|
Region III US Chess Tournament Clearing House (MD
- DC - VA) |
This is the US Chess
Tournament Clearinghouse
for the States of Maryland and Virginia and for the
District of Columbia
We request the assistance of organizers to submit their events promptly and
follow the
US Chess
policy for the Regional Tournament Clearinghouses.
Site Manager: Mike Hoffpauir (Virginia Chess Federation) -- Last updated 03/15/26 12:16 PM
Please
email
your tournament information to me (Mike Hoffpauir).
Mike also scans the online TLAs for MD, DC, and VA to learn about other
tournaments, he includes links to them in this listing as his time permits.
Website links to the Region III State Affiliates: District
of Columbia, Maryland
Chess Association,
Virginia Chess Federation.
The DC Chess League is the official state affiliate for the District of
Columbia.
The old
Clearinghouse Listings for 2019 through 2025 are
archived.
Click here to view
the archives.
"New!" represents listings we've posted in the past 2 weeks. The "Updated!" and "In Planning!" highlights are self explanatory
This is the Calendar for 2026|
March | 2026
|
View Tournaments in Virginia (Link)
View Tounaments in DC (Link) View Tournaments in Maryland (Link) **Designates tournaments known to have one or more Scholastic Sections (F) Designates tournaments with one or more FIDE-rated Sections
Mar 1 |
10th Annual George Washington Sunday 10 AM Satellite Octos. In Dulles, VA, at the
Washington Dulles Marriott, 45020 Aviation Drive. Three (3) rounds of
play with players divided into 8-player sections ("Octos"). Hosted by
the Continental Chess Association. Read
more information here.
(added 9/19/2025) |
Mar 2, 9, 16, |
23 & 30
OMCC 2nd Anniversary Classic. Enhanced Prizes! Games are
every Monday in March at 7 PM, club opens at 6:30. Five (5) rounds of
play, one round each Monday. Games are at Stevenson Univ., 10945
Boulevard Cir, Owings Mills, MD. Everyone plays in one section. $850
prize fund. US Chess rated, Sets & boards provided, Time control is
Game-60, delay 10. Get information and regisration instructions
at this link.
(added 11/9/2025) |
Mar 4,
11,
18, |
and 25
MVP Chess Weekly Swiss for March 2026. At
'The Link' in Old Town, 215 N.
Payne St., Alexandria, VA 22314. A 4-round Swiss format, one game each
week with a time control of Game-60, delay-10, US Chess-rated. Check-in
7 PM, Rounds begin at 7:30. Entry is FREE for all US Chess members, we
welcome your donations to our 501c(3) non-profit organization. More info
and registration
at
this link. Organized by
MVP Chess. (added 2/11/2026) |
Mar 6 |
ACC Friday Blitz.
5-rd Double-Swiss; Time Control:
G/5, d2. Prizes based on entries with $100-1st guaranteed
(12 or more entries ... 1st place prize increases and 80% of EFs
returned as prizes). Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 1500 N Glebe
Rd., Arlington, VA 22207. Reg: 7:00-8:00pm with Rd1: 8:10pm, rest ASAP. EF: $30 ($25
for club members) – cash/check/Venmo/PayPal on-site. Advance
entries at club meeting or through website: arlingtonchessclub.com Contact
for info only: accvachess@gmail.com
NS (added 11/18/2025) |
Mar 7-8 |
**Virginia Scholastic & College Chess
Championships.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and
Technology in Alexandria, VA. These dates are confirmed. Watch
www.vachess.org for more
information in November/December 2025.
(updated 9/8/2025) |
Mar 13 |
Rockville Chess Club (RCC) 3rd Rapid Tournament. In Rockville on Fri,
Mar 13. Register now
at this
link. Event is 7-9:30PM at 36C Maryland Ave in Rockville, MD. 3
Sections: Premier, Under 1200 and Under 900. Time control is Game 10,
delay-3. US Chess rated. US Chess membership required.
(added 3/3/2026) |
Mar 14-15 |
2026 Wash DC State Open Championship. A state championship event on
Sat-Sun, Mar 14-15, organized by the DC Chess Assn. Location is 1100
13th St. NW Suite 800, Wash. DC. Two Sections, Open and U1800. Rounds on
Sat at 9 AM, noon, 4 PM; Sunday at 9:30 AM and 1 PM. Entry Fee $50 by
3/11, $75 after 3/11. This tournament determine DC's representative to
the Irwin Tournament of State Senior Champions to be held during the US
Open in July/Aug 2026. Get more info about this tournament
at this link.
(Added 3/3/2026) |
Mar 14 |
Waldorf Chess Club Quads #84. Sat, Mar 14 at 2932 Mattawoman Beantown
Rd. Rounds at 10 AM, 1 PM and 3:30 PM; $25 Entry Fee. Pre-register
online
at this
link. Get more event information
at this link.
