Region III US Chess Tournament Clearinghouse (MD - DC - VA)
 2026 Archive

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This is the ARCHIVED CALENDAR 2026
January
2026		 Jan 2-4 (F) 2026 Virginia Open. Come out and celebrate the New Year with a weekend of chess. The past two years have seen over 150 players participating. Venue is the Marriott Washington-Dulles Airport on Aviation Drive in Dulles, VA. Round 1 on Friday evening, Rounds 2-5 on Saturday and Sunday. Get more info and register at www.vachess.org. We are thinking about adding BLITZ to Saturday night. (added 2/5/2025)
Jan 5 Owings Mills Chess Club (OMCC) January Blitz! On Monday Jan 5th in The Reading Room: 2nd Floor, Garrison Hall South, Stevenson Univ., 10945 Boulevard Circle, Owings Mills, MD. Round 1 at 7 PM and we will play 10 rounds. Time control is Game-3, increment 2. Get more info and registration instuctions at this link. (added 10/23/2025)
Jan 5, 12, 19
and 26		 Charles Village Chess Weekly BLITZ. In Baltimore, MD EVERY MONDAY at the Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E. 30th St. in Baltimore. Five (5) rounds of Blitz, Game 3, increment 2. US Chess rated. Vision House (136 W. 25th St.). Game-20 time control. Round 1 at 7 PM, venue opens at 4 PM. Get more info at this link. (added 1/10/2026)
Jan 6, 14,
20, and 27		 RVA Pieces Rated Ladder Rounds 36-39. At the Publix Carytown, 3535 Ellwood Ave, Richmond, VA. One game each evening on Jan 6, 14, 20, and 27, with a Time Control of Game-60, delay-10. US Chess membership required, games are US Chess rated. On-site registration 6-6:20 PM, Games begin promptly at 6:30 PM! Get more info at this link. (added 1/10/2026)
Jan 9 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)
Jan 10 **McNair Elementary January Scholastic Chess Tournament. Sat, Jan 10, at McNair Elementary, 2499 Thomas Jeff. Dr., Herndon, VA. Three (3) sections of competition: K3, K5, and K8. Five (5) rounds in K3, four (4) rounds in K5 and K8. Early entry is $40, $45 starting 1/7, $50 onsite (registration closes at 8:30 AM). Round 1 at 9 AM. Time Control (TC) is Game-30, delay 5 in K3; TC is Game-45, delay 5 in K5 and K8. Register now at this link. Get more information at this link. (added 12/22/2025)
Jan 10 **Verena at the Glen January Cross-Round Chess Tournament. Organized for players in grades K-9 by Chess RVA (www.chessrva.com) on Sat, Jan 10 at 10286 Brook Rd., Glen Allen, VA. Event times are 3-6 PM. 3 Sections of play based on US Chess ratings (Open, Under 700, and Under 350). Time control is Game 15, delay-3. Get more info at this link. (added 12/5/2025)
Jan 11 **MVP Chess K-12 Quads. Entry is FREE for US Chess members! Sunday Jan 11, at the Mount Vernon Rec Center, 2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA. Players will be organized into groups of 4 based on rating (i.e., "Quads"). Tournament is limited to 32 players orgainzed in 8 Quads. Round 1 at 1 PM. Time control is Game-25, delay-5. Register now or get more information at this link. (added 10/23/2025)
Jan 12, 19, 26 OMCC January Quick Tournament. Three Mondays in January, 2 rounds each evening. Club opens at 6:30 PM, games start at 7 PM. Venue is The Reading Room, 2nd Floor of Garrison Hall South at Stevenson Univ., 10945 Boulevard Circle, Owings Mills, MD. Preregister by sending USCF ID to either jeffrey.m.otto@gmail.com or by text: 858-945-3491. Get more info at this link.
