The Charles Village Open takes place in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, United States, on January 10, 2027, with a $2,015 guaranteed cash prize fund. Charles Village Chess organizes the tournament, which brings two rating sections together at a hotel venue near Baltimore.

The competition uses a five-round Swiss format and a time control of 25 minutes per player with a five-second delay per move. Moreover, both the Open and U1600 sections require current US Chess membership. The event caps participation at 85 players and uses the January 2027 US Chess rating supplement for eligibility.

Players can register for $40–$50 before December 25, depending on their section; afterward, fees rise by $10. In addition, organizers offer sponsor-supplied special awards for female players, seniors and young competitors. The published schedule includes check-in, five games, lunch and awards. A January 17 date is reserved if weather postpones the event.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Both sections play five Swiss rounds at G/25; d5. Each player receives 25 minutes, and the clock applies a five-second delay on every move. Therefore, players should bring a clock that supports delay rather than an increment-only setting. Organizers use the January 2027 US Chess rating supplement to determine section eligibility.

Players may request one half-point bye. However, a Round 5 bye must reach the organizers before Round 4 begins. Additionally, players who do not arrive before the end of Round 1 lose their registration. Each participant should bring a chessboard, pieces and a clock; a limited amount of equipment will be available for purchase.

🏆 Prize Fund

The tournament guarantees $2,015 in cash prizes across two independently paired sections. In addition, sponsors will provide merchandise or gift-card awards in several special categories. The following amounts are in USD.

Open Section

U1600 Section

Special Awards

Each player may claim one cash prize, plus one special award. When players tie for cash awards, organizers combine the applicable prizes and divide them equally. By contrast, standard US Chess tie-breaks decide special-award winners when needed.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The tournament offers two separate Swiss sections. Thus, players can compete in the unrestricted Open or the rating-limited U1600 group, with distinct entry fees and prize schedules.

The organizer sets section eligibility using the January 2027 US Chess published rating supplement. Players should select a section when registering and confirm their rating eligibility before paying.

📅 Schedule

All games take place on Sunday, January 10, 2027, in Maryland local time. The playing day begins with check-in, followed by five scheduled rounds and an awards ceremony. Moreover, organizers have reserved Sunday, January 17 as a weather-postponement date.

Registration on the day is possible only while space remains. Consequently, advance entry is the safer choice because the field limit is 85.

📝 Registration

Participants must complete both registration and payment before their places become reserved. Register through the official Charles Village Open entry form; alternatively, use the instructions in the US Chess tournament listing.

The organizer permits refunds through January 7, 2027, but also says that after January 1 refunds apply only if weather forces a postponement. Therefore, confirm the precise refund condition directly before payment. If the tournament moves to January 17 and you cannot attend, request a refund by January 13.

For event questions, email andrew.james1129@gmail.com. Moreover, on-site registration remains subject to the 85-player cap and does not guarantee entry.

🏛️ Organizer

Charles Village Chess organizes the event and runs chess activities across the Baltimore area, including casual meetups, rapid quads and blitz competitions. Andrew James leads the club and serves on the tournament direction team.

📍 Venue

The games take place at Hilton Garden Inn BWI Airport, 1516 Aero Drive, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090, United States. The hotel offers meeting space, an on-site restaurant, an indoor pool and a fitness center. In addition, guests can use the hotel’s complimentary airport shuttle; however, competitors should confirm the current pickup schedule before travelling.

🏨 Accommodation

Staying at the playing hotel avoids travel between rounds. Nevertheless, several nearby airport hotels provide additional options. The following verified properties link through MyChess.Events’ Stay22 accommodation partner. For this one-day event, booking searches begin with January 9 check-in and January 11 checkout; adjust these dates to match your trip.

🍽️ Nearby Restaurants & Cafés

Players can eat at the tournament hotel or visit other Linthicum Heights restaurants by car. Because the lunch break lasts only 45 minutes, the on-site option may be more convenient between rounds.

🚆 How to Get There

The playing venue sits near Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Maryland highway network. Therefore, participants arriving from farther away have several practical options.

✈️ By Air

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport serves the hotel area. Hilton advertises a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle. However, travelers should confirm the pickup location and any operating changes with the hotel before departure.

🚗 By Car & Parking

Drive to 1516 Aero Drive, Linthicum Heights, Maryland 21090. Hilton lists parking for hotel guests, while the event listing confirms parking at the venue. Before travelling, check whether any separate parking conditions apply to day visitors.

🚆 By Rail & Local Transfer

Regional and intercity passengers can use the airport area’s rail connections, including the Baltimore/Washington International Airport Rail Station. From there, arrange a hotel transfer or taxi. For current train information, consult Amtrak’s station page.

ℹ️ Other Information

Winter Weather Contingency

The organizer has designated Sunday, January 17, 2027, as the postponed playing date if winter weather disrupts January 10. Consequently, participants should check organizer messages before setting off during adverse conditions.

Equipment & Arrival

Bring your own set and chess clock and arrive in time for check-in. A limited quantity of playing equipment will be available for purchase. In addition, the organizer states that players who arrive only after Round 1 has ended lose their registration.

Useful Official Links