The 2025 U.S. Masters will be held November 26–30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Organized by the Charlotte Chess Center (CCC), this prestigious FIDE-rated event attracts top U.S. players, international grandmasters, and ambitious titled competitors from around the world.
As part of the U.S. norm-granting series, the U.S. Masters has built a reputation as one of the strongest open tournaments in the country, providing opportunities for IM and GM title norms. Alongside the elite competition, the event also offers class sections for ambitious players, generous prize funds, and side events in the vibrant city of Charlotte.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | November 26–30, 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Hilton Charlotte Airport Hotel, 2800 Coliseum Centre Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 9-Round Swiss; FIDE & USCF rated |
| 💵 Entry Fee | $150–$250 depending on section and registration date |
| 🏆 Prize Fund | $20,000 guaranteed across all sections |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE & US Chess Federation (USCF) rated |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all; norm chances available for titled players |
| 🎖️ Title Norms | GM/IM norms available (with foreign player mix & FIDE requirements) |
🏆 Prize Fund & Breakdown
Total Prize Fund: $20,000 guaranteed
| Section | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Additional Prizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open (Masters) | $5,000 | $2,500 | $1,500 | Class & rating prizes included |
| U2200 | $2,000 | $1,000 | $600 | Additional class prizes |
| U2000 | $2,000 | $1,000 | $600 | Additional class prizes |
| U1800 | $1,500 | $800 | $500 | Additional class prizes |
| U1600 | $1,000 | $600 | $400 | Trophies & cash |
| Top Women, Seniors, Juniors | $500 each | — | — | Special recognition awards |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Rounds: 9 (Wednesday through Sunday)
Time Control: 40 moves in 90 minutes, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with 30-second increment from move 1
Pairings: Swiss system, accelerated in early rounds if necessary
Byes: Half-point byes available in rounds 1–5 if requested in advance
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility | Rounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open (U.S. Masters) | Open to all; strongest section | 9 rounds | GM/IM norms possible |
| U2200 | Rating <2200 | 9 rounds | USCF & FIDE rated |
| U2000 | Rating <2000 | 9 rounds | |
| U1800 | Rating <1800 | 9 rounds | |
| U1600 | Rating <1600 | 9 rounds | |
| Blitz Side Event | Open to all | 1-day | Prize fund announced separately |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Nov 26 | 6:00 PM | Round 1 |
| Thu, Nov 27 | 10:00 AM / 5:00 PM | Rounds 2–3 |
| Fri, Nov 28 | 10:00 AM / 5:00 PM | Rounds 4–5 |
| Sat, Nov 29 | 10:00 AM / 5:00 PM | Rounds 6–7 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | 9:00 AM / 3:00 PM | Rounds 8–9; Closing & Awards |
📝 Registration
Online Registration: via Charlotte Chess Center website.
Fees: $150–$250 depending on rating and registration date.
Deadlines: Early bird deadline October 31, 2025; regular entries close November 24.
On-site Registration: Wednesday, Nov 26, 2:00–5:00 PM at Hilton Charlotte Airport Hotel.
Refunds: Partial refunds available if requested before November 15.
👥 Organizer
Organized by the Charlotte Chess Center (CCC), one of the premier chess clubs in the U.S., directed by experienced arbiters and staff to ensure fair play and professional tournament conditions.
Phone: (980) 265-9155
Website: https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/usmasters
🏨 Venue
Hilton Charlotte Airport Hotel
2800 Coliseum Centre Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217, USA
Luxury four-star property with spacious playing halls, free Wi-Fi, restaurants, and airport shuttle service.
🛎️ Accommodation
Special chess rate: $139/night for U.S. Masters players and families.
Free shuttle service to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
On-site dining, fitness center, and conference amenities.
🚗 How to Get There
By Air: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – 5 minutes by shuttle.
By Road: Easy access via I-85 and Billy Graham Parkway.
By Rail: Amtrak Charlotte Station – 15 minutes to the venue.
Local: Complimentary hotel shuttle, taxis, and rideshare services.
Join grandmasters, international masters, and rising stars at the 2025 U.S. Masters in Charlotte — norm opportunities, strong competition, and Southern hospitality in one of America’s premier chess destinations!
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.