2nd Annual Owings Mills Summer Open will take place from July 17 – 19, 2026, in Owings Mills, Maryland, USA. This is a chess tournament in Owings Mills, Maryland, USA, in 2026.

The tournament offers a compact weekend format at Stevenson University. Moreover, players can choose between Championship, Reserve, and U1400 sections.

In addition, the Championship section is FIDE-rated, while all sections offer official US Chess-rated play. Therefore, the event can suit serious tournament players, improving club players, and developing competitors in the Maryland chess community.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Championship and Reserve Sections

The Championship and Reserve sections use G/90 + 30-second increment. Therefore, both sections give players a serious long-game format across five rounds.

These two sections follow the same three-day schedule. In addition, the Championship section is FIDE-rated, while both sections count for US Chess regular rating.

U1400 Section

The U1400 section uses G/25 with a 5-second delay. As a result, this section offers a faster one-day tournament on Saturday, July 18.

The U1400 event is US Chess dual-rated. Therefore, games can count under the relevant US Chess rating rules for this time control.

Byes and Re-Entry

Players may request up to two half-point byes. However, bye requests must be committed before Round 3.

Players who have a difficult first round may re-enter with a Round 1 bye for $50. The first played game still remains rated.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The total expected prize fund is $3,000. The Championship and Reserve sections share an anticipated $2,500 prize fund, based on 30 paid entries.

The U1400 section has an anticipated $500 prize fund, based on 16 paid entries. Therefore, final prize conditions may depend on section turnout.

Championship Prizes

Reserve Prizes

U1400 Prizes

🏆 Sections / Groups

Tournament Sections

The Championship section is the strongest group. Therefore, it suits players who want FIDE-rated competition and a longer weekend schedule.

The Reserve section gives class-level players a separate US Chess-rated event. Meanwhile, the U1400 section offers a faster one-day option for lower-rated and unrated players.

📅 Schedule

Championship and Reserve Schedule

U1400 Schedule

The Championship and Reserve sections run from Friday evening through Sunday. In contrast, the U1400 section takes place entirely on Saturday.

📝 Registration

Championship and Reserve Entry Fees

U1400 Entry Fees

Registration Details

Players should register early to use the lower fee. In addition, early registration helps players secure a place in the correct section before the online deadline.

Players should also choose their section carefully. This is especially important for Championship entries because unrated players cannot enter that section.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

Owings Mills Chess Club organizes the 2nd Annual Owings Mills Summer Open at Stevenson University. As a result, the event gives Maryland players a strong weekend tournament with both FIDE-rated and US Chess-rated options.

Moreover, the club presents the Summer Open as its marquee annual event. The three-section format also helps different rating groups find a suitable competition level.

Email: owingsmillschessclub@gmail.com

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

The Reading Room, Garrison Hall South, 2nd Floor – Stevenson University, 10945 Boulevard Circle, Owings Mills, MD 21117, United States

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place at The Reading Room on the second floor of Garrison Hall South. Therefore, players should use the Stevenson University Boulevard Circle address when planning arrival.

The venue gives the event a dedicated campus setting in Owings Mills. In addition, the organizer describes it as one of the premier chess venues in Maryland.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Owings Mills

Owings Mills is located northwest of Baltimore, Maryland. Therefore, regional players can reach the venue by car from the Baltimore metropolitan area and nearby Maryland communities.

Visitors arriving from farther away can travel through the Baltimore area and continue to Stevenson University by road, rideshare, or local transport. In addition, players should allow extra time before the Friday evening first round.

Local Planning

The Championship and Reserve sections begin at 19:00 on Friday. Therefore, players entering those sections should plan work, travel, parking, and dinner before the first round.

The U1400 section starts at 10:00 on Saturday and finishes the same day. As a result, U1400 players can plan for a full one-day tournament schedule.

ℹ️ Other Information

Live Broadcast

The organizer lists Lichess live broadcast coverage for the tournament. Therefore, players and spectators may be able to follow selected games online during the event.

Practical Notes

Players should confirm their rating status before entering a section. In addition, unrated players should choose either Reserve or U1400, depending on their playing goals.

The Championship and Reserve venue capacity is listed at 48 players, while the U1400 section capacity is listed at 20 players. Therefore, early registration is useful.

Finally, the 2nd Annual Owings Mills Summer Open offers a focused Maryland chess weekend with FIDE-rated competition, US Chess-rated sections, a clear prize structure, and a strong university venue.