2026 US Masters takes place from November 25-29, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. This is a chess tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, in 2026. The event is a top-level over-the-board chess tournament and FIDE rated chess tournament held over Thanksgiving weekend at Hilton Charlotte University Place. It features one elite section for qualified players, offers GM and IM norm opportunities, and includes a guaranteed USD 25,000 prize fund.

Moreover, this chess tournament in Charlotte stands out as a major national event on the US calendar. The 2026 US Masters is part of the FIDE Circuit, which gives the competition added international weight. In addition, the tournament runs alongside other major Charlotte Chess Center events, so players can expect a busy and highly competitive atmosphere. As a result, this chess event in Charlotte is especially attractive for titled players, strong masters, and eligible rising juniors who want a demanding classical chess tournament in North Carolina.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The guaranteed cash prize fund totals $25,000.

Additionally, bonus prizes may be won in addition to other prizes. The clear winner or playoff winner receives a $500 bonus together with the US Masters title and trophy. The top female player receives $1,000, and the top senior born in 1976 or earlier also receives $1,000.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss format. Each player receives 80 minutes for the game with a 30-second increment from move one. Moreover, FIDE specifically approved this faster classical time control so that games remain valid for norms, ratings, and the FIDE Circuit.

The event is both FIDE rated and US Chess rated. In addition, players may earn GM, IM, WGM, and WIM norms in this Super Swiss format. November FIDE ratings are used for pairings and prizes. Players may request up to four optional half-point byes by the stated deadline. However, norms are not possible with a half-point or zero-point bye.

📂 Sections / Groups

The tournament has one elite section for qualified players. Entry is limited to players who meet the official rating or title requirements, including players rated or once rated 2200+ USCF or FIDE with an established rating of at least 26 games, players with NM, FM, WFM, or higher titles, and certain untitled juniors who satisfy the stated FIDE and USCF rating thresholds during the qualification window.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Charlotte Chess Center organizes this major Thanksgiving weekend event and continues to strengthen Charlotte’s position as one of the leading chess hubs in the United States. In addition, the organizer runs strong norm events, national-level tournaments, and a broad calendar of serious rated competition throughout the year.

• Address: 8629 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA

• Email: events@charlottechesscenter.org

• Phone: +1 980-265-1156

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

• 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 tournament takes place at Hilton Charlotte University Place in a convenient part of the city. Moreover, the venue offers free internet and free parking, which makes the stay easier for traveling players. The official room rate is $139 per night.

🛎️ Accommodation

The official hotel is Hilton Charlotte University Place. The confirmed room rate is $139 per night. Players are encouraged to book early because this is the main tournament hotel for the event weekend.

🚗 How to Get There

Players can reach the venue easily by car in the University Place area of Charlotte. Moreover, the hotel provides free parking, which helps both local and out-of-town participants. Visitors arriving by air can continue into Charlotte and travel to the venue by taxi, rideshare, or rental car.

🧾 Other

The tournament also includes a free $2,000 blitz side event on Saturday night for US Masters players, with on-site registration required by 8:45 PM. In addition, players who start poorly in the main event may withdraw and enter the NC Open for a discounted fee if they meet the stated eligibility rule.

Parents, spectators, and other non-players may attend the event, but they may not remain in the playing halls or nearby hallways and restrooms during play. Players and guests also grant permission for event photography and video use by attending.

Challenge yourself in Charlotte and compete in one of the strongest US chess events of the year.