Jan 13 Big Chair Chess Club Tuesday Knight Thunder. This is an ONLINE tournament. Get details at this link. (added 1/10/2026)
Jan 16, 23, 30 Charles Village Chess Weekly Rapid Quads. In Baltimore, MD EVERY FRIDAY at the Vision House (136 W. 25th St.). Game-20 time control. Round 1 at 8 PM, venue opens at 6 PM. Get more info at this link. (added 1/10/2026)
Jan 17 **20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Chess Championship. Saturday, Jan 17, at the Bryant St. Market, 670 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC. Round 1 at 10 AM. Open and Scholastic Sections (K1, K1U400, K3, K3U600, K5, K5U600, K8, K8U600, K12, K12U800).  Cash prizes in the Open Section, 1st-3rd Player and Top Team in each Scholastic Section. Four (4) rounds with a time control of Game-45, delay 5. Get more info at this link. Register at this link. (added 1/10/2026)
Jan 17 ACC's Saturday Action-Plus: 5SS, G/45, d/5. $$1900 prize fund b/o 50 total entries. 2 Sections. PREMIER  (1600 floor): $600-300-200, U2100 & U1900 $100 each. AMATEUR (U1700): $250-150-100, U1400 & U1200 $50 each. Marriott Residence Inn - Ballston, 650 N. Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203. Reg: 9:00-9:45am. Rds: 10am-12:00-2:30-4:30-6:30. EF: $60 advance entry on-line and Fridays at the ACC club, or $70 on-site - cash/check/Venmo/PayPal. Online: www.arlingtonchessclub.com/PayPal2.html#news2 Contact for info only: accvachess@gmail.com W. NS (added 11/18/2025)
Jan 23
DC Chess League - Round 5. 4-Board Team Chess - Games start 8pm Fridays - 1 match per month. Teams often need additional players, so individual players are welcome! Locations vary based on which team is "Home" (see website: dcchessleague.com). Time Control: G/ 90 +30inc 3 Sections: Open, Amateur (U2000), Reserve (U1700). Questions or to join a team: acomparc@gmail.com (added 11/18/2025)
Jan 23-25 (F) 4th Annual Newcomb Memorial Tournament. $$3500 guaranteed prize fund with 3-day and 2-day schedules available for Friday-Sunday, Jan 23-25 at the Holiday Inn Washington Dulles on 45425 Holiday Drive, Dulles, VA 20166. Play is in 3 sections: Premier (FIDE-rated), Under 1900, and Under 1400. Chess boards provided, but please bring your own clock! Come out and celebrate with us the lives of the Newcomb brothers, Murray and Philip. Get more info and register at this link. See info on Jan 25th below for the Newcomb Memorial Scholastic Tournament. (updated 1/6/2026)
Jan 31 MAKEUP DAY for the 2026 SW Virginia Championships. (Players should check with the organizer to see if this event is still on.) Sat Jan 24 at Fallon Park Elementary in Roanoke, VA, 502 19th St. SE. Sponsored by Roanoke City Public Schools. See our website for more information. (updated 1/28/2026)
Jan 25 **4th Annual Newcomb Memorial Scholastic Championship. Sunday, Jan 25 at the Holiday Inn Washington Dulles on 45425 Holiday Drive, Dulles, VA 20166. Round 1 at 10 AM with follow-on rounds scheduled onsite ASAP. US Chess rated play in 4 sections: K3, K5, K8, K12. Come out and celebrate the lives of the Newcomb brothers, Murray and Philip. Get more info and register at this link. (added 11/29/2025)
Jan 29 & 30 **Teacher's Workday Chess Camp. Thurs & Fri Jan 29 & 30 at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, 3960 Corsair Court, Chantilly, VA. Attend one or both days, 8 AM - 5 PM! One day camp $100, $175 for both days. Learn tactics, openings, endgames, and strategy; play US Chess rated games and learn from game analysis; helps you get ready for the VA Sdholastic Championships at TJHSST in March! Organized by Atlantic Chess Association. Read about the event at this link. (added 1/23/2026)
