2nd Piedmont Open
The 2nd Piedmont Open is scheduled for December 5–7, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Glen Allen (near Richmond), Virginia. Featuring a guaranteed prize fund of $4,600, this event is part of the Virginia Chess Federation (VCF) Cup series. Open to all players, the Open section will be FIDE-rated; other sections US Chess rated. Boards and pieces are provided, but players must bring their own clocks.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | December 5–7, 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Hilton Garden Inn, 4050 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060, USA |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss in major sections; separate one-day scholastic option |
| 💵 Entry Fee | (Exact entry fees TBA) Early registration encouraged; clocks required |
| 🏆 Prize Fund | $4,600 guaranteed across all sections |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated (Open section) & US Chess rated (all sections) |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all. VCF Cup event: VCF membership required for Virginia players. |
🏆 Prize Fund & Breakdown
| Section | 1st Prize | 2nd | 3rd | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open (FIDE) | $1,200 | $700 | $400 | FIDE ID required |
| Under 1700 | $900 | $500 | $300 | US Chess rating |
| Under 1100 | $800 | $400 | $250 | US Chess rating |
| One-Day Scholastic (U800) | Trophies & Prizes | — | — | Friday only |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Open section standard control (e.g., G/90 + 30″ increment or equivalent).
All sections Swiss system.
Boards & pieces supplied; players must bring their own clocks.
FIDE ID required for all entrants in the Open section.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility | Rounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open (FIDE) | All players | 5 rounds | FIDE rated |
| Under 1700 | USCF rating <1700 | 5 rounds | US Chess rated |
| Under 1100 | USCF rating <1100 | 5 rounds | US Chess rated |
| One-Day Scholastic (U800) | USCF rating <800 | 4–5 rounds | Friday only |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Dec 5 | 7:00 PM | Round 1 – Open & Under 1700 |
| Sat, Dec 6 | 10:00 AM | Round 2 |
| Sat, Dec 6 | 3:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Sun, Dec 7 | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| Sun, Dec 7 | 2:30 PM | Round 5 • Awards Ceremony |
📝 Registration
Online registration now open — early discount deadlines apply.
VCF Cup eligibility: VCF membership required for Virginia-based players.
Clocks required; rental clocks may not be available.
One-day scholastic section (U800) opens Friday morning.
No refunds after play begins; partial refunds if withdrawn early.
👥 Organizer
Organised by the Virginia Chess Federation and local club partners in Glen Allen, the 2nd Piedmont Open offers strong competitive conditions in a friendly regional setting.
Email: info@vachess.org
Website: https://www.vachess.org
🏨 Venue
Hilton Garden Inn, 4050 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060, USA. Approx. 15 minutes from downtown Richmond. Free parking included; many restaurants within walking distance.
🛎️ Accommodation
Tournament room block available at the Hilton Garden Inn with special chess rate.
Free parking; free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Reserve early: December weekend events in Richmond area fill fast.
🚗 How to Get There
By Air: Richmond International Airport (RIC) ~20 minutes by car.
By Road: Easy access via I-64 and I-95; venue located just off Exit 11 on Billy Graham Parkway.
By Train/Public Transport: Amtrak Richmond Station ~15 minutes by taxi or rideshare.
Local Transport: Hotel provides free parking; rideshare and local taxis available.
Don’t miss the 2nd Piedmont Open for a strong, welcoming regional chess tournament with FIDE section, class prizes, and holiday-weekend value in Virginia!