13th Cherry Blossom Classic

13th CHERRY BLOSSOM CLASSIC

May 21st/22nd - May 25th 2026

$25,000 based/280 Total paid entries

Open $$10,000 Unconditionally GTD

$$10,000 GTD Other Sections. Total GTD Prizes $$20,000 GTD

Executive Conference and Training Center, 22685 Holiday Park Dr, Ste 60, Sterling, VA 20166

TOURNAMENT DETAILS:

US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) ; US Chess Junior Grand Prix -  A VCF Cup Event!

Event Location: Executive Conference and Training Center, 22685 Holiday Park Dr, Ste 60, Sterling, VA 20166.

Hotel location (3-5 mins walk from the Event Location): Holiday Inn Washington Dulles, 45425 Holiday Drive, Dulles, VA 20166. Phone: 703-471-7411. Frequent shuttle service from Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to the Hotel. IAD Airport is connected by Metro station to Union Station/DC and DCA Airport. Check the official website for Hotel Reservations at Chess Group rate 129/night until May 7th 2026.

FIVE SECTIONS & PRIZES:

Open, U2100 and U1700 Sections are USChess & FIDE Rated!

Open (USChess/FIDE; 5-day only): $$10,000 GTD - $3400 - $1800 - $1200 - $1000 - $800 - $600 - $400 - $200 U2250 $400 - $200

U2100 (USChess/FIDE; 5-/4-day): $6,800 based on prizes. $2400 - $1400 - $1000 - $700 - $500 - $300 U1850 $300 - $200 (Unr limit $200)

U1700 (USChess/FIDE; 5-/4-day): $4,400 based on prizes. $1800 - $1000 - $700 - $400 - $200 U1450 $200 - $100 (Unr limit $150)

U1300 (5-/4-day): $2,600 based on prizes. $1200 - $700 - $400 - $200 U1100 $100 (Unr limit $100)

U1000 (2-day only): $1,200 based on prizes. $600-$400-$200

LIMITED Conditions for GMs and Foreign title holders (IMs/WGMs/WIMs) in OPEN Section based on Availability: GTD Appearance Fees (NOT Minimum Prize) & Double Shared Accommodation (4-nights) for such titled players who register by Apr 19th and play all 9 games with no byes or withdrawing from event. Private/Additional Room nights requested will reduce the Appearance fees. MUST commit and Register with a Refundable Deposit online by Apr 19th– Check Official website for further details OR Contact Organizer for more information - NO CONDITIONS (Appearance Fees or Accommodations) ARE OFFERED after Apr 19th.

Minimum Peak Rating FIDE 2000+ for Open Section since the Mar 2026 FIDE supplement (May 2026 FIDE Ratings used for Pairings and Prizes): FIDE 1900-1999 - PAY $300 extra (FIDE Under 1900 NOT ALLOWED TO REGISTER). Do not Register Online if you don’t meet the rating requirements - Exceptions MUST be approved by the Organizer/Chief Arbiter. No Minimum Rating requirement in other sections.

NOTE: May 2026 FIDE Ratings used in OPEN section for Pairings and Prizes. Other Sections will use May 2026 US Chess Ratings for Pairings & Prizes. Organizer reserves the right to use a different rating system/conversion for any specific players or section as appropriate.

Entry Fees:

Open/U2100/U1700/U1300: $240 by 4/19, $265 by 5/10, $290 by 5/17, $320 later and onsite. GMs and Foreign IMs/WGMs/WIMs Free ($100 refundable deposit EF REQUIRED), $120 deducted from prize. US IMs/WGMs/WIMs/Foreign FIDE Players rated FIDE 1800+ $100 less, $80 deducted from prize. U1000 $120 less.

Onsite Entry closes 2-hrs before Round 1 else enter with 1/2 point byes. Refunds/Withdrawls will incur a 10% service charge until May 17th, 50% until May 20th. NO REFUNDS AFTER MAY 20th.

Schedule & Time controls:

Open/U2100/U1700/U1300 5-day (Open plays ONLY 5-day): G/90;+30 (Regn ends Thu 6pm; Rounds Thu 7pm; Fri/Sat/Sun 11am - 5pm; Mon 10am – 3:30pm).

U2100/U1700/U1300 4-day: Rounds 1-2 G/60;d5, Rounds 3-9 G/90;+30: (Regn ends Fri 10am; Rounds 1-2 Fri 11am - 2pm; Round 3 Fri 5pm merges with 5-day; Rounds 4-9 Sat/Sun 11am - 5pm; Mon 10am - 3:30pm).

U1000 2-day ONLY: Rds 1-6 G/60;d5: (Regn. ends Sat 10am; Rounds Sat/Sun 11am – 2pm – 5pm)

Byes:

All rounds allowed. Limit 3 in all Sections except 2 byes in U1000 only , must commit 1 hour before rd. 3, norm not possible in Open if taking bye.

Other Info – Check official website for additional details:

No Electronic Notation Devices are allowed in any Section. Default Forfeit time: 30 mins

Email Info: Click here to show mail address Online Entries: Click here 

Blitz Side event:

Sat Night Blitz Rated May 23rd 9:15pm (Open USChess/FIDE Rated & U1200 USChess Rated).

Open FIDE/USChess Rated - 6-Double SS: G/3;+2; $$1200 GTD $500-300-100 Top U2000 $100 Top U1600 $100 Top U1400 $100. EF: $30 by May 22nd Online; $40 later/onsite until May 23rd 830pm.

U1200 Only USChess Rated 6-SS G/3;+2 $200 b/20: $100-50-25 Top U1000 $25. EF: $20 by May 22nd Online; $30 later/onsite until May 23rd 830pm.