58th annual LIBERTY BELL OPEN & BLITZ
The 58th annual Liberty Bell Open returns to Center City, Philadelphia over MLK weekend (16–19 January 2026). A polished 7‑round Swiss with 4‑Day and 3‑Day schedules (merging to the long control), $25,000 guaranteed prizes, FIDE‑rated upper sections, and a late‑night Blitz Championship on Saturday.
📌 Event Details
| 📅 Dates | 16–19 January 2026 (Fri–Mon) · 3‑Day option: 17–19 January (Sat–Mon) |
| 📍 Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA) |
| 🏟️ Venue | Center City Philadelphia tournament hotel |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | US Chess Heritage Event · selected sections FIDE‑rated |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss System |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 7 |
| ⏱️ Time Controls | Long: 40/80, SD/30; d30 (after merge). 3‑Day: Rds 1–2 G/60; d10, then merge to long control. |
| 🧑⚖️ Chief TD | National/IA directing team |
| 💰 Prize Fund | $25,000 guaranteed (main) + separate Blitz prizes |
| 🏢 Organizer | Continental Chess Association |
💰 Prize Fund — $25,000 Guaranteed (Main Event)
| Section | Prizes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship (Open) — FIDE | $2,500 | $1,300 | $700 | $500 | $300 |
| Clear/tiebreak 1st bonus | +$100 | ||||
| Top USCF U2300 (within Championship) | $1,200 | $600 | — | — | — |
| Under 2300 — FIDE | $1,600 | $800 | $400 | $300 | $200 |
| Under 2100 — FIDE | $1,600 | $800 | $400 | $300 | $200 |
| Under 1900 — FIDE | $1,600 | $800 | $400 | $300 | $200 |
| Under 1700 | $1,400 | $700 | $400 | $300 | $200 |
| Under 1500 | $1,200 | $600 | $400 | $300 | $200 |
| Under 1250 | $1,000 | $500 | $400 | $300 | $200 |
| Under 1000 | $800 | $400 | $250 | $150 | $100 |
| Mixed Doubles Bonus (all sections combined) | $800 | $400 | $200 | — | — |
Unrated prize limits: U1000 $100; U1250 $200; U1500 $300; U1700 $400; U1900 $500. One prize per player (except Mixed Doubles).
🧩 Sections
- Championship (Open) — FIDE‑rated
- U2300 — FIDE‑rated
- U2100 — FIDE‑rated
- U1900 — FIDE‑rated
- U1700
- U1500
- U1250
- U1000
Ratings used: January USCF list; if otherwise unrated, Online Regular/Unofficial may be used for placement. You may not play below your Online Regular rating minus 100.
⏱️ Time Control & System
- System: 7‑round Swiss.
- Long control: 40/80, SD/30; d30 (used by 4‑Day, and by 3‑Day after merge).
- 3‑Day acceleration: Rounds 1–2 at G/60; d10, then long control from Round 3.
- Byes: Up to 2 half‑point byes (any rounds) if requested before Round 2.
- Fair‑play/electronics: US Chess & event policies enforced.
📅 Schedules (local time)
4‑Day (Fri–Mon)
- Fri (Jan 16): Registration until 6:00 pm · Round 1 — 7:00 pm
- Sat (Jan 17): Round 2 — 11:00 am · Round 3 — 5:00 pm
- Sun (Jan 18): Round 4 — 11:00 am · Round 5 — 5:00 pm
- Mon (Jan 19): Round 6 — 10:00 am · Round 7 — 3:30 pm → awards
3‑Day (Sat–Mon)
- Sat (Jan 17): Registration until 10:00 am · Round 1 — 11:00 am (G/60; d10) · Round 2 — 2:00 pm (G/60; d10) · Round 3 — 5:00 pm
- Sun (Jan 18): Round 4 — 11:00 am · Round 5 — 5:00 pm
- Mon (Jan 19): Round 6 — 10:00 am · Round 7 — 3:30 pm
⚡ Liberty Bell Blitz (Saturday Night)
- When: Saturday, 17 January 2026 (late evening; on‑site registration shortly before start)
- Format: 5 double‑rounds (10 games), Swiss
- Time Control: G/3; d2
- Entry: on‑site
- Prizes: guaranteed blitz purse with overall & class awards
🧾 Entry & Fees
- Advance online entry with early‑bird discount; higher later/on‑site (until ~1 hr before R1).
- U1000 EF typically $40 less than upper sections at each tier.
- GM policy: modest prize deduction in lieu of EF.
- Refunds: minus small service fee; credit cards accepted; no checks.
- Re‑entry: typically available (fee applies; not top‑to‑top).
🏟️ Venue
Center City Philadelphia tournament hotel — spacious ballrooms, skittles areas, strong lighting, and walkable access to cafés, markets, and transit.
🛏️ Accommodation (Chess Rate)
- Special Liberty Bell room block at the on‑site hotel (limited inventory) — reserve early.
- Overflow options available within a short walk in Center City.
🚇 How to Get There
- By Air: Philadelphia International (PHL) — rideshare/taxi 20–30 minutes.
- By Train: SEPTA Regional Rail to Suburban Station — 10–12 minute walk.
- By Car: Via I‑76 / I‑95; nearby garages and lots.
A polished MLK‑weekend tradition with deep sections, guaranteed prizes, and a lively blitz — the Liberty Bell Open 2026 brings classic big‑event energy to the heart of Philadelphia.