Jan 31 2026 Roanoke Winter Classic. Saturday, Jan 31, at the Westhampton Christian Church, 2515 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke VA. 4-rounds of rated chess in two sections, Open and Under 1400 at a time control fo Game 45+5. Round 1 at 11 AM, with rounds 2-4 every two hours thereafter. Organized by the Roanoke Valley Chess Club. Get more information about our event at this link. (added 1/19/2026)
Jan 31 - Feb 1 **2026 Coastal Virginia Open. Being rescheduled to May 15-17, 2026, due to forecast blizzard conditions in Virginia Beach. 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 1/29/2026)
Jan 30-Feb 1 (F) 63rd Baltimore Open. Fri-Sun, Jan 30 - Feb 1 in Linthicum, MD, at the BWI Sheraton, 1100 Old Elkridge Landing Rd. Free parking! Choose from the Two-day or Three-day schedules with multiple sections: Championship, Under 2200, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1300, U1000. Prize payout baed on your final score! Make your hotel reservation ($105/nite) and read all about the tournament at this link (added 11/19/2025)
February
2026		 Feb 2 Owings Mills Chess Club February FREESTYLE/CHESS960 Tournament. Monday, Feb 2nd, in the Reading Room, Garrison Hall South, Stevenson Univ., 10945 Boulevard Circle, Owings Mills, MD. Club opens at 6:30 PM. Time Control and number of rounds based on number of entrants. $5 entry fee with 75% of entry fees returned as prizes. Get info at this link. (added 1/10/2026)
Feb 2, 9,
16 and 23		 Charles Village Chess Weekly BLITZ. In Baltimore, MD EVERY MONDAY at the Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E. 30th St. in Baltimore. Five (5) rounds of Blitz, Game 3, increment 2. US Chess rated. Vision House (136 W. 25th St.). Game-20 time control. Round 1 at 7 PM, venue opens at 4 PM. Get more info at this link. (added 1/10/2026)
Feb 3 & 10 (F) Hampton Roads Chess Club FIDE Rapid. On Feb 3rd and Feb 10th at the Kings Grant Presbyterian Church. US Quick and FIDE-rated play with three (3) games on Feb 3rd and 3 on Feb 10th. Time control is Game 20, delay 3. $15 Entry Fee. Get more info at this link. Register and see who's playing at this link. (added 1/26/2026)
Feb 6 CANCELLED. 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  (updated 2/3/2026)
Feb 6, 13,
20 and 27		 Charles Village Chess Weekly Rapid Quads. In Baltimore, MD EVERY FRIDAY at the Vision House (136 W. 25th St.). Game-20 time control. Round 1 at 8 PM, venue opens at 6 PM. Get more info at this link. (added 1/10/2026)
Feb 7 Rockville Chess Club Monthly Quad/Swiss. Saturday, Feb 7, at the Kensington Public Library, 4201 Knowles Ave, Kensington, MD. Quads feature 3 rounds of play at Game-55, delay 5. The Swiss section is for players rated Under 900. Round 1 in Swiss and Quads is at 11 AM. Free entry, but donations welcome! All players must be current members of the Virginia Chess Federation. Click here to read more about our tournament. Select this link to register now. Contact us by email, or call Erick Toribio at 240-848-6732 (added 12/30/2025)
Feb 7 **McNair February Scholastic (Warmup before VA Scholastic Ch). Sat., Feb 7th at McNair Elementary, 2499 Thomas Jeff. Dr., Herndon, VA. Competition is in 3 sections: K3, K5, and K8. Five rounds of play in K3 with a time control of Game 30, delay 5. Four rounds in K5 and K8 at Game 45, delay 5. Entry $40, increases to $45 on Feb 4th, $50 onside until 8:30 AM. Register now at this link. Get more information at this link. (added 1/17/20226)