(added 3/3/2026) |
Mar 14 |
ACC's Saturday Action-Plus: 5SS,
G/45, d/5. $$1900 prize fund b/o
50 total entries. 2 Sections. PREMIER
(1600 floor): $600-300-200, U2100 & U1900 $100 each. AMATEUR (U1700):
$250-150-100, U1400 & U1200 $50 each. Marriott Residence Inn - Ballston,
650 N. Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203. Reg: 9:00-9:45am. Rds:
10am-12:00-2:30-4:30-6:30. EF: $60 advance
entry on-line and Fridays at the ACC club, or $70 on-site -
cash/check/Venmo/PayPal. Online: www.arlingtonchessclub.com/PayPal2.html#news2 Contact
for info only: accvachess@gmail.com W.
NS (added 11/18/2025) |
Mar 14 |
**2026 Maryland State
Girls Championship. Sat., March 14th, at Bender JCC of
Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Rd, Rockville, MD. Play is in two
sections, K12 Unde 800 and K-12 Championship. Round 1 at 9 AM. Winner of
K12 Ch Section becomes Maryland's nominee to the Haring Tournament of
State Girls Champions being held at the US Open in late July. Time
control is Game-45, delay-5. Trophies to top players in each section.
Hosted by Silver Knights Chess Academy. Read more about the event
at this link. Register
at this link.
|
Mar 15 |
**4th Annual East Coast
Scholastic Ch.
Dulles, VA. Sunday, March
15.
Holiday Inn Dulles
Hampton Inn Dulles. Register or view more information by visiting our
website at THIS
LINK.
(added 2/15/2026) |
Mar 15 |
DMV Spring Action Tournament. 4th Annual East Coast Scholastic
Ch.
Dulles, VA. Sunday, March
15.
Holiday Inn Dulles
Hampton Inn Dulles. Register or view more information by visiting our
website at THIS
LINK.
(added 2/15/2026) |
Mar 15 |
**MVP
Chess K-12 Quads for March 2026.
Sunday, March 15 in the Mount Vernon Rec Center, Multi-Purpose Room 1,
2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA. Entry is FREE. Active US Chess
membership is required. First-time players are welcome. Players compete
in "Quads" of 4 players and play a total of three (3) games, one against
each player in their Quad. Time control is Game-25, delay 5. Winner of
each Quad gets a trophy. Medals to all other participants.
(added 12/29/2025) |
Mar 20-22 |
(F) 5th Annual Old Line Open.
Fri-Sun, March 20-22 at the Rockville Hitlton, 1750 Rockville Pike,
Rockville MD. Multiple Sections: Championship, U2100, U1900, U1700,
U1500, U1250 and U1000, with 2 and 3-day schedules available in some
sections. Some sections are FIDE-rated. $149 hotel rate with a $5 entry fee discount if you stay at
the tournament hotel! Score-base (not place-based) prizes. Get details
and register
at this link. Organized by the Maryland Chess Association (www.mdchess.com).
(added 1/10/2026) |
Mar 21 |
**Verena
at the Glen Chess RVA Tournament. This is a cross-round event for
players in grades K-9 on Saturday, March 21st from 2:30 - 5:30 PM
in Glen Allen VA at the Verena at the Glen, 10286 Brook Rd. Competition is in 3
sections: Open, U700, and U350. Get more information
at this link or the
Chess RVA website.
(added 1/15/2026) |
Mar 27 |
DC Chess League - Round 7.
4-Board Team Chess - Games start 8pm Fridays -
1 match per month. Teams often need additional players, so individual
players are welcome! Locations
vary based on which team is "Home" (see website: dcchessleague.com). Time
Control: G/
90 +30inc 3
Sections: Open,
Amateur (U2000), Reserve (U1700). Questions or to join a team: acomparc@gmail.com
(added 11/18/2025) |
Mar 27-29 |
2026 National High School (K-12)
Championship. At the Sheraton Grand Chicago, 201 E North
Water St., Chicago, IL (chess rate is $179 + taxes). This is a 7 round
tournament with Round 1 on Friday at 1 PM. Blitz and Bughouse
tournaments on Thursday, March 26th. Registration will open in late
2025. |
Mar 28 |
**Lexington
City Schools Spring 2026 Quad & Swiss Chess Tournament. A
tournament for scholastic and adult players on
Sat, March 28th at Lylburn Doenins Middle School, 302 Diamond St.,
Lexington, VA. NO ENTRY FEE, but you must be a
member of the US Chess Federation because the games will be rated. Round
1 at 10 AM, please check-in by 9:20 to ensure everyone is accounted for
before we pair the first round. Quads will play 3 games at a time
control of Game-60, delay 5; Swiss Section will use Game-40, delay 5 as
their time control. Chess sets and clocks provided. All participants
need to know how to take Chess Notation. For info and registration
contact Bob Danforth (danforth4@wlu.edu,
or 540-460-3213). No lunch break! Bring your own lunch!!
(added 2/18/2026) |
Mar 28 |
**DMV
Spring Scholastic. Dulles,
VA. Saturday, March
28 at 9 am.
