4th Annual DMV Open will take place from July 10 – 12, 2026, in Sterling, Virginia, USA. This is a chess tournament in Sterling, Virginia, USA, in 2026.

The tournament offers a 5-round Swiss event during a compact summer weekend near Washington, D.C. Moreover, players can choose between three sections, while the Under 1800 and Under 1400 sections also offer a 2-day schedule.

In addition, the Premier section is FIDE-rated, and all sections are US Chess-rated. Therefore, players can combine serious rated chess with a practical hotel-based tournament setting in Northern Virginia.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Main Time Control

Players receive Game in 110 minutes, plus a 10-second increment. Therefore, the main tournament schedule gives players enough time for serious rated games.

The 2-day schedule uses Game in 45 minutes + 10-second increment for its first round. After that, it merges with the 3-day schedule from Round 2.

Pairings and Format

The tournament uses a 5-round Swiss System. Moreover, players may request up to two half-point byes.

The Premier section must play the 3-day schedule. Meanwhile, the Under 1800 and Under 1400 sections offer both 3-day and 2-day schedule options.

Forfeit Rule

The forfeit time is 30 minutes. Therefore, a player who does not arrive at the board within 30 minutes of the scheduled round time loses by forfeit unless the tournament director decides otherwise.

In addition, the tournament director may choose to pair opponents of absent players against each other instead of awarding a forfeit win.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The confirmed guaranteed prize fund is $3,500. In addition, each section has separate prizes for the top three places.

The Premier section offers the largest first prize. Meanwhile, the Under 1800 and Under 1400 sections give class-level players clear prize targets.

Premier Section Prizes

Under 1800 Prizes

Under 1400 Prizes

🏆 Sections / Groups

Tournament Sections

The tournament has three sections. Therefore, players can choose a section that fits their rating and playing goals.

Play-Up and Unrated Rules

Players may not play up by more than 100 rating points. However, they may use either their live unpublished rating or published rating to qualify for a higher section.

Unrated players may enter the Under 1400 section. To enter a higher section, an unrated player needs special permission from the tournament director.

Players with foreign ratings, FIDE ratings, and provisional US Chess ratings are not treated as unrated. In addition, the tournament director may assign a rating to a player when needed.

Under 1400 Pairing Note

The Under 1400 section uses Monrad Swiss pairings. As a result, players in a wide rating range should get more balanced pairings than in a standard Swiss event.

📅 Schedule

3-Day Schedule

2-Day Schedule

The Premier section must use the 3-day schedule. Therefore, players entering the Premier section should plan to start on Friday evening.

📝 Registration

Registration Details

Entry Fees

Players should register early to secure the lowest entry fee. In addition, same-week registration costs more, so planning ahead can reduce the total event cost.

On-site registration closes 30 minutes before the start of Round 1. Therefore, players who register late should arrive early enough to complete the process.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

DMV Chess organizes the 4th Annual DMV Open in Sterling, Virginia. As a result, the tournament gives players in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia chess community a strong summer weekend event.

Moreover, the event combines a guaranteed prize fund, three rating sections, and flexible schedule options. The hotel venue also makes the tournament practical for both local and visiting players.

Phone: +1 703 609 0499

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Dulles Airport — 22595 Shaw Road, Sterling, VA 20166, United States

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Dulles Airport. Therefore, players should use the Shaw Road address when planning arrival.

The hotel has plenty of parking available. In addition, the venue is accessible for players and visitors who need mobility support.

🏨 Accommodation

Hotel Venue

The tournament takes place inside SpringHill Suites by Marriott Dulles Airport. Therefore, players may choose to stay at the playing site or nearby hotels in Sterling.

Staying at or near the venue can make the schedule easier. This is especially useful for players who choose the 3-day schedule and start on Friday evening.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Sterling

Sterling is located in Northern Virginia, close to Washington Dulles International Airport. Therefore, visiting players can use airport, road, taxi, rideshare, or local transport options.

Players traveling by air can arrive through Dulles and continue to the hotel area by car, shuttle, taxi, or rideshare. In addition, local players can reach the venue through the wider D.C. metropolitan road network.

Local Planning

The 3-day schedule starts at 7:00 PM on Friday. Meanwhile, the 2-day schedule starts at 11:00 AM on Saturday.

As a result, players should choose the schedule that best fits their travel plan. They should also allow extra time for check-in, parking, and finding the playing room.

ℹ️ Other Information

Player Equipment

Boards and pieces are provided for all players. However, players should bring a chess clock if they have one.

This setup makes participation easier for travelers. Still, bringing a clock can help avoid equipment delays before each round.

Byes and Re-Entries

Players may request up to two half-point byes. In addition, re-entries are allowed in all sections except Premier.

The re-entry fee is $50. Therefore, players considering a re-entry should confirm timing and section availability with the tournament staff.

Scholastic Event

The DMV Open Scholastic is listed as a separate related event. Therefore, families with scholastic players should check that event separately before registering.

Finally, the 4th Annual DMV Open offers a guaranteed prize fund, flexible schedules, rated sections, and a practical hotel venue near Dulles Airport.