Feb 7 **3rd Annual GM Cup Annual Scholastic Tournament. Sat., Feb 7th at Compass Homeschool Enrichment, 510 Herndon Pkwy, Herndon, VA. 5 Section of competition: K12, K8, K5, K3, and Unrated. Unrated section is only for ages 4-12 with no US Chess rating. Entry fees start at $50 by 1/19 and increase progressively to $65 by 2/7. Onsite registration closes 2 hours before Round 1. Round 1 is at 10 AM with four (4) rounds of play. US Chess membership required of all players. No electronic notation devices allowed. Questions to tournaments@gmchessprep.com, tournament info at this link. (added 12/22/2025)
Feb 13 Rockville Chess Club Rapid 4SS Tournament. Friday, Feb 13 at the Rockville Science Center, 36C Maryland Ave in Rockville MD. Four rounds of play at a time control of Game 10, delay 3 in two sections: Premier and Amateur (Under 1200). Round 1 at 7 PM, with Rounds 2-4 every 30 minutes or ASAP. Get more information at this link. (added 1/19/2026)
Date Change
Now Feb 27
Feb 13		 Note Date Change from Feb 13 to Feb 27. DC Chess League - Round 6. 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 (updated 2/3/2026)
Feb 13-17 (F) 3rd Annual President's Day Open. Organized by the Atlantic Chess Assn in Dulles, VA at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Drive, Dulles, VA. GM/IM Norms possible in the Premier section. Multiple Sections and playing schedules. See all the tournament information at this link. (added 11/18/2025)
Feb 14 (F) President's Day Open BLITZ. Sat., Feb 14th at the same site as the President's Day Open (see above). This event is now FIDE rated in addition to being US Chess rated. Get registered at this link. Read more information at this link. (added 11/19/2025)
Feb 15 RVA Pieces February Rapid. Round 1 at 10:15 AM at the Black Iris Social Club on Sunday, Feb 15th. Doors open at 9:30. Open to players of all ages and skills. This event is NOT RATED, but the games will observe US Chess rules. Players will be organized into two (2) sections: "Under 1300" and "Open". Get details of our event at this link. (added 1/28/2026)
Feb 15 **MVP Chess K-12 Quads for February 2026. Sunday, Feb 15, at the Mt. Vernon Rec Ctr Multipurpose Room 1, 2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA. FREE event for players in grades K-12 who have an active US Chess Federation membership. Event limited to 32 players, so register in advance. Check-in by 12:45, Round 1 at 1 PM. Three (3) rounds of play for all Quads with a Time Control of Game-25, delay 5. Games will be US Chess rated. Donations welcome. Get more info and register at this link. (added 1/10/2026)
Feb 15 **Presidents Day ACTION Tournament. Sunday, Feb 15th at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Drive in Dulles, VA. Open and Scholastic/K12 Section. Time control is Game-30, delay 5. Entry is $40 by Jan 7th, $45 by Feb 8th, $55 on or after Feb 9th and onsite. Boards and pieces provided for all players, but please bring your own clock! Organized by the Atlantic Chess Assn. Get more info at this link. Register now at this link. (added 11/29/2025)
Feb 16 **Publix at John Rolfe February Tournament. This is a cross-round event for players in grades K-9 on Monday, Feb 16th (School holiday) from 2-5 PM in Henrico VA at the Publix, 2250 John Rolfe Pkwy. Competition is in 3 sections: Open, U700, and U350. Get more information at this link or the Chess RVA website. (added 1/15/2026)
Feb 16 OMCC February Rapid Tournament. On Monday, Feb 16th, hosted by the Owings Mills Chess Club in the Reading Room on the 2nd floor of Garrison Hall South, Stevenson University, 10945 Boulevard Circle, Owings Mills, MD. Time control is Game-15, delay-10, with Round 1 at 7 PM. Four (4) rounds of play. Sets and clocks provided. Entry Fee is $5. Read more and get registration instructions at this link. (added 12/29/2025)