SpringHill Suites Dulles. Register or view more information by visiting
our website at THIS
LINK.
(added 2/15/2026) |
Mar 28-29 |
2nd Adults-Only Classical Tournament. Dulles,
VA. March 28-29.
SpringHill Suites Dulles. Register or view more information by visiting
our website at THIS
LINK.
(added 2/15/2026) |
Mar 29 |
DMV Action Tournament. Dulles,
VA. Sunday, March
29.
SpringHill Suites Dulles. Register or view more information by visiting
our website at THIS
LINK. |
April | 2026
New! |
Apr 1,8,15, 22 and 29
MVP Chess Weekly Swiss for April 2026. At
'The Link' in Old Town, 215 N.
Payne St., Alexandria, VA 22314. A 4-round Swiss format, one game each
Wednesday with a time control of Game-60, delay-10, US Chess-rated. Check-in
7 PM, Rounds begin at 7:30. Entry is FREE for all US Chess members, we
welcome your donations to our 501c(3) non-profit organization. More info
and registration
at
this link. Organized by
MVP Chess. (added
3/3/2026) |
Apr 2-5 |
(F)
7th Colonial Open. Organized by Capital Area Chess with a $10,000 prize
fund based on 140 entries! 50 US Chess Grand Prix Points. Four (4)
Sections of play: Open, Under 2000, Under 1600, Under 1200. FIDE Rated
play is only in the Open, U2000 and U1600 sections and those 3 sections
have 3 and 4 day schedule options. The U1200 Section is a 2-day event on
Apr 4th and 5th. Venue is the Executive Conference and Trainig Center,
22685 Holiday Park Dr., Sterling, VA. There are a lot of Registration
details and other event information, see it
at this link. Register
at this link.
(added 11/16/2025) |
Apr 3 |
ACC Friday Blitz.
5-rd Double-Swiss; Time Control:
G/5, d2. Prizes based on entries with $100-1st guaranteed
(12 or more entries ... 1st place prize increases and 80% of EFs
returned as prizes). Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 1500 N Glebe
Rd., Arlington, VA 22207. Reg: 7:00-8:00pm with Rd1: 8:10pm, rest ASAP. EF: $30 ($25
for club members) – cash/check/Venmo/PayPal on-site. Advance
entries at club meeting or through website: arlingtonchessclub.com Contact
for info only: accvachess@gmail.com
NS (added 11/18/2025) |
Apr 10-12 |
(F)
3rd Central Virginia Open.
$4,600 in guaranteed prizes
in Glen Allen, VA, at the Hilton Garden Inn Innsbrook, 4050 Cox Rd. Open
and U1700 Sections play Fri-Sun, April 10-12; Under 1100 Section plays
Sat & Sun only. Open Section is FIDE rated with a minimum required
rating of 1600 (USCF or FIDE) in the last year. A 30-minute
no-show rule is in effect for all sections. Re-entry
allowed ($40) for Round 2 if your Round 1 game was a loss. Organized by
the Eastern Chess Assn. Get more information
at this link.
Register
at this link.
(added 12/29/2025) |
Apr 11 |
BLITZ at the Central Virginia Open.
Saturday evening at 9 PM at the same venue at the Central VA Open
(see above). Everyone plays in one section. YOU DO NOT need
to play in the Central VA Open main tournament to play blitz!
Cash Prizes to 1st-4th places plus Top Under 1700 and Top Under 1200
players. 4 double rounds at a time control of Game-5, no delay or
increment. Get more information and register
at this link. (added 12/29/2025) |
Apr 11 |
ACC's Saturday Action-Plus: 5SS,
G/45, d/5. $$1900 prize fund b/o
50 total entries. 2 Sections. PREMIER
(1600 floor): $600-300-200, U2100 & U1900 $100 each. AMATEUR (U1700):
$250-150-100, U1400 & U1200 $50 each. Marriott Residence Inn - Ballston,
650 N. Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203. Reg: 9:00-9:45am. Rds:
10am-12:00-2:30-4:30-6:30. EF: $60 advance
entry on-line and Fridays at the ACC club, or $70 on-site -
cash/check/Venmo/PayPal. Online: www.arlingtonchessclub.com/PayPal2.html#news2 Contact
for info only: accvachess@gmail.com W.
NS (added 11/18/2025) |
Apr 12 |
Cham City Chess Club 2026 Spring
Action Tournament. Sunday, Apr 12th at the Double Tree
Hilton, 4 West Univ. Pkwy, Baltimore MD. Five (5) rounds of USCF rated
play at a time control of Game-25, delay 5, with play in 3 Sections:
Open, Under 1400, and Under 1000. Must have USCF Rating over 1300 to
play in the Open Section. Entry in Open and U1400 is $75 until April
5th, $80 thereafter; U1000 Section entry is $45, increases to $50 after
April 5th. Free entry for GM/IM/WGM/WIM, $75 deducted from prizes won.
