58th Virginia Open
The 58th Virginia Open, held from 2-4 January 2026 in Dulles, Virginia, is one of the most historic chess tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic region. A US Chess Heritage Event, a Junior Grand Prix Event (40 points), and a VCF Cup Event, it features three sections with a guaranteed top-three prize structure in each group. The Championship and Amateur sections are both FIDE and USCF rated, while the Novice section remains USCF-rated only.
Taking place at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, the tournament welcomes players of all ages and strengths with generous prizes, clear rating rules, flexible bye options, and a re-entry system that keeps the competition exciting until the very end.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 2-4 January 2026 (Fri-Sun) |
| 📍 Location | Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166 |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss system (not elimination) |
| ⭐ Rating | Championship & Amateur: FIDE + US Chess • Novice: US Chess |
| 📂 Sections | Championship • Amateur (U1800) • Novice (U1200) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | See “Time Control & Pairings” |
| 🏆 Prize Fund | $8,000 based on 140 paid entries (1st–3rd guaranteed in all sections) |
| 📌 Membership | US Chess membership required (except foreign titled players) |
| 🚫 Forfeit Rule | 60-minute no-show rule in all sections |
| 🎫 Re-Entry | Allowed after Round 1 for a $45 fee |
🏆 Prize Fund
Total prize fund: $8,000 (based on 140 paid players)
• 1st-3rd place prizes are guaranteed in all sections
• Additional prize money often added in recent years
Championship Section
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,000 + Plaque |
| 2 | $700 |
| 3 | $550 |
| Top Expert | $250 |
| Top U2000 | $240 |
| Top U1800 | $225 |
| Biggest Upset (Rounds 1–5) | $180 |
Amateur (Under 1800)
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $750 + Plaque |
| 2 | $550 |
| 3 | $400 |
| Top U1600 | $230 |
| 2nd U1600 | $115 |
| Top U1400 | $220 |
| 2nd U1400 | $110 |
| Top U1200 | $75 |
| Biggest Upset (Rounds 1–5) | $165 |
Novice (Under 1200)
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $600 + Plaque |
| 2 | $400 |
| 3 | $250 |
| Top U1000 | $180 |
| 2nd U1000 | $100 |
| Top U800 | $165 |
| 2nd U800 | $90 |
| Top U600 | $100 |
| 2nd U600 | $60 |
| Top Unrated | $150 |
| Biggest Upset (Rounds 1–5) | $145 |
Notes:
• Unrated players must play in Amateur or Novice.
• Unrated winnings capped at $300 (Amateur) / $250 (Novice).
• Unrated players do not qualify for “Under” prizes.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Championship & Amateur (FIDE + USCF)
| Round | Time Control |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | G/90 + 30s increment |
| Rounds 2–5 | 40 moves in 90 min, then SD/30, + 30s increment from move one |
Novice (USCF)
| Round | Time Control |
|---|---|
| Rounds 1–3 | G/60 + 10s increment |
| Rounds 4–5 | G/90 + 10s increment |
Additional Rules
• 60-minute forfeit/no-show rule for all sections.
• Half-point byes:
• One allowed in any round.
• Must be requested during registration or up to 30 minutes before Round 1 or Round 2.
• Re-Entry:
• Available for players who lose in Round 1.
• Cost: $45.
• Must be done 30 minutes before Round 2.
• Player receives ½-point bye for Round 1 (lost game still rated).
• Pairing rules:
• Championship & Amateur: FIDE pairing rules.
• Novice: USCF pairing rules.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Championship | FIDE + USCF rated • Min rating 1600 (since Jan 1, 2021) • $30 premium if rating never reached 1800 since Jan 1, 2021 |
| Amateur (U1800) | FIDE + USCF rated • Unrated players welcome |
| Novice (U1200) | USCF rated • Games only Sat–Sun • Unrated welcome |
📅 Schedule
Championship & Amateur
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 2 | 7:00 PM | Round 1 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 10:00 AM | Round 2 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 4:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 4:00 PM | Round 5 |
Novice (Under 1200)
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 2 | — | No games in this section |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 10:00 AM | Round 1 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 1:00 PM | Round 2 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 4:30 PM | Round 3 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 2:30 PM | Round 5 |
📝 Registration
Online registration:
https://www.vachess.org/
Fees:
• $130 through Dec 26
• $160 from Dec 27
• $190 from Dec 31
• Additional $30 premium for Championship section if rating has not reached 1800 since Jan 1, 2021
• $10 retained from any refund requested before Round 1
On-Site Registration
At the hotel lobby:
• Fri, Jan 2: 4:00–6:45 PM (Championship & Amateur)
• Entries after 6:45 PM get a ½-point bye for Round 1
• Sat, Jan 3: 7:30–9:15 AM (Novice)
• Entries after 9:15 AM get a ½-point bye for Round 1
Mail-In Entry
Send a check payable to VCF to:
Mike Hoffpauir
ATTN: VA Open
405 Hounds Chase
Yorktown, VA 23693-3356
Include: Name, Address, Email, Phone, US Chess ID, Section, Bye request.
👥 Organizer
Organized by the Virginia Chess Federation (VCF).
Contacts:
• Chief Arbiter: Mike Hoffpauir – mhoffpauir@aol.com
• Phone (text): 757-846-4805
• Website: https://www.vachess.org/
🏨 Venue
Washington Dulles Airport Marriott
45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166
Chess-rate booking available via the official reservation link.
Hotel reservation link:
https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1743800422240&key=GRP&app=resvlink
🛎️ Accommodation
• Book before December 12 to secure the chess rate.
• Phone reservations: 703-471-9500 (mention “Virginia Open Chess Tournament”).
• Multiple dining options available on-site.
• Free airport shuttle typically available (confirm with hotel).
🚗 How to Get There
The venue is minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and accessible via local highways. Friday evening traffic in Northern Virginia can be unpredictable—players are advised to plan extra travel time.
Start your competitive year with one of the Mid-Atlantic’s strongest and longest-running classical tournaments—test your strength, fight for generous prizes, and enjoy a premier chess event in Dulles!
🧾 Other
• US Chess membership required for all except foreign titled players.
• Virginia-based players must also hold VCF membership.
• Rating rules: highest of OTB Regular or Online Regular US Chess rating from Jan 2026 supplement used.
• Foreign ratings converted for prize eligibility and pairings if no USCF rating exists.