10th Annual George Washington Open
The George Washington Open turns 10 in 2026 and returns to Arlington, Virginia over Presidents Day weekend.
A mid‑Atlantic staple by Continental Chess Association (CCA), it blends strong sections, flexible schedules, and proximity to Washington, D.C.
Event Details
| 📅 Dates | 14 – 16 February 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Arlington, Virginia, USA |
| 🏟️ Venue | Crystal Gateway Marriott |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | US Chess & FIDE rated; US Chess Grand Prix |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss System |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 7 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 40/100, SD/30 + 30s |
| 💰 Prize Fund | $20,000 guaranteed |
Prize Fund
| Section | Awards |
|---|---|
| Open (FIDE) | Top prizes + U2400/U2200 classes |
| U2000 | Top prizes + class awards |
| U1700 | Top prizes + class awards |
| U1400 | Top prizes + class awards |
| U1100/Unrated | Top prizes + class awards |
Time Control & Tournament System
- 7‑round Swiss; 3‑day & 2‑day schedules
- Time control: 40/100, SD/30 with 30‑second increment
- Tiebreaks: Solkoff → Modified Median → Cumulative
Sections / Groups
- Open (FIDE)
- U2000
- U1700
- U1400
- U1100/Unrated
Schedule
| Date | Event / Round | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Feb 14 | Registration & Rd 1 | 19:00 |
| Sat, Feb 15 | Rounds 2–4 | 10:00 / 14:30 / 19:00 |
| Sun, Feb 16 | Rounds 5–7 & Awards | 09:00 / 13:30 / 18:00 |
Registration
$120–$150 early; $160 on site. US Chess membership required; FIDE ID for Open. Two half‑point byes if requested before Round 2.
Organizer
Continental Chess Association (CCA) is one of the premier U.S. organizers, running the World Open, North American Open, and many class championships.
- Email: director@chessaction.com
- Website: chessaction.com
Venue
Crystal Gateway Marriott offers Metro access to D.C., a large ballroom, and on‑site dining.
Accommodation
Chess block rate (limited); additional Arlington hotels nearby.
How to Get There
- By Air: Reagan National (DCA) ~10 min; Dulles (IAD) ~35 min
- By Metro: Direct access to Crystal City station
Historic setting, strong chess, and a milestone 10th edition — the George Washington Open is a Presidents Day classic.