Register online
at this link. Contact
charmcitychess@gmail.com for more info.
Chess sets and clocks provided. Entry limited to 100 players.
(added 2/18/2026) |
Apr 12 |
**3rd
Annual Dulles International Scholastic Championship.
Dulles, VA. Sunday, April
12.
Hampton Inn Dulles. Register or view more information by visiting our
website at THIS
LINK.
(added 2/15/2026) |
Apr 12 |
**3:30
PM Scholastic Quads. Dulles,
VA. Sunday, April
12.
This is a side event of the Dulles International Scholastic. Hampton Inn
Dulles. Register or view more information by visiting the main
registration page for that tournament at THIS
LINK.
(added 2/15/2026) |
Apr 12 |
DMV Action Tournament. Dulles,
VA. Sunday, April
12.
Hampton Inn Dulles. Register or view more information by visiting our
website at THIS
LINK.
(added 2/15/2026) |
Apr 18 |
**3rd
Annual NoVA Scholastic Championship.
Sat, April 18, at Compass Homeschool Enrichment, 510
Herndon Pkwy #C, Herndon, VA. Round 1 at 10 AM with subsequent rounds as
soon as possible after each round finishes. Five (5) sections (Unrated,
K3, K5, K8, and K12), unrated section limited to grades 4-12 with no US
Chess rating. Time Control is Game-30, delay-5, with games rated by US
Chess. This is an individual tournament with team scoring. Read more
at this link and register
at this link.
(added 2/15/2026) |
Apr 18 |
**Meadowdale
Spring Quads and Scholastic Tournament.
Sat, April 18, at the Meadowdale Public Library in N. Chesterfield, VA.
This is a beautiful, quiet venue in the Richmond VA area. The tournament
features Quads Sections for all Adults and Advanced Scholastic Players
(scholastic player rating must have been over 1200 in the past year), as
well as four (4) Scholastic Sections to choose from K12, K8, K5, and K3.
Cash awards in Quads, Trophies and Medals in Scholastics. Play in All
Quads and Scholastic Sections will be RATED by the US Chess Federation.
See details at
www.vachess.org
(added 10/6/2025) |
18-19 Apr |
**2026 Maryland
State Scholastic Championships.
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2025 in Columbia, MD, at Hammond High School, 8800
Guilford Road.
The official
Maryland State Scholastic Championship tournament
and Denker, Barber, Rockefeller, and Ashley Qualifiers! This is a US
Chess rated Swiss style tournament. There are ten different sections for
players depending on their age and skill. Sections include K-1
U-400, PS U-600, ES U-800, MS U-1000, HS U-1200, K-1 Champ, PS Champ
(550+), ES Champ (750+), MS Champ (950+), and HS Champ (1150+). Participants
play only against opponents in their own section. Under sections for
elementary school, K-1 Champ, and PS Champ will play all their games on
Saturday. Under sections for middle and high school will play all their
games on Sunday. ES Champ, MS Champ, and HS Champ will play their games
on Saturday and Sunday.
Championship sections are only open to students who live in or attend
school in MD,
the Under sections are open to participants from any state.
Read more
at this link. Get registered
at this link.
(added 10/15/2025) |
New! |
Apr 19
Publix at John Rolfe April
Tournament. Sunday Apr 19 from 9 AM - 12-noon at the
Publix, 2250 John Rolfe Pkwy, Henrico, VA. 3 Sections of competition:
Open, Under 800, and Under 400. Hosted by Chess RVA. Get more info
at this link.
(added 3/3/2026) |
Apr 24 |
DC Chess League - Round 8.
4-Board Team Chess - Games start 8pm Fridays -
1 match per month. Teams often need additional players, so individual
players are welcome! Locations
vary based on which team is "Home" (see website: dcchessleague.com). Time
Control: G/
90 +30inc 3
Sections: Open,
Amateur (U2000), Reserve (U1700). Questions or to join a team: acomparc@gmail.com
(added 11/18/2025) |
Apr 25 |
(F)
Dahlgren Spring FIDE Rapid.
Saturday, Apr 25. A 4-round G/40+5 event with Rounds at 10, 12:30, 2:30
and 4:30. USCF and FIDE-rated. Free entry to FIDE GM/IM/WBM/WIM, no
prize deduction. Register
at this link. Get more info
at this link.
(added 2/15/2026) |
Apr 25 |
2026
Roanoke City Championships. Sat Apr 25 at Fallon Park Elementary in
Roanoke, VA, 502 19th St. SE. Sponsored by Roanoke City Public Schools.
See our website for more information.
