Event Overview
OVERVIEW
The Charlotte Fall Open takes place October 2-4, 2026 in SouthPark Charlotte. It is a 5 round classical event with a $6000 guaranteed prize fund - $5,500 in the main event plus a free $500 Saturday evening blitz tournament.
All sections are US Chess and FIDE rated. There is a minimum rating of 1000 and registration cap of 140 players.
WHEN
October 2-4 or 3-4, 2026
3-day and 2-day schedules available
WHERE
Beautiful Venue in the Heart of Southpark! Walk to Starbucks, Whole Foods and more!
Hilton Garden Inn - Southpark
4808 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 362-5080
HOTEL BOOKING
Both hotel options attached to the playing venue.
Email us if the booking links are not showing the correct rate.
Free internet, free parking
Hilton Garden Inn - Southpark
$134 per night single or $149 for 2 Queens
Booking Link Coming Soon - Reserve by September 17
Homewood Suites - Southpark
$152 for King suite with sofa bed
Free Breakfast
Booking Link Coming Soon - Reserve by September 17
ELIGIBILITY
- Must be members of US Chess.
- There is a USCF rating minimum of 1000 to enter, based on July US Chess ratings or a peak rating achieved between September 1 - October 2.
- See events schedule for other options this weekend.
REGISTRATION
- Online registration only - no on-site registration.
- All registration closes 90 minutes before round 1 or when capacity is reached.
- On-site check-in is not necessary.
- Registration Cap: 140 players. The organizers reserve the right to accept entries past 140 players depending on specific space constraints.
SCHEDULE
3-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds
Friday: 6:30pm
Saturday: 10:30am & 4:00pm
Blitz: Saturday 8:30pm
Sunday: 10:00am & 3:00pm
2-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds
Saturday: 10:30am*, 1:00pm*, 4:00pm
Blitz: Saturday 8:30pm
Sunday: 10:00am & 3:00pm
*Rounds 1-2 of 2-Day Schedule played at G/30; inc/10 time control, then merge with 3-day schedule, Saturday 4:00pm
TIME CONTROLS
3-Day Schedule: G/110, inc/10
Rounds 1-2 of 2-day Schedule: G/30, inc/10
PRIZES & SECTIONS
$5,500 Guaranteed Prize Fund in 3 Sections.
Championship Section - FIDE Rated
40 US Chess Grand Prix Points
$1200 - $600 - $300
Top U2200: $400
Under 2000 Section - FIDE Rated
$700 - $400 - $200
Top U1800: $300
Under 1600 Section - FIDE Rated
$600 - $300 - $200
Top U1400: $300
Minimum rating of 1000.
100-point rule applies for "playing up" - see Special Notes below.
Plaques to first place in all sections.
ENTRY FEE
$135 by September 16
$150 after September 16
GM/IM/WGMs: Free, no deduction from prize if registered by September 1, otherwise $130 deducted from prize.
Re-entry: $60. See information under "Special Notes" below.
CONTACT
Click here to show mail address
4808 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28210
United States