2025 DKC Heart of the Carolinas FIDE Summer Classic

The 2025 DKC Heart of the Carolinas Summer Classic is a 5 round FIDE rated tournament with a guaranteed prize fund of $9,520. There is a registration cap of 130 players. We expect to sell out, so please register well in advance. (Registration closes at 130 players. Dragon Knight Chess reserves the sole right to accept entries past 130 players, depending on specific space constraints.)

WHEN

Friday-Sunday, August 8-10, 2025

WHERE

Winston-Salem Marriott Hotel

425 North Cherry Street

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

HOTEL BOOKING

$149/Night (Standard 2 Queens) by July 17 - Free Internet

Reserve ASAP at:

1 (800) 228-9290 or

(336) 725-3500

REGISTRATION

• Players are strongly recommended to register online.
• On-site check in is not necessary for online registered players;

• US Chess Federation (USCF) membership is required for all players.

   

• All registration closes 1 hour before the round.
• On-site registration:
• 3-Day Schedule - Friday 5-5:30pm
• 2-Day Schedule / Re-Entry - Saturday 8:30-9am

SCHEDULE

3-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds

Friday 6:30pm

Saturday: 10:30am and 4pm (merge with 2-Day schedule)

Sunday: 10am and 3pm

2-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds

Saturday: 10am*, 1pm*, and 4pm (merge with 3-Day schedule)

Sunday: 10am and 3pm

*Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2-Day Schedule are played at G/45; inc/10 time control

TIME CONTROLS

3-Day Schedule: G/100; inc/10

Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2-Day Schedule are played at G/45; inc/10 time control

$9,520 Guaranteed in Prizes:

Championship Section - FIDE Rated - 60 Grand Prix Points

$1100-$550-$350-$250

Top U2300: $300

Top U2200: $250

Top U2100: $200

Under 2000 Section - FIDE Rated

$900 - $480 - $300

Top U1900: $280

Top U1800: $240

Under 1700 Section

$800 - $440 - $280

Top U1600: $260

Top U1500: $220

Under 1400 Section

$700 - $350 - $260

Top U1300: $240

Top U1200: $200

Top U1100: $150

Top U1000: $100

Senior prizes: Each section age 50+: $50 - $30 bonus prizes

Section choice guidelines:  For "playing up" in Open; Under 2000; or Under 1700  Sections, the 100 point rule applies: minimum rating to enter Open Section is 1900; minimum rating to enter Under 2000 Section is 1600; and minimum rating to enter Under 1700 Section is 1300.

Registration and Entry Fee:

Register by June 1 pay $99;

Register June 2-July 1 pay $119;

Register July 2-25 pay $139;

Register July 26-August 1 pay $149;

Pay $159 after August 1 or on-site at least 1 hour before the round; mandatory 1st round half point bye likely.

All withdrawals by August 6 will be refunded minus a $10 transaction fee. After August 6, refunds will be 50% until 1 hour before the relevant Round 1.

Re-entry:

If players have an undesirable tournament start, they may wish to re-enter the tournament, and can do so for a $60 fee.

GM/IM/WGM: Free; No deduction if registered by June 1; otherwise $100 deducted from prize.

USCF membership required.

Up to 2 optional half point byes are allowed for any round(s) declared before Round 3. All registration changes, byes, and withdrawals must also be submitted at least 1 hour before the relevant round. Players who forfeit ('no-show") without sufficient notice will be fined up to $100.  

USCF Regular rating used for section eligibility, pairings, and prizes (August 2025 rating list).

For questions, concerns, and withdrawals prior to the event email:  jon@dragonknightchess.com

For contact during the event email (above) or text (or call) (919) 422-2535

NO residency restriction: Open to all players