(added 11/29/2025) |
Apr 25 |
**DC Area-Wide Scholastic. Walter
E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC
20001. 4-SS, 9 Sections: K-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9-12, Premier (for
students rated above 1600). Premier Section is two days, all other
sections are played on Saturday only. EF: $10 for grade sections, $20
for Premier Section. TC: Premier Section G/90;d10 – all other sections
G/25;d5. Rounds: Premier Section: 10 – 3 both days, other sections: 10 –
12 – 1:30 – 3. Premier Section prizes: $400 - $200 - $150, Trophies for
top 3 or more in each grade section. Trophies also for top school teams
and top girls. See more info
at this link. Register at
chessctr.org/area-wide. Organized by the U.S. Chess
Center, admin@chessctr.org. (added 11/9/2025) |
Apr 26 |
**MVP Chess K-12 Quads for April 2026. Sunday, Apr 26th, at the recreation
center located at 2017 Belle View Blvd in Alexandria, VA. This is a
3-round event, with players paired in groups of 4 based on their
ratings; players play one game against each of the other three players
in their "Quad." Time control is Gamd-25, delay 5 and Round 1 is at 1
PM. On-site registration closes at 12:45 PM sharp!! Read about "Quad Tournament" in chess
at this link.
Get details about MVP Chess's event
at
this link. Or,
click here
to go to MVP Chess's home page. (added
2/2/2026) |
May | 2026
May 1-3 |
2026 National Elementary (K-6)
Championship. Friday-Sunday, May 1-3, in Baltimore at
the Baltimore Convention Center. Details in late 2025 or early 2026. |
May 1 |
ACC Friday Blitz.
5-rd Double-Swiss; Time Control:
G/5, d2. Prizes based on entries with $100-1st guaranteed
(12 or more entries ... 1st place prize increases and 80% of EFs
returned as prizes). Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 1500 N Glebe
Rd., Arlington, VA 22207. Reg: 7:00-8:00pm with Rd1: 8:10pm, rest ASAP. EF: $30 ($25
for club members) – cash/check/Venmo/PayPal on-site. Advance
entries at club meeting or through website: arlingtonchessclub.com Contact
for info only: accvachess@gmail.com
NS (added 11/18/2025) |
May 8 |
Clara Roberts Memorial Chess
Tournament '26. At Max's Taphouse, Sunday, March 8, 737
S. Broadway in Baltimore. 5 rounds of US Chess rated play at a time
control of Game 15+5. Two (2) sections of competition, Open and Under
1600. Check-in 11:30 AM, Round 1 at 12:15 PM, Awards at 5:30 PM.
10-minute break after each round. Please bring your own set and clock.
Entry is $45 by 11:30 PM on 3/7, increases to $50 at the door. 65 player
limit. See details
at this link. (added 1/15/2026) |
New! |
May 6,13,20 and 27
MVP Chess Weekly Swiss for May 2026. At
'The Link' in Old Town, 215 N.
Payne St., Alexandria, VA 22314. A 4-round Swiss format, one game each
Wednesday with a time control of Game-60, delay-10, US Chess-rated. Check-in
7 PM, Rounds begin at 7:30. Entry is FREE for all US Chess members, we
welcome your donations to our 501c(3) non-profit organization. More info
and registration
at
this link. Organized by
MVP Chess. (added
3/3/2026) |
May 8-10 |
71st Annual Maryland Open.
In Rockville, MD, Fri-Sun 8-10 May, at the Rockville Hilton, 1750
Rockville Pike. Prize awards are based on "place-based scoring."
Multiple sectons of competition: Championship, Under 2200, Under 2000,
Under 1800, Under 1600, Under 1300/Unrated, and Under 1000. 2-day and
3-day schedules available in some of the sections. Time controls and
some entry fees vary by section. Get all the
details and register
at this link to the Maryland Chess
Association's website.
(updated 1/6/2026) |
May 15 |
ACC's Saturday
Action-Plus. 5SS,
G/45, d/5. $$1900 prize fund b/o
50 total entries. 2 Sections. PREMIER
(1600 floor): $600-300-200, U2100 & U1900 $100 each. AMATEUR (U1700):
$250-150-100, U1400 & U1200 $50 each. Marriott Residence Inn - Ballston,
650 N. Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203. Reg: 9:00-9:45am. Rds:
10am-12:00-2:30-4:30-6:30. EF: $60 advance
entry on-line and Fridays at the ACC club, or $70 on-site -
cash/check/Venmo/PayPal. Online: www.arlingtonchessclub.com/PayPal2.html#news2 Contact
for info only: accvachess@gmail.com W.
NS
(added 2/3/2026) |
May 15-17 |
**2026 Coastal Virginia Open.
This is the rescheduled date from the event in January that was
cancelled due to the Bomb Cyclone.
At the Wyndham Virginia Beach Ocean Front. Organized by the Hampton
Roads Chess Assn., a VCF Cup Event. Three (3) Sections of competition:
Open, U1600, U1200, at a time control of Game-90 plus 10 seconds. Scholastic side events
on Sunday, Feb 2 only. Free entry for US Chess
National Masters if enetered by Jan 18. Get registered now
at
this link. See overall tournament details and hotel
deals
at this link.