Feb 21 The Poetic Checkmate. Sat, Feb 21st presented by the Big Chair Chess Club at 2004 MLK Jr. Ave SE, Wash. DC. Check-in by 12:30 PM, event begins at 1 PM with play in 2 sections, Open and Beginners. 4 Rounds at a time control of Game 10. $200 prize fund, $100 "Poetry Slam". $10 early entry, $20 at the door. Use this link to to read more about our event and to register for it! (added 2/10/2026)
Feb 21 **DC Ward 3 Chess Challenge. A 4-round scholastic tournament on Sat Feb 21st at John Eaton Elementary, 3301 Lowell St. NW, Washington DC. Play is in 3 sections: K1, K3, K5, K8 and K12. Players can "play-up" into a higher section, but cannot play down. Section limits defined by your current grade in school. Four (4) rounds of play at a time control of Game 45, delay 5. FREE ENTRY. All players must be members of the US Chess Federtion. Register at this link. Get more tournament information at this link. (added 2/8/2026)
Feb 21 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)
Feb 23 OMCC February Blitz. Monday, Feb 23, in the Reading Room at Stevenson Univ., 10945 Boulevard Cir, Owings Mills, MD. US Chess rated blitz with a time control of Game-3, increment 2, 10 rounds (5 double rounds). Club opens at 6:30, Round 1 at 7 PM. Entry $5. 75% of entry fees returned as prizes. Click here for more info and registration instructions. Visit our website at this link. Sets and clocks provided for all games! (added 11/9/2025)
Feb 27 - Mar 1 (F) 10th Annual George Washington Open. Friday Feb 27 - Sunday March 1st at the Washington Dulles Marriott, 45020 Aviation Drive, Dulles, VA. Organized by the Continental Chess Association (Link). Five (5) rounds of play with 2-day and 3-day options available. $17,000 in guaranteed prizes! Read all the datails at this link. (added 9/19/2025)
Feb 28 **2026 Emery Tate Open and Scholastic Championship. Sat, Feb 28th at the Bryant St. Market, 670 Rhode Island Ave NE, Wash DC. Event features an Open Section plus Scholastic Sections for players in grades K-1, K-3, K-5, K-8, and K-12. Open Section is for anyone, any age. Four (4) rounds of play at a time control of Game-45, delay 5. Check-in from 9:15 - 9:45 AM. Register now at this link and read more about our tournament at this link. (added 2/15/2026)
Feb 28 2026 Mickey Owens Memorial. Sat Feb 28 at Fallon Park Elementary in Roanoke, VA, 502 19th St. SE. Sponsored by Roanoke City Public Schools. See our website for more information. Snow Makup Day is Saturday, March 7. (added 11/29/2025)
Feb 28 **Moody Middle School State Scholastic WARMUP. In Henrico, VA, on Sat Feb 28th at George H. Moody Middle School, 7800 Woodman Road. Four (4) Sections of play K3, K5, K8, and K12 ... the same sections that will be in the State Scholastic Championship in March! Come out and get ready for the Virginia Scholastic Championships by playing four (4) rounds of competitive chess! Time Control will be Game 40, delay 5 in Rounds 1 through 3, then Game 60, delay 5 for Round 4. "Game 40, delay 5" means each player gets 40 minutes of thinking time to complete all their moves, they also receive 5 additional seconds at the start of each move. Round 1 will be at 9:30 AM, with follow-on rounds scheduled on-site as soon as possible after each round finishes BY SECTION. So, it's possible for K12 to be in Round 3, but K3 is either finishing Round 4 or has already completed their games! A school club is planning to sell concessions. There will be a lunch break, but there are no nearby fast food restaurants (they are 10-15 minutes away). Registration instructions and more tournament info will be placed on the Virginia Chess Federation website by early December www.vachess.org. Chess sets, chess boards, chess clocks, and notation sheets provided for all players.
Feb 28 George Washington Saturday 11 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)