Elevate your autumn chess calendar with the 14th Annual Chesapeake Open, a flexible five-round Swiss offering both three-day and two-day schedules, FIDE- and USCF-rated competition, and a friendly community atmosphere in suburban Washington, D.C.
Nestled in the heart of Rockville, Maryland, at the spacious Rockville Hilton (1750 Rockville Pike), the Chesapeake Open runs September 26–28, 2025. Championship-level players and class-divided sections from U2200 down to U1000 compete under classical time controls, with a Saturday evening blitz side-event adding extra excitement. Co-presented by the Maryland Chess Association and US Chess, this tournament combines competitive rigor—ideal for rating gains and Grand Prix points—with a welcoming, well-organized weekend experience.
🎯 EVENT DETAILS
| Dates: | September 26–28, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Place & Venue: | Rockville, Maryland, USA Rockville Hilton |
| Address: | 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 |
| Tournament Type: | Classical Swiss (5 rounds; USCF & FIDE-rated) |
| Sections: | Championship; U2200; U2000; U1800; U1600; U1300; U1000 |
| Time Controls: | 3-day: G/90 + 30 sec 2-day: Rounds 1–2 G/45 + 30 sec; Rounds 3–5 G/90 + 30 sec U1300/U1000: G/75 d/5 (Rounds 1–2 G/45 d/5) |
| Number of rounds: | 5 |
| Side Event: | Saturday Blitz (G/5 + 3 sec; open to all) |
| Organizer: | Maryland Chess Association |
| Federation: | US Chess Federation & FIDE |
| Tournament Director: | Michael W. Regan |
⏱ TIME CONTROL
- Three-day schedule: One round Fri 7:00 PM; two rounds Sat 10 AM & 4 PM; two rounds Sun 10 AM & 3:30 PM.
- Two-day schedule: Rounds 1–2 Sat 10 AM & 1 PM at G/45 + 30 sec; Rounds 3–5 Sat 4 PM, Sun 10 AM & 3:30 PM at G/90 + 30 sec.
- U1300/U1000: Five rounds at G/75 d/5 (first two rounds at G/45 d/5).
Half-point byes permitted in any round; request by the end of Round 2.
🗓 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
| Three-Day Schedule | Time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Registration & Round 1 | Fri, Sep 26 6:00–6:45 PM / 7:00 PM |
| Rounds 2 & 3 | Sat, Sep 27 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM |
| Rounds 4 & 5 | Sun, Sep 28 10:00 AM & 3:30 PM |
| Two-Day Schedule | Time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Registration & Rounds 1–2 | Sat, Sep 27 8:45–9:30 AM / 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM |
| Rounds 3–5 | Sat, Sep 27 4:00 PM; Sun, Sep 28 10:00 AM & 3:30 PM |
Blitz Side-Event: Sat, Sep 27 7:00 PM (G/5 + 3 sec)
💰 PRIZE FUND
| Section | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th–5th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | $1,500 | $900 | $600 | $300 each |
| U2200 | $800 | $400 | $200 | — |
| U2000–U1600 | $600 | $300 | $150 | — |
| U1300 & U1000 | $400 | $200 | — | — |
| Blitz | $200 | $100 | $50 | — |
All prizes paid on a sliding-scale guarantee; detailed breakdown in the final bulletin.
📝 REGISTRATION
- Championship & U2200–U1600:
- $129 by Sept 12
- $139 Sept 13–23
- $149 Sept 24–25
- $160 onsite
- U1300/U1000:
- $89 by Sept 12; $99 thereafter (same late/onsite tiers)
- Two-day option: $10 discount on any section
- GMs/IMs: Free entry (coupon upon request)
- How to register: Online at the US Chess registration portal or mail to Maryland Chess Association
- Payment: Credit card (online) or check payable to “Maryland Chess Association”
✈️ TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
Rockville Hilton is adjacent to the Metro Red Line (Rockville Station) and offers a special chess rate of $139/night (book by Aug 26). It provides free garage parking, complimentary breakfast, and water-park passes for players. Other nearby options include Embassy Suites Rockville and Homewood Suites.
🏛 ORGANIZER: MARYLAND CHESS ASSOCIATION
The Maryland Chess Association has promoted chess statewide since 1971, producing marquee events like the Maryland Open, the Potomac Open, the Maryland Scholastic Championships, and the Chesapeake Open. Through partnerships with US Chess and local governments, the Association delivers well-run tournaments, scholastic outreach, and membership services that strengthen Maryland’s vibrant chess community.
📞 CONTACT DETAILS
- Address: 2224 Madison Heights Ln, Crofton, MD 21114, USA
- Email (main): info@mdchess.com
- Email (additional): treasurer@mdchess.com
- Phone (main): (410) 721-3500
🌟 WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
The 14th Annual Chesapeake Open delivers competitive depth, flexible schedules, and generous prizes in a convenient, Metro-accessible location. Whether you seek classical rating gains, a quick blitz thrill, or simply a friendly chess weekend, this well-organized event—backed by decades of Maryland Chess Association expertise—offers everything you need for a memorable late-season tournament. Register today and be part of the Chesapeake chess tradition!
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Rockville Hilton (1750 Rockville Pike)
Prize Fund - $9,700
Organizer - Maryland Chess Association
Organizer Phone - +1 (410) 721-3500
Organizer email - tournaments@mdchess.com
Tournament Director - Michael W. Regan
Number of rounds - 5
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
The Maryland Chess Association (MCA) has championed chess in the Old Line State since 1971, producing a diverse roster of marquee events and grassroots programs. Each year, MCA organizes the Maryland Open, the Potomac Open, the Maryland Scholastic Championships, and the Chesapeake Open, drawing players from scholastic competitors to grandmasters. Beyond these flagship tournaments, MCA hosts the Maryland Sweet 16, Washington International, and a statewide Grand Prix circuit that awards points and prizes at dozens of local Swiss-system events.
Committed to broad-based outreach, MCA runs year-round scholastic leagues, online coaching sessions, adult classes, and free community tournaments in partnership with libraries and schools. Their certified Tournament Directors and FIDE-rated arbiters ensure professional pairings, clear communication, and fair-play oversight. MCA’s member services include a quarterly newsletter, rating supplement, and support for local clubs, making them the central hub of chess activity across Maryland and the D.C. metro area.