10th Annual George Washington Open
Northern Virginia’s early-spring chess calendar centers on the 10th annual George Washington Open, running from Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Dulles, Virginia, USA. This US Chess Heritage Event and Enhanced Grand Prix tournament awards 120 Grand Prix points and offers a 5-round Swiss with both 3-Day and 2-Day schedules. The tournament takes place at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, located directly on the grounds of Washington Dulles International Airport for maximum travel convenience.
Players compete for a $17,000 guaranteed prize fund spread across five rating sections, including two FIDE-rated upper groups. The event uses a long classical time control, with the 2-Day schedule merging into the main schedule after the initial faster rounds. A separate mixed doubles competition, generous class prizes, and on-site amenities make this event one of the most accessible and attractive weekend tournaments in the region.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | February 27-March 1, 2026 (3-Day) · February 28–March 1, 2026 (2-Day) |
| 📍 Location | Dulles, Virginia, USA |
| 🏨 Venue | Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Drive, Dulles, VA 20166, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss with 3-Day and 2-Day schedules that merge into a unified event |
| ⭐ Rating | US Chess-rated; Major and Under 2100 sections FIDE-rated |
| 📂 Sections | Major (1900+), Under 2100, Under 1800, Under 1500, Under 1200 |
| ⏱️ Time control | 40/80, SD/30 with 30-second delay (2-Day begins with G/60; d10 for rounds 1–2) |
| 💰 Prize fund | $17,000 guaranteed |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | US Chess Heritage Event · Enhanced Grand Prix (120 pts) · US Chess Junior Grand Prix |
🏆 Prize Fund
The tournament awards $17,000 guaranteed, including large overall prizes and multiple class awards in every section, plus separate mixed doubles prizes.
Main Section Prizes
| Section | Main prizes | Class / bonus prizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major (1900+) | $2000 – $1000 – $600 – $400; clear-first bonus $100 | Top Under 2300: $600 – $300 | FIDE-rated |
| Under 2100 | $1300 – $700 – $400 – $200 | Top Under 1900: $600 – $300 | FIDE-rated |
| Under 1800 | $1200 – $600 – $300 – $200 | Top Under 1600: $500 – $250 | US Chess-rated |
| Under 1500 | $1000 – $500 – $300 – $150 | Top Under 1300: $400 – $200 | US Chess-rated |
| Under 1200 | $700 – $400 – $300 – $200 | Top Under 1000: $200 – $100 | US Chess-rated |
Mixed Doubles
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Mixed Doubles prizes | $500 – $300 – $200 for the top three male+female teams |
| Team rules | Combined average rating under 2200; teammates may play in different sections or schedules; free registration required by 2:00 PM Saturday |
All cash prizes are guaranteed and follow standard Continental Chess Association prize-payout procedures. Players may win only one prize per section.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The main schedule uses a long classical control:
• 40 moves in 80 minutes, then sudden death in 30 minutes, with 30-second delay from move one.
The 2-Day schedule begins with:
• Rounds 1–2: G/60; d10
• Rounds 3–5: merge into the long schedule
All sections play five rounds using Swiss system pairings. The Major and Under 2100 sections are FIDE-rated; the remaining sections follow US Chess rules. Standard color, float, and pairing guidelines apply.
A weekend blitz tournament is typically held as a side event under separate rules.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Current or peak US Chess rating 1900+ | FIDE-rated |
| Under 2100 | Under 2100 | FIDE-rated |
| Under 1800 | Under 1800 | US Chess-rated |
| Under 1500 | Under 1500 | US Chess-rated |
| Under 1200 | Under 1200 | US Chess-rated; entry fees $20 lower than other sections |
Players select sections based on their official US Chess ratings. Some class prizes exclude unrated players.
📅 Schedule
The event runs over three calendar days with a choice of schedules.
| Date | Weekday | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|
| February 27, 2026 | Friday | Round 1 for 3-Day schedule |
| February 28, 2026 | Saturday | Rounds for both schedules; 2-Day schedule begins and merges |
| March 1, 2026 | Sunday | Final rounds and awards ceremony |
The round-by-round timetable, including exact start times and merge details, is published by Continental Chess on the official event page.
📝 Registration
Entries are handled through the Continental Chess Association online entry system.
Key points:
• Advance entry required through the organizer’s website
• Choose either 3-Day or 2-Day schedule during registration
• US Chess membership required for all sections
• FIDE-rated sections require proper federation registration
• Mixed doubles registration is free and must be completed on site before 2:00 PM Saturday
• Refunds, late fees, re-entry rules, and online-payment terms follow standard CCA policies
Players are encouraged to register early to avoid higher late-entry fees.
👥 Organizer
The Continental Chess Association (CCA) organizes the 10th annual George Washington Open.
Email: director@chessaction.com
Website: https://www.chesstour.com
🏨 Venue
All rounds take place at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Drive, Dulles, VA 20166, USA. The hotel provides a large ballroom, on-site restaurants, fitness facilities, an indoor pool, and a free shuttle service to and from Washington Dulles International Airport.
🛎️ Accommodation
Players may book accommodation directly at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, the official host hotel. Rooms feature Wi-Fi, workspace areas, dining options, and fitness amenities. Early booking is recommended to secure tournament-rate rooms if available.
🚗 How to Get There
The Marriott stands directly on the grounds of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), making air travel the easiest option. A free airport shuttle runs regularly between the terminals and the hotel. Drivers can reach the venue via VA-28 or the Dulles Access Road (VA-267), then follow signs to Aviation Drive. The property also connects to the Washington Metro Silver Line through the Dulles station, followed by a short shuttle or rideshare trip.
The 10th annual George Washington Open offers a fully guaranteed prize fund, flexible schedules, and a convenient airport-side venue, making it one of the most competitive and accessible classical events on the US weekend chess circuit.