10th annual GEORGE WASHINGTON OPEN & Blitz
The 10th annual George Washington Open takes place on February 27 – March 1, 2026 in Dulles, Virginia. This early-spring classic offers a national-class 7‑round Swiss with 3‑Day and 2‑Day schedules that merge to the long control, a guaranteed prize fund, upper sections FIDE‑rated, and a late-night Blitz Championship on Saturday.
📌 Event Details
| 📅 Dates | February 27 – March 1, 2026 (Fri–Sun). 2‑Day option: February 28 – March 1 (Sat–Sun). |
| 📍 Location | Dulles, Virginia (Washington, DC metro) |
| 🏟️ Venue | Washington Dulles Marriott Hotel, 45020 Aviation Dr, Dulles, VA 20166 |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | US Chess Heritage Event · Enhanced Grand Prix (120 pts) · FIDE‑rated top sections |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss System |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 7 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | Long: 40/80, SD/30; d30 (after merge). 2‑Day: Rds 1–2 G/60; d10, then merge. |
| 💰 Prize Fund | $25,000+ guaranteed across all sections + Blitz prizes |
| 🧑⚖️ Arbiters | National/International Arbiter team |
| 🏢 Organizer | Continental Chess Association |
💰 Prize Fund (Main Event)
| Section | Prizes |
|---|---|
| Championship (Open) — FIDE | $2,500 – $1,300 – $700 – $500 – $300 · Clear 1st +$100 · Top USCF U2300: $1,200 – $600 |
| U2300 (FIDE) | $1,600 – $800 – $400 – $300 – $200 |
| U2100 (FIDE) | $1,600 – $800 – $400 – $300 – $200 |
| U1900 (FIDE) | $1,600 – $800 – $400 – $300 – $200 |
| U1700 | $1,400 – $700 – $400 – $300 – $200 |
| U1500 | $1,200 – $600 – $400 – $300 – $200 |
| U1250 | $1,000 – $500 – $400 – $300 – $200 |
| U1000 | $800 – $400 – $250 – $150 – $100 |
| Mixed Doubles Bonus | $800 – $400 – $200 (best male+female team, average U2200) |
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: February USCF list used. If otherwise unrated, Online Regular/Unofficial may be used. Players may not play below Online Regular minus 100.
⏱️ Time Control & Rules
- System: 7‑round Swiss.
- Long control: 40/80, SD/30; d30 (used by 3‑Day, and 2‑Day after merge).
- 2‑Day acceleration: Rds 1–2 G/60; d10, then merge to long control from Rd 3.
- Byes: Up to 2 half‑point byes available if requested before Rd 2.
📅 Schedules (local time)
3‑Day (Fri–Sun)
- Fri (Feb 27): Registration until 6:00 pm · Rd 1 — 7:00 pm
- Sat (Feb 28): Rd 2 — 11:00 am · Rd 3 — 5:00 pm
- Sun (Mar 1): Rd 4 — 10:00 am · Rd 5 — 3:30 pm · Rd 6 & 7 — as posted → awards
2‑Day (Sat–Sun)
- Sat (Feb 28): Registration until 10:00 am · Rd 1 — 11:00 am (G/60; d10) · Rd 2 — 2:00 pm (G/60; d10) · Rd 3 — 5:00 pm (long control after merge)
- Sun (Mar 1): Rd 4 — 10:00 am · Rd 5 — 3:30 pm · Rd 6 & 7 — as posted
⚡ Blitz Championship
- Date: Sat, Feb 28, 2026 (late evening)
- Format: 4 double‑rounds (8 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 Rd 1).
- Lower sections EF: typically $40 less than upper sections at each tier.
- GMs/WGMs/foreign IMs often free with prize deduction policy.
- Refunds: minus small fee; credit cards accepted; no checks.
- Re‑entry: available (fee applies; not top‑to‑top).
- USCF membership required.
🏟️ Venue
Washington Dulles Marriott Hotel, 45020 Aviation Dr, Dulles, VA 20166 — bright ballroom space, skittles areas, on‑site dining, and quick airport access.
🛏️ Accommodation
- Special chess rate at the Marriott (limited block) — reserve early.
- Nearby overflow hotels available in Dulles corridor.
🚇 How to Get There
- By Air: Washington Dulles (IAD), 5–10 mins from venue; ride‑share and shuttle options.
- By Metro: Silver Line to Dulles Airport, then ride‑share.
- By Car: Access via VA‑28, Dulles Access Rd (VA‑267), connectors to Aviation Dr.
A strong early‑season event in Northern Virginia with national‑class sections, guaranteed prizes, and a lively Saturday blitz — the George Washington Open 2026 combines convenience and competitive chess.