before the approximately 8:00 PM first round.
ℹ️ Other Information
Thanksgiving Open Blitz is held during the 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Open, which runs from November 13–15, 2026 at the same Washington Dulles Airport Marriott venue. Therefore, players participating in the main weekend tournament can also add a separate evening blitz competition to their schedule.
The organizer uses CaissaChess for tournament registration. Pairings, standings, bye information, and other tournament-management information may be published separately closer to the event.
Because the event is FIDE rated, players should ensure that their personal and rating information entered during registration is accurate.
Players who withdraw after registering should note that a $10 processing fee applies.
Official tournament listing:
https://new.uschess.org/thanksgiving-open-blitz-0
Official registration:
https://caissachess.net/register/11114502
Organizer website:
https://www.atlanticchessassociation.com/
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $250
Organizer
♟️ About Atlantic Chess Association
The Atlantic Chess Association organizes rated chess events across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and Texas. It holds an official affiliation with the US Chess Federation. Moreover, the association welcomes players of different ages, ratings, and competitive backgrounds. Its programs combine organized competition, chess education, and community development.
Shilpa Vaidya is the founder and director of the Atlantic Chess Association. She has managed tournaments in both the DC Metro area and Texas for more than four years. In addition, she remains directly involved in tournament planning and event delivery. This hands-on leadership gives the organization a clear and personal identity.
The wider team also includes Ameya Haldankar, a certified US Chess local tournament director and experienced player. He has directed more than 40 US Chess-rated tournaments. Furthermore, he has supported the association’s tournaments and summer-camp activities. Together, the team focuses on reliable organization, respectful communication, and a positive player experience.
🏆 Tournaments and Competitive Events
Atlantic Chess Association runs a varied annual program of classical, rapid, blitz, action, bughouse, and scholastic tournaments. Its calendar includes major weekend opens and shorter side events. Therefore, players can choose between serious multi-day competitions and faster one-day formats.
The organization’s recurring events include the Independence Day Open, Blue Ridge Open, Presidents’ Day Open, Thanksgiving Open, and Charity Chess Tournament. Several events also include separate scholastic, blitz, action, or bughouse competitions. As a result, each tournament weekend can serve several groups of players.
The association also organizes FIDE-rated sections and strong open competitions. For example, its Independence Day Open has attracted grandmasters, titled players, ambitious juniors, and experienced club competitors. In addition, the event has offered several rating sections and a substantial prize fund.
Professional event management remains one of the organization’s main priorities. Rounds aim to begin on time, while organizers remain available throughout each tournament. Moreover, top-board games may appear live on Chess.com and Lichess. The association also emphasizes anti-cheating controls, prompt rating submissions, and clear player communication.
Cash prizes normally reach winners without unnecessary delays. In many cases, the organizer distributes them on the final tournament day. Furthermore, the association publishes schedules, entry information, prize details, and tournament conditions before each event. This approach helps players prepare with greater confidence.
🎓 Chess Education and Community Programs
Beyond tournament organization, Atlantic Chess Association provides chess classes, weekly lessons, and summer camps. These programs support beginners, developing juniors, and more advanced students. Consequently, participants can continue improving between competitive events.
Its group classes include separate learning pathways for beginner and advanced players. The association also offers trial opportunities and longer instructional sessions. In addition, students can receive structured coaching throughout several months.
Summer camps combine chess instruction with practical play and group activities. The programs give young players more time to study tactics, strategy, and tournament skills. Meanwhile, experienced tournament directors help create an organized and supportive learning environment.
The association also supports community-based and scholastic events in Virginia, Maryland, Texas, and nearby areas. These tournaments introduce younger players to structured competition. Moreover, they give families access to events designed around school-age participants and developing players.
Through rated tournaments, scholastic competitions, classes, camps, and professional event management, Atlantic Chess Association continues to expand its regional role. Its activities connect serious competition with long-term player development. Above all, the organization aims to make chess events competitive, welcoming, and professionally managed.
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