2nd Annual MLK Day Open
Celebrate 2nd Annual MLK Day Open (January 16–18, 2026) in Houston, Texas, with three action-packed days of competitive chess at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport. This tournament welcomes players of many levels in a well-structured Swiss format across multiple sections, offering strong prizes, flexibility, and a welcoming vibe.
Set in a comfortable hotel venue near the airport, the event is organized by the Atlantic Chess Association and promises a professional playing environment, FIDE-rated top sections, class prizes, mixed-doubles team prizes and more. Whether you’re aiming for the Premier section, a class prize challenge, or simply a strong weekend of chess, this event delivers excellent value.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | Friday, January 16 – Sunday, January 18, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport, 9100 Gulf Freeway, Houston, Texas, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 5-Round Swiss |
| 💵 Entry Fee | • Premier & U2000: $125 by Dec 1; $145 by Jan 11; $165 on/after Jan 12 • U1600: $85 by Dec 1; $100 by Jan 11; $125 on/after Jan 12 |
| ⭐ Rating | Premier & U2000 sections FIDE-rated; U1600 USCF-rated |
| ✅ Eligibility | Premier minimum USCF 1900; U2000 minimum USCF 1500; players under section cutoff may apply with extra fee |
| 🎯 Prize Fund | $7,500 total prize fund (based on 150 full paid entries) with 50% guaranteed |
| 🔧 Additional | Mixed Doubles team prize (male+female combined average under 2200) • Up to two irrevocable half-point byes allowed (must request by specified deadlines) |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Section | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th / Class Prizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier (FIDE) | $1,200 | $800 | $600 | $400 | $200 + Class Prizes U2100: $250/$150 |
| U2000 (FIDE) | $800 | $600 | $400 | $200 | $100 + Class Prizes U1700: $200/$100 |
| U1600 | $600 | $300 | $200 | $100 | (Unrated limit $200) |
| Mixed Doubles (team) | $150 | $100 | $50 | — | — |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
For Premier & U2000 (3-Day Schedule): Game/90 minutes + 30 sec increment from move 1.
U2000 2-Day Option: Rounds 1-2 are Game/60 minutes; delay 5 sec; then remaining rounds Game/90 + 30 sec increment.
U1600: Game/60 minutes; delay 5 seconds.
Forfeit/no-show time: 30 minutes after round start.
Swiss system pairings; sections may merge or adjust based on turnout.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Premier | USCF standard rating ≥ 1900 (or via special fee) |
| U2000 | USCF standard rating ≥ 1500 |
| U1600 | Open to players rated under ~1600 (USCF) or unrated (with prize limitation) |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 16 | 7:30 PM | Round 1 (Premier & U2000 3-day) |
| Sat, Jan 17 | 10:00 AM | Round 2 (all 3-day) |
| Sat, Jan 17 | 4:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 4:00 PM | Round 5 |
| (U2000 2-day starts: Jan17 10 AM & 1 PM, then merge for Rounds 3-5) |
📝 Registration
Online registration via the designated tournament page.
Entry fee deadlines as listed above; early registration recommended.
Byes: Up to two half-point byes available; must commit before the specified deadline for your section.
Unrated players: U1600 section eligible; limitations apply to prize eligibility (unrated limit $200).
GM/IM/WGM/WIM free or reduced entry if committed by earlier cut-off (check full regulations).
👥 Organizer
Organised by the Atlantic Chess Association.
Phone: via website contact page
🏨 Venue
The tournament will be held at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport, 9100 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77017, USA. The venue offers easy access to airport and freeway, comfortable accommodations and onsite parking.
🚗 How to Get There
Nearest airport: William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) — short taxi/ride-share to venue.
From downtown Houston: Take I-45 south to Gulf Freeway (Hwy 59) and follow signage to the hotel.
On-site parking available (check hotel parking policies).
Public transport: Bus routes connect downtown Houston → Hobby Airport area; ride-share recommended.
Sharpen your openings, strike deep in the middlegame and bring home the prize — may the 2nd Annual MLK Day Open be your next great tournament victory!