56th Annual National Chess Congress
The National Chess Congress celebrates its 56th edition in 2025, returning to Philadelphia for a weekend of high-level competitive chess, heritage tradition and event innovation. From Friday through Sunday players of all levels gather at a central downtown hotel to compete in multiple sections under US Chess and FIDE ratings, vie for a prize fund in excess of $45,000, and enjoy full tournament services including side-events, blitz, mixed-doubles and hotel accommodation specials.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30, 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 3-day schedule for top sections: 6 rounds over weekend; 2-day options for other sections |
| 💵 Entry Fee | Top 8 sections: $138 online early • $160 later / on-site. Under-800/600 sections: $52 early • $70 later. Mixed-doubles entry included. |
| 🏆 Prize Fund | $45,000 guaranteed across all sections |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess rated; FIDE rated for top sections |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all US and international players; no residency restriction |
| ♣️ Specials | Mixed Doubles team competition (male+female) with bonus prizes |
🏆 Prize Fund & Breakdown
The tournament guarantees over $45,000 in prizes, with special mixed-doubles bonuses and class section prizes for unrated players.
| Section | Top 1st Prize | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Premier / Top Section | Approx. $4,000 for first | Clear win or tiebreak bonus available |
| Other rating-based sections (U2200, U2000, etc.) | Substantial awards for 1st | FIDE rated, full cash prizes |
| Under-800 & Under-600 sections | Plaques & tournament entries | Special entry level; limited cash awards |
| Mixed Doubles (male + female) | $2,000 / $1,000 / $600 / $400 | Team average rating must be <2200; register before Round 2 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Standard sections: time control 40 moves in 80 minutes + 30 minutes + 30 second increment (or similar)
Mixed Doubles and blitz side-events run separate controls and schedules
Swiss pairing system used; accelerated pairings possible
Half-point byes allowed (up to 3) if committed before Round 3
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility | Schedule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier / Open | All players, top rated | 3-day, 6 rounds | Highest prize fund; FIDE eligible |
| U2200 | USCF rating <2200 | 3-day, 6 rounds | FIDE rated |
| U2000 | USCF rating <2000 | 3-day, 6 rounds | |
| U1800 | USCF rating <1800 | 3-day, 6 rounds | |
| U1600 | USCF rating <1600 | 3-day, 6 rounds | |
| U1400 | USCF rating <1400 | 3-day, 6 rounds | |
| U800 & U600 | USCF rating <800 / <600 | 2-day format | Entry fee lower; plaques & limited cash |
| Mixed Doubles | Male + Female team | Runs within event | Combined team score; bonus prizes |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Nov 28 | 12:00 PM | Registration (top sections) & Round 1 |
| Fri, Nov 28 | 6:00 PM | Round 2 |
| Sat, Nov 29 | 10:00 AM | Round 3 |
| Sat, Nov 29 | 3:30 PM | Round 4 |
| Sat, Nov 29 | 6:45 PM | Blitz Side-Event |
| Sun, Nov 30 | 10:00 AM | Round 5 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | 3:30 PM | Round 6 • Closing Ceremony • Awards |
📝 Registration
Online registration strongly encouraged; early entry fees apply.
On-site registration available until one hour before Round 1 (subject to availability).
Mixed Doubles: teams register on-site before Round 2 begins.
Entry fee includes US Chess membership option for first‐time adult entrants.
Refund policy: partial refunds available with service charge if withdrawn by November 15.
👥 Organizer
The event is organised by Continental Chess Association in partnership with the US Chess Federation, renowned for delivering major national-level chess congresses in accessible formats, with strong hotel accommodation tie-ins in downtown Philadelphia.
Email: entries@chesstour.com
Website: https://www.chesstour.com/
🏨 Venue
A large central-city Philadelphia hotel, located at 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The Congress uses large ballroom spaces, accessible facilities, and offers hotel room-blocks with chess-rates. Parking and nearby public garages available.
🛎️ Accommodation
Main hotel room-block: rates from approx. $122/night early booking (Chess parking discount approx. 25% off standard).
Reserve via the hotel’s chess-rate link or by phone, referencing “National Chess Congress” before the cut-off date (Nov 12).
On-site parking available; public garages within walking distance (rate approx. $12/day on weekends).
🚗 How to Get There
By Air: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) ~15 minutes via taxi/rideshare.
By Road: Accessible via I-76, I-95; venue in downtown Philadelphia near transit.
By Train/Bus: Amtrak 30th Street Station (Philadelphia) ~1 mile from venue; local trolley/metro options.
Local Transport: Taxi, rideshare, city transit/buses available; downtown parking garages recommended.
Celebrate the rich tradition of the National Chess Congress and join this milestone 56th edition in Philadelphia — strong cash prizes, broad section variety, and a welcoming major event setting in a historic city.