2026 Charlotte Open Blitz
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
| 📅 Dates | 19 January 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Charlotte, North Carolina, USA |
| 🏟️ Venue | UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | US Chess & FIDE‑rated Blitz |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss System |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/3 + 2s |
| 💰 Prize Fund | $1,000 guaranteed |
Prize Fund
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $400 |
| 2nd | $250 |
| 3rd | $150 |
| 4th | $100 |
| 5th | $100 |
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
| Date | Event / Round | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Jan 2026 | Rounds 1–9 & Awards | 18:30 |
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!