Celebrate three exciting days of chess competition at the 2025 Northern Virginia Open (November 21–23, 2025) at the Marriott Washington-Dulles Airport in Dulles, Virginia. This Heritage Event draws players across all levels in a well-organised Swiss format and offers a guaranteed prize fund of $7,200, making it a strong local open in the DMV area.

Hosted at the Marriott Washington-Dulles Airport (45020 Aviation Dr, Dulles, VA 20166), the tournament offers convenient hotel lodging and a comfortable playing site just outside the Washington DC metro area. Whether you compete in the Championship, Amateur or Novice section, the Northern Virginia Open is a great opportunity for serious play or a strong weekend of chess.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

(Only total fund given; section breakdown likely in full regulations)
Total Prize Fund: $7,200 across all sections with guaranteed place prizes and top upset awards.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

• Championship & Amateur sections: Round 1 Friday evening at 7:30 pm; then Rounds 2-5 Saturday & Sunday (10:00 am & 4:00 pm sessions). Time control: Round 1 Game/90 + 30-sec increment; Rounds 2-5: 40/90; SD/30; 30-sec increment.

• Novice section (U1200): Saturday & Sunday only — Round 1 Saturday 10:00 am (G/60; 10-sec increment), Round2 Saturday 1:00 pm same control, Round3 Saturday 4:30 pm same, Round4 Sunday 10:00 am (G/90; 10-sec increment), Round5 Sunday 2:30 pm same.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

For Novice section:
Sat, Nov 22 | 10:00 AM | Round 1
Sat, Nov 22 | 1:00 PM | Round 2
Sat, Nov 22 | 4:30 PM | Round 3
Sun, Nov 23 | 10:00 AM | Round 4
Sun, Nov 23 | 2:30 PM | Round 5

📝 Registration

• Online registration through the event’s official page.

• Check Section eligibility carefully (Championship minimum rating 1600 and premium fee if rating under 1800).

• Unrated players must enter Amateur or Novice section; prize cap applies ($350 in Amateur; $250 in Novice).

• Default/no-show rule: 60 minutes for all sections.

👥 Organizer

Organised by the Virginia Chess Federation (VCF Cup Event).

• Email: (see event registration page)

• Website: https://new.uschess.org/2025-northern-virginia-open

• Social/GP: US Chess Grand Prix: 40 points; US Chess Junior Grand Prix; Heritage Event

🏨 Venue

The tournament will be held at the Marriott Washington-Dulles Airport Hotel, 45020 Aviation Dr, Dulles, VA 20166, USA. Be sure to reserve by the hotel cut-off date for the “Northern Virginia Open Chess Tournament” group to secure the chess-rate room.

🛎️ Accommodation

Players should reserve rooms early (hotel cut-off is typically a few weeks prior). Mention “Northern Virginia Open Chess Tournament” when booking for special rate. Parking and hotel amenities available onsite.

🚗 How to Get There

• Nearest airport: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), minutes away by taxi or ride-share.

• Driving: Avi­a­tion Dr / Airport Access Rd; plan extra travel time on Friday evening due to I-95/I-495 area traffic.

• Hotel offers on-site parking; shuttle services from airport may be available.

May your preparation be sharp and your weekend at the Northern Virginia Open full of strong games and rewarding results!