(updated 2/2/2026) |
May 15-17 |
2026 National Middle School (K-8)
Championship. Friday-Sunday,
May 15-17, in Round Rock, TX, at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, 3001
Kalahari Boulevard. Details in late 2025 or early 2026. |
New! |
May 16
5th Annual Charity Chess Tournament.
Sat May 16th at Rachel Carson Middle School, 13616 McLearen Rd, Herndon,
VA. This is a STUDENT-LED event. FREE tournament with 100%
of your donations provided to the Anna Sudha Community Kitchens non
profit organization. More information
at this link. Please register and donate
at this link. |
May 21-25 |
13th Annual Cherry Blossom Classic.
In Sterling, VA, at the Executive Conference and Training Center, 22685
Holiday Park Drive, Suite 60.
$20,000 in guaranteed prizes.
Five (5) sections of competition with the Open, Under 2100 and Under
1700 sections being FIDE and US Chess Rated, and the Under 1300 and
Under 1000 sections being US Chess rated. A VCF Cup event. Read the
details
at
this link. (added
1/1/2026) |
New! |
May 23
**Baltimore County Chess Tournament.
A scholastic tournament for players in grades K-12 at the Jewish Comm Ctr of Greater Baltimore on Sat May 23, 3506
Gwynnbrook Ave, Suite 148 in Owings Mills, MD. Organized by Silver
Knights Chess Academy. Get more information
at this link.
(added 3/3/2026) |
May 29 |
DC Chess League - Round 9.
4-Board Team Chess - Games start 8pm Fridays -
1 match per month. Teams often need additional players, so individual
players are welcome! Locations
vary based on which team is "Home" (see website: dcchessleague.com). Time
Control: G/
90 +30inc 3
Sections: Open,
Amateur (U2000), Reserve (U1700). Questions or to join a team: acomparc@gmail.com
(added 11/18/2025) |
May 29-31 |
(F) 2026 Virginia Senior
& Adults Open.
We are planning for the tournament to be in Fredericksburg, VA, at the
Country Inn & Suites Fredericksberg South. Senior Open is for
players who are (or will be) age 50+ as of Aug 1, 2026.
NEW for 2026:
The Adult Open is for players who are at least 21 years old as of the
start of the tournament on May 29. Senior Open in FIDE-rated, Adult Open
is US Chess rated. Five(5) rounds in both sections. Time Control is Game 90, increment 30. Top Virginia player in the
Senior Open earns the right to represent The Commonwealth in the annual
Irwin Tournament of State Senior Champsions held in August at the US
Open in Grand Rapids, MI. Get more
information from the VA
Chess Federation website. See also the official
Tournament Life Announcement
at this link. (updated 1/14/2026) |
June | 2026
Jun 5 |
ACC Friday Blitz.
5-rd Double-Swiss; Time Control:
G/5, d2. Prizes based on entries with $100-1st guaranteed
(12 or more entries ... 1st place prize increases and 80% of EFs
returned as prizes). Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 1500 N Glebe
Rd., Arlington, VA 22207. Reg: 7:00-8:00pm with Rd1: 8:10pm, rest ASAP. EF: $30 ($25
for club members) – cash/check/Venmo/PayPal on-site. Advance
entries at club meeting or through website: arlingtonchessclub.com Contact
for info only: accvachess@gmail.com
NS (added 11/18/2025) |
Jun 20 |
ACC's Saturday Action-Plus. 5SS,
G/45, d/5. $$1900 prize fund b/o
50 total entries. 2 Sections. PREMIER
(1600 floor): $600-300-200, U2100 & U1900 $100 each. AMATEUR (U1700):
$250-150-100, U1400 & U1200 $50 each. Marriott Residence Inn - Ballston,
650 N. Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203. Reg: 9:00-9:45am. Rds:
10am-12:00-2:30-4:30-6:30. EF: $60 advance
entry on-line and Fridays at the ACC club, or $70 on-site -
cash/check/Venmo/PayPal. Online: www.arlingtonchessclub.com/PayPal2.html#news2 Contact
for info only: accvachess@gmail.com W.
N
(added 2/3/2026) |
Jun 25-29 |
(F)
4th Annual DC International.
Thurs-Sun, June 25-29, In Wash DC at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500
Calvert St. 200 US Chess Grand Prix Points! $20,000 in guraranteed
prizes in one section. GM & IM Norms possible. Read all about the
tournament and its registration instructions
at this link.
