2026 Carolinas Classic takes place from June 12-14, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. This is a chess tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2026. The event features a 5-round Swiss format, six sections, FIDE rating in the top four sections, and a guaranteed cash prize fund. In addition, players may choose either a 3-day schedule or a 2-day schedule, which makes the weekend more flexible for different travel plans.

Moreover, 2026 Carolinas Classic stands out as a major over-the-board chess event in Charlotte. Because the tournament combines a strong main event, a free blitz side event, and additional festival activities for participants, it offers more than a standard weekend open. Furthermore, the Hilton Charlotte University Place setting gives players a practical hotel venue in Charlotte with free parking and on-site lodging.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The confirmed main-event cash prize fund is USD 14,000. In addition, the tournament awards cash prizes in all six sections. The free Saturday evening blitz has its own separate USD 1,000 prize fund, so it is not included in the main-event total below.

Championship

Under 2100

Under 1900

Under 1700

Under 1500

Under 1200

In addition, the event awards plaques to first place in every section.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 5-round Swiss system. First, the Championship section plays at G/110 with a 10-second increment. Meanwhile, the under sections use G/100 with a 10-second increment. Therefore, the event clearly belongs to the classical chess tournament category rather than rapid or blitz.

Players may enter either the 3-day or the 2-day schedule. In the 2-day option, Rounds 1 and 2 use G/40 with a 10-second increment, and then the schedule merges into the main event at the Saturday 4:00 PM round. Additionally, the Championship, Under 2100, Under 1900, and Under 1700 sections are FIDE rated, except for the first two rounds of the 2-day schedule.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Charlotte Chess Center organizes 2026 Carolinas Classic as one of its flagship classical events in Charlotte. In addition, the center runs a broad calendar of rated tournaments, camps, and training programs throughout the year. Because of that experience, players can expect a structured tournament environment, clear event rules, and a well-established local organizer.

• Address: 10700 Kettering Drive, Ste E, Charlotte, NC 28226, USA

• Email: events@charlottechesscenter.org

• Phone: +1 980 265 1156

• Website: https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlottechesscenter

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottechesscenter/

🏨 Venue

Hilton Charlotte University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA

The playing site is a lakeside hotel venue in Charlotte. In addition, the hotel setting allows players to keep lodging and tournament play in one place throughout the weekend. Free parking and on-site internet also make the event more convenient for both local players and visitors.

🛎️ Accommodation

Hilton Charlotte University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA

The organizer lists an official tournament hotel rate of USD 139 per night. In addition, the published hotel information includes free internet and free parking. Players are encouraged to book early.

🚗 How to Get There

Players arriving by car can reach the Hilton Charlotte University Place directly and use the free parking provided at the venue. In addition, the hotel format makes arrival and weekend logistics easier because the playing site and lodging are in the same location.

Meanwhile, visiting players who stay at the hotel can keep local travel to a minimum between rounds. As a result, this chess tournament in Charlotte offers a practical setup for a full classical weekend.

If you want a major classical chess tournament in Charlotte with multiple sections, flexible scheduling, and a strong guaranteed prize fund, 2026 Carolinas Classic offers an excellent competitive weekend.