The 2025 North Carolina Open returns on Thanksgiving Weekend, held November 28–30 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place in Charlotte, NC. This annual highlight by the Charlotte Chess Center features six classical rounds across seven rating-based sections, a guaranteed prize fund of $12,500, and vibrant side-events including a $2,000 blitz and a K-8 scholastic tournament. With free parking and internet, it offers a high-value chess experience in a welcoming resort setting.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | November 28–30, 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Hilton Charlotte University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 6-Round Swiss across 7 sections; 3-day and 2-day schedules offered |
| 💵 Entry Fee | Main sections entry around $140; K-8 Scholastic entry approx. $45 |
| 🏆 Prize Fund | $12,500 guaranteed across all sections |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess & FIDE rated (top sections) |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all; sections by rating and FIDE eligibility where applicable |
🏆 Prize Fund & Breakdown
| Section | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship (FIDE) | $1,200 | $600 | $400 | $300 |
| Under 2000 (FIDE) | $1,000 | $500 | $300 | $200 |
| Under 1800 (FIDE) | $800 | $400 | $300 | $200 |
| Under 1600 | $800 | $400 | $300 | $200 |
| Under 1400 | $700 | $400 | $300 | $200 |
| Under 1200 | $600 | $400 | $300 | $200 |
| Under 1000 | $600 | $400 | $300 | $200 |
(Note: 100-point “playing up” rule applies in each section.)
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Classical rounds: one game per session; time controls standard (e.g., G/90 + 30″ or similar) as per tournament handbook.
2-day option: rounds may be compressed into Saturday & Sunday.
Pairings: Swiss system, full cross-section play where applicable.
Side blitz: $2,000 prize blitz event on Saturday evening; separate registration.
Scholastic (K-8) on Friday morning for younger players.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility | Rounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Championship (FIDE) | Open to all; top-section | 6 | FIDE rated |
| Under 2000 (FIDE) | Rating <2000 | 6 | FIDE rated |
| Under 1800 (FIDE) | Rating <1800 | 6 | FIDE rated |
| Under 1600 | Rating <1600 | 6 | — |
| Under 1400 | Rating <1400 | 6 | — |
| Under 1200 | Rating <1200 | 6 | — |
| Under 1000 | Rating <1000 | 6 | — |
| Blitz Side-Event | Open | 1 | $2,000 prize pool |
| K-8 Scholastic | Grade K-8 | 1-2 | Friday only |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Nov 28 | 9:00 AM | K-8 Scholastic (U700) |
| Fri, Nov 28 | 6:00 PM | Round 1 (all sections) |
| Sat, Nov 29 | 10:00 AM | Round 2 |
| Sat, Nov 29 | 3:30 PM | Round 3 |
| Sat, Nov 29 | 7:00 PM | $2,000 Blitz (Side-Event) |
| Sun, Nov 30 | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | 2:30 PM | Round 5 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | 6:30 PM | Round 6 • Closing & Awards Ceremony |
📝 Registration
Online registration strongly encouraged; closes 75 minutes before Round 1.
On-site registration accepted with surcharge, typically Friday evening or Saturday morning (subject to availability).
Entry fee includes US Chess membership for first-time adult entrants if selected.
Side-events (Blitz, Scholastic) require separate registration/fee.
Refunds: partial refunds available until November 20; after that entry is credited to next year.
👥 Organizer
The Charlotte Chess Center (CCC) organizes the NC Open, a trusted venue for major open tournaments in the U.S., known for strong administration, FIDE & USCF rating support, and welcoming player environment.
Phone: (980) 265-9155
🏨 Venue
Hilton Charlotte University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA. Free parking and free high-speed internet included; modern hotel with multiple dining options, situated near University Place shopping & dining.
🛎️ Accommodation
Special chess rate: Approx. $129/night (plus taxes/fees) for participants (book early; Thanksgiving weekend sells fast).
Complimentary parking, hotel amenities including restaurants, lounge, fitness centre.
Reserve via hotel link or call, mention “NC Open Chess Tournament” cut-off date typically one month prior.
🚗 How to Get There
By Air: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) ~20 minutes by car to venue.
By Road: Easy access via I-85 and I-77; venue right off Exit 11 of Billy Graham Parkway.
By Train/Public: Amtrak “Charlotte Gateway Station” downtown; taxi or rideshare ~15 minutes.
Local: Hotel has complimentary valet/self parking; rideshare available.
Join the 2025 North Carolina Open for an affordable, high-value chess festival in Charlotte this Thanksgiving weekend — strong sections, cash prizes, side-events and a friendly player experience await!
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.