(added 11/19/2025) |
Jun 26-28 |
(F)
The DC Open. Being held on Jun 26-28 in collaboration with the DC Chess
Association. This is a Grand Prix, Enhanced Grand Prix, and Jr. Grand
Prix event at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. NOTE: This event is being held
concurrently with the U1200 and U1000 Sections of the 54th World Open
(see the next entry below). The DC Open is a 5-round event using 40/80,
SD/30; d30 time controls, with the 2-day option using Game-60, delay 10
for Rounds 1 and 2. There are four (4) sections of play in the DC Open:
Major, Under 2100, Under 1800, and Under 1500. The Major and U2100
Sections are FIDE-rated. Bring your own chess
equipment (set, board, clock). Blitz Tournament at 9:30 PM on Saturday
evening, with entry on-site. Read details
at this link. (added 1/15/2026) |
Jun 26-28 |
54th Annual World Open, Under 1200 and Under 1000 Sections. In
Washington DC at the OMNI Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St. See details
online
at this link. See July 1-5 for
dates for the Open through Under 1400 Sections. Also,
see the entry above about the DC Open. (added 11/16/2025) |
Jun 29-30 |
5th Annual World Open Amateur
Championship.
Mon-Tues, Jun 29-30, at the same location as the World Open (see above).
6 rounds at Game-90, delay 10. Two Sections (U2200 and U1800, with
Unrated players allowed in both sections). Round times, entry fees and
more information can be found
at this link/em>. (added 2/8/2026) |
Jun 29-30 |
(F)
15th Annual
World Open Women's Championship. Mon-Tues, Jun
29-30, at the same location as the World Open (see above). 5 rounds at
Game-90, delay 10. All the women play in one section, FIDE-rated. Round
times, entry fees and more information can be found
at this link. (added 2/8/2026) |
Jun 29-30 |
(F)
16th Annual
World Open Senior Amateur Championship. Mon-Tues, Jun
29-30, at the same location as the World Open (see above). 5 rounds at
Game-90, delay 10. Everyone plays in one section, FIDE-rated. Round
times, entry fees and more information can be found
at this link. (added 2/8/2026) |
Jun 30 |
13th Annual World Open Action
Tournament. Tuesday, June 30 at the same location as the
World Open (see above). A 6-round event with prizes awarded based on the
points you score, not place prizes! Bring set, board and clock.
Organized by Continental Chess Association. Get more information
at this
link. (added 2/8/2026) |
July | 2026
Jul 1 |
15th Annual World Open Game-7 Championship.
Wednesday, July 1st at the
OMNI Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St. NW, Washington DC. Five (5)
double rounds of play (10 total games) with a time control of Game-7 delay 2.
Everyone plays in one section. Get all the information
at this link. (added 11/16/2025) |
July 1-5 |
(F)
54th Annual World Open,
OPEN through Under 1400 Sections. In
Washington DC at the OMNI Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St. Open Section
is FIDE rated, other sections are US Chess rated. See details
online
at this link. See 26-28 June for the Under 1200 and Under 1000
section dates. (added 11/16/2025) |
Jul 4 |
34th Annual World Open
Game-10 Championship. Saturday, July 4th at the
OMNI Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St. NW, Washington DC. Five (5)
rounds of play with a time control of Game-10 delay 2. Two Setions of
play: Open and Under 1900/Unrated. Get all the information
at this link/em>. (added 11/16/2025) |
New! |
Jul 4
**Independence Day
Scholastic Tournament. Saturday,
July 4th at the same location as the Independence Day Open (see
Jul 5-9 below). Two Sections--Open (anyone can play) and K-12
(Scholastic players only). Four (4) runds at time control of Game 30,
delay 5. 30-minute Forfeit/No-Show time. Information and registration
instructions available
at this link.
(added 3/9/2026) |
New! |
Jul 4
Independence Day BUGHOUSE Tournament! Saturday,
July 4th at the same location as the Independence Day Open (see
Jul 5-9 below). Four (4) rounds, with each "round" having 2 games. Time
Control is Game-5, no delay for each game of the round. Round 1 at 3:30
PM. $10 Entry Fee. Register Now
at this link. See the full event
schedule
at
this link. Select this link to
Get Registered Now.
(added 3/9/2026) |
Jul 5 |
37th Annual World Open BLITZ Championship. Sunday, July 5th at the
OMNI Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St. NW, Washington DC. Five (5) double
rounds of play (10 total games) with a time control of Game-3 delay 2. Two Setions of
play: Open and Under 2200/Unrated. Get all the information
at this link. (added 11/16/2025) |
New! |
Jul 5-9
(F)
4th Annual Independence Day Open.
July 5-9 (Sun-Thurs). Being planned by the
Atlantic Chess Assn.
Venue is Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Drive in
Dulles, VA. Nine (9) round FIDE-rated Premier Section and a 7-round
U2200 section, plus a US Chess rated Under 1600 section. $10,700 prize
fund based on 100 paid participants (50% of Prize Fund guaranteed).
Games begin on 7/5 in the Premier and U2200 sections. See the full event
schedule
at
this link. Select this link to
Get Registered Now.
(updated 3/9/2026) |
New! |
Jul 7
(F)
Independence Day Open BLITZ.
Tuesday, Jul 7th at th same location as the Independence Day Open (see
above). Nine (9) single-game rounds of Blitz at a time control of
Game-3, plus 2. Games will be FIDE-rated. See the full event
schedule
at
this link. Select this link to
Get Registered Now.
