This exciting event, the 3rd Annual Presidents’ Day Open, will take place from 13-17 February 2026 in Dulles, Virginia, USA. Hosted at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, the tournament features multiple rating-based sections (Premier, U2200, U1600) with FIDE-rated play in top sections and generous prize funds. It is organized by the Atlantic Chess Association in partnership with the Phoenix Chess Club.
Participants will benefit from a professionally managed chess event in the Washington DC metro area, offering norm opportunities, strong competition, and a full Swiss system format across different sections. Whether you’re chasing norms or looking for a competitive classical event in a well-connected venue, this tournament offers a compelling opportunity.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 13-17 February 2026 (Fri-Tue) |
| 📍 Location | Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166, USA |
| ♟️ Format | Multiple sections: Premier (9 rounds), U2200 (7 rounds), U1600 (5 rounds) |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE-rated (Premier & U2200) and USCF-rated (all sections) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | Premier: 90 min + 30 sec increment from move 1 |
| 💵 Prize Fund | $10,700 total prize fund (based on 100 full-paid entries) |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all players; Premier section norm-eligible |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st (Premier) | $2,400 |
| 2nd (Premier) | $1,200 |
| 3rd (Premier) | $600 |
| 4th (Premier) | $400 |
| 5th (Premier) | $200 |
| U2200 Section | $1,200 / $600 / $400 / $200 / $100 |
| U1600 Section | $600 / $400 / $200 / $100 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
• Premier section: 90 minutes per player + 30 seconds increment from move 1.
• Sections: Premier 9 rounds; U2200 7 rounds; U1600 5 rounds.
• Up to two irrevocable half-point byes allowed; must commit 1 hour before Round 2.
• Pairings follow FIDE Swiss rules for FIDE-rated sections.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Premier Section | FIDE-rated, 9 rounds, norm-eligible |
| U2200 Section | FIDE-rated, 7 rounds |
| U1600 Section | USCF-rated, 5 rounds |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Feb 13 | 7:00 PM | Round 1 (Premier & U2200) |
| Sat, Feb 14 | 10:00 AM | Round 2 |
| Sat, Feb 14 | 4:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Sun, Feb 15 | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| Sun, Feb 15 | 4:00 PM | Round 5 |
| Mon, Feb 16 | 10:00 AM | Round 6 |
| Mon, Feb 16 | 4:00 PM | Round 7 |
| Tue, Feb 17 | 9:00 AM | Round 8 |
| Tue, Feb 17 | 3:00 PM | Round 9 & Prize Ceremony |
📝 Registration
• Pre-registration online: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/7804
• On-site registration closes 1 hour before Round 1 (Premier & U2200 by 6 PM on Feb 13; U1600 by 9 AM on Feb 14).
• Entry fees (Premier): $250 by 7 Dec, $280 by 7 Jan, $310 by 8 Feb, $350 on or after 9 Feb.
• Entry fees (U2200): $175 by 7 Dec, $200 by 7 Jan, $225 by 8 Feb, $255 on or after 9 Feb.
• Entry fees (U1600): $125 by 7 Dec, $140 by 7 Jan, $155 by 8 Feb, $175 on or after 9 Feb.
• Re-entries allowed in all sections except Premier (re-entry cost $75).
• Registration link: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/7804
👥 Organizer
The tournament is organized by the Atlantic Chess Association in collaboration with the Phoenix Chess Club, providing a well-run event with strong backing and infrastructure.
Contacts:
• Email: director@atlanticchessassociation.com
• Phone: (703) 975-6032
• Website: https://www.atlanticchessassociation.com
🏨 Venue
Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166, USA.
🛎️ Accommodation
Participants are advised to book rooms at the tournament hotel (Washington Dulles Airport Marriott) for the official chess‐rate. Additional accommodation details can be found on the registration page and tournament website.
🚗 How to Get There
The venue is conveniently located near Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). It offers easy road access, plentiful parking, and is well served by public transit/shuttle routes. Airport proximity makes it accessible for both domestic and international players.
Challenge yourself in one of the strongest Opens of the season and seize your chance for norms, prizes, and unforgettable games in the Washington Dulles metro area!
🧾 Other
• Mixed Doubles team prize: $250 / $150 / $100 for best male/female team (combined rating <2200) in any section.
• Entry bonuses and extra fees apply if playing the Premier section with a rating below the threshold: USCF 2000–2099 pay an extra $200; USCF <2000 not eligible.
• Hotel chess rate: $109/night at Marriott, $99/night at Fairfield Inn & Suites (mention “Atlantic Chess Association”) when booking via 703-435-1111.
Organizer
The Atlantic Chess Association (ACA) actively promotes competitive chess across the Mid-Atlantic region by organizing high-quality, USCF- and FIDE-rated tournaments that cater to players of all skill levels. From scholastic beginners to titled professionals, ACA ensures a professional playing environment, strict adherence to fair play regulations, and exceptional tournament organization. The association emphasizes accessibility, community engagement, and the growth of chess culture throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the greater D.C. metropolitan area.
With a dedicated team of experienced arbiters and event managers, ACA continuously elevates the standard of regional chess events. They organize annual signature tournaments such as the Independence Day Open and Winter Congress, featuring substantial prize funds, norm opportunities, and a vibrant chess community atmosphere. The organization also supports local clubs and scholastic initiatives while providing a platform for aspiring players to rise through the ranks.