4th Annual Independence Day Open takes place on July 5-9, 2026 in Dulles, Virginia, USA. This holiday-week tournament brings together titled players, strong club competitors, improving adults, and ambitious juniors for several days of serious over-the-board chess near Washington, DC.

This is a chess tournament in Dulles, Virginia, in 2026. The event features three main sections, a long multi-day Swiss format, FIDE-rated upper sections, and a guaranteed cash prize fund. Therefore, it offers a strong option for players who want deeper games and a full festival-style schedule rather than a short weekend format.

In addition, the tournament includes the Independence Day Open Blitz on July 7 at the same venue. As a result, players can combine classical chess with a separate FIDE-rated blitz event during the same week. Moreover, the airport-area hotel makes travel easier for visitors who want a practical playing site near Washington Dulles.

🏁 Event Details

The event combines a substantial main tournament with a separate evening blitz competition. In addition, the Premier section may offer GM and IM norm opportunities, which raises the competitive level at the top of the field.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The main event uses a long-play format with 90 minutes per player and a 30-second increment from move one. That pace gives players enough time for serious calculation, deeper middlegame planning, and full endgame play. Consequently, the tournament feels much more substantial than a typical rapid or short weekend event.

The structure changes by section. The Premier runs for 9 rounds across five days, the U2200 section has 7 rounds across four days, and the U1600 section plays 5 rounds across three days. In addition, the main event uses a 30-minute forfeit time. Because of that structure, each section follows a schedule that fits its rating level and competitive purpose.

The Independence Day Open Blitz runs as a separate 9-round Swiss on July 7 and uses 3 minutes plus 2 seconds increment. As a result, players can move from long classical games to a much faster evening competition without leaving the festival venue.

🏆 Prize Fund

4th Annual Independence Day Open offers a guaranteed overall prize fund of about USD 10,950. The main event accounts for USD 10,700, while the blitz side event adds USD 250 in guaranteed prizes. Therefore, the event rewards strong performance across both the classical and blitz parts of the festival.

The event also adds a Mixed Doubles award for the best male-female two-player team with a combined average rating below 2200. In addition, unrated players in the U1600 section may win up to USD 200.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The section structure gives higher-rated players a stronger field in the Premier, while the U2200 and U1600 sections create a more suitable competitive range for a broader field. Meanwhile, the blitz adds a faster side event for players who want extra games on Tuesday evening. As a result, the full festival works well for several rating levels at once.

📅 Schedule

The schedule starts with all three classical sections together and then narrows as the shorter sections finish. Consequently, the event keeps a clear rhythm throughout the week. In addition, the blitz fits naturally into the Tuesday evening program.

📝 Registration

Players should register early because the fee rises in stages. Moreover, the early entry deadlines give players a clear way to reduce costs before the tournament starts. However, players who enter later may still join with a half-point bye when the organizers allow it.

👤 Organizer

Atlantic Chess Association organizes 4th Annual Independence Day Open as part of its growing calendar of rated events in the DC metro area. The association runs seasonal tournaments, open competitions, scholastic events, camps, and training activities. Therefore, players can expect a practical tournament structure and a familiar regional organizer.

• Phone: +1 703 975 6032
• Email: director@atlanticchessassociation.com
• Website: https://www.atlanticchessassociation.com/

📍 Venue

Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Dr, Dulles, VA 20166, USA

The tournament takes place at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott. The hotel setting makes the event especially practical for out-of-town players. In addition, the venue offers on-site lodging, free daytime parking, and a location close to the airport. Because of that, the tournament works well for players who want simple travel logistics during a busy holiday week.

🚗 How to Get There

Players arriving by car can use Washington Dulles Airport Road without tolls to reach the venue. In addition, the hotel offers free daytime parking, which makes the trip easier for local and regional players.

Visitors flying into Dulles can use the hotel’s free shuttle service to and from the terminal every 15 minutes. Meanwhile, the venue is also described as convenient to the Silver Line Metro area. Therefore, the site remains accessible by both car and public transport.

4th Annual Independence Day Open offers a strong holiday-week format, FIDE-rated upper sections, a separate blitz event, and a travel-friendly hotel venue for players who want serious summer chess in Virginia.