(added 3/9/2026) |
New! |
Jul 17-19
(F)
2nd Annual Owings
Mills Summer Open. July 17-19; FIDE rated, $3,000 in prizes. Three (3)
sections, Championship Section is FIDE-rated and US Chess rated; Reserve
Section and Under 1400
are USCF-rated. Time Control in Ch & Res sections is G/90+30 with 5 rounds
of play beginning Friday, July 17th with Round 1 at 7 PM. Play in U1400
section uses a time control of Game-25, delay 5, with 5 rounds all on
Sat July 16th (Round 1 at 10 AM). Get details
at this link. Register
at this link.
(aded 3/12/2026) |
Jul 18 |
ACC's Saturday Action-Plus. 5SS,
G/45, d/5. $$1900 prize fund b/o
50 total entries. 2 Sections. PREMIER
(1600 floor): $600-300-200, U2100 & U1900 $100 each. AMATEUR (U1700):
$250-150-100, U1400 & U1200 $50 each. Marriott Residence Inn - Ballston,
650 N. Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203. Reg: 9:00-9:45am. Rds:
10am-12:00-2:30-4:30-6:30. EF: $60 advance
entry on-line and Fridays at the ACC club, or $70 on-site -
cash/check/Venmo/PayPal. Online: www.arlingtonchessclub.com/PayPal2.html#news2 Contact
for info only: accvachess@gmail.com W.
NS
(added 2/3/2026) |
Jul 25-29 |
(F)
13th Washington International.
Sat. July 25 - Wednesday July 29 in Rockville, MD, at the Rockville
Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike. $51,000
prize fund. Conditions available to GMs, WGMs, IMs, WIMs
... read all the details and get registered
through this link. Electronic
Chess Notation devices not allowed.
Organized by the Maryland Chess Association (www.mdchess.com).
(asded 12/22/2025) |
August | 2026
Jul 31 - Aug 2 |
Shenandoah Open 2026. Fri-Sun, Jul 31 - Aug 2, at the Comfort Inn
Monticello, 2097 Inn Dr., Charlottesville, VA.
A New VCF Cup Event. Three (3) sections of
competition: Open, Under 1600, and Under 1000/Unrated. Minimum US Chess
rating of 1500 required to play in the Open Section. Unrated Players
must compete in the Under 1000 section and are only eligible for 50% of
any cash prize won. Five (5) rounds at a time
control of Game-90 + 30. $5000 prize fund b/o 100 entries!
You can request up to 2 Half-pont Byes by July 31 at 11:59 PM (midnight
on Friday). Hotel rate is
$109 + taxes, reserve your room
at
this link. 30-minute default/no-show rule. Get more
information
at this link. Register now
at this link.
(added 2/19/2026) |
Aug 3-9 |
2026 US Open Championship.
In Grand Rapids, MI, at the DeVos Place Convention Center, 303 Monroe
Ave NW. Tournament hotels will be the Amway Grand Plaza and the
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids. Details in the Spring of
2026. |
In Planning |
Aug 14-16
13th Annual Potomac Open.
In planning by Maryland Chess
Assn for Rockville, MD. Six Sections, Top 2 will be
FIDE rated. |
Aug 15 |
ACC's Saturday Action-Plus. 5SS,
G/45, d/5. $$1900 prize fund b/o
50 total entries. 2 Sections. PREMIER
(1600 floor): $600-300-200, U2100 & U1900 $100 each. AMATEUR (U1700):
$250-150-100, U1400 & U1200 $50 each. Marriott Residence Inn - Ballston,
650 N. Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203. Reg: 9:00-9:45am. Rds:
10am-12:00-2:30-4:30-6:30. EF: $60 advance
entry on-line and Fridays at the ACC club, or $70 on-site -
cash/check/Venmo/PayPal. Online: www.arlingtonchessclub.com/PayPal2.html#news2 Contact
for info only: accvachess@gmail.com W.
NS
(added 2/3/2026) |
September | 2026
In Planning |
Sep 5-7
2026 Virginia Closed.
This is the annual Virginia Chess Championships. Play is usually in 3
sections: Open, Under 1800, and Under 1200. Look for details in the
Spring of 2026. Organized and hosted by the Virginia Chess Federation.
Location TBD. (added 3/25/2025) |
In Planning |
Sep 18-21
3rd Annual Blue Ridge Open.
Being planned by the
Atlantic Chess Assn.
(added 2/5/2025) |
October | 2026
In Planning |
Oct 10-12
(F) Annual US Armed Forces Open (USAFO).
2026 Location TBD. This is a US Chess Federation National Championship event.
|
In Planning |
Oct 24-25
2026 Fredericksburg Open. |
November | 2026
In Planning |
Nov 13-15
3rd Annual Thanksfiving Open.
Being planned by the
Atlantic Chess Assn.
(updated 3/19/2026) |
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December | 2026
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February 2027 |
In Planning Feb 11-15 |
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July 2027 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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August 2027 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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November 2027 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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