The 2026 Charlotte Open Blitz takes place alongside the Charlotte Open Festival, delivering an evening of high‑energy speed chess at the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.

Organized by the Charlotte Chess Center & Scholastic Academy (CCC&SA), this event is US Chess and FIDE Blitz rated with professional standards and punctual rounds.

Event Details

Prize Fund

Class prizes may be added based on entries.

Time Control & Tournament System

• 9‑round Swiss, US Chess & FIDE Blitz rules
• Time control: Game in 3 minutes with 2‑second increment from move 1
• Tiebreaks: Direct Encounter → Buchholz → Sonneborn‑Berger → Number of Wins

Schedule

Registration

Open to all. Entry fee: $25 advance / $35 on site. On‑site registration closes 18:00 Jan 19. US Chess membership required; FIDE ID recommended.

Organizer

Charlotte Chess Center & Scholastic Academy (CCC&SA) — leading US organizer of norm events, scholastic circuits, and major opens.

• Email: info@charlottechesscenter.org
• Website: charlottechesscenter.org

Venue

Modern conference venue with spacious halls, analysis areas, and on‑site amenities within the UNC Charlotte campus.

Accommodation

Special player rates at the host hotel; additional lodging options within a short drive. Early booking recommended.

How to Get There

• By Air: Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) ~20 minutes
• By Train: Amtrak to Charlotte; local transit to campus
• By Car: I‑85 / I‑485; on‑site parking available

Blitz is chess distilled — fast, fearless, and fun. Charlotte Open Blitz 2026 is where instinct meets precision in the Queen City!