Event Overview
https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/febopen
OVERVIEW
The Charlotte February Open is a classical event with a $6,000 guaranteed total 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 1200 and registration cap of 140 players.
WHEN
February 20-22, 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
Free internet, free parking
HOTEL BOOKING
Both hotel options attached to the playing venue.
Hilton Garden Inn - Southpark
$134/night for King or $149 for 2 Queens
Homewood Suites - Southpark
$152/night for King suite with sofa bed
ELIGIBILITY
- There is a strict minimum rating of 1200 to enter, based on February US Chess ratings or a peak rating achieved between January 1 - February 20.
- See events schedule for other options this weekend.
- Registration Cap: 140 players. The organizer may continue to accept registration past 140 players based on specific space constraints.
REGISTRATION
- Online registration only - no on-site registration.
- All registration closes 90 minutes before round 1 start time.
- On-site check-in is not necessary.
TIME CONTROLS
3-Day Schedule: G/110; inc/10
Rounds 1-2 of 2-day: G/30, inc/10
PRIZES & SECTIONS
$5,500 Guaranteed Prize Fund in 3 Sections.
Championship Section - FIDE Rated
$1000 – $700 – $400
Top U2200: $400
40 US Chess Grand Prix Points
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 1200.
100-point Rule applies for "playing up" - see Special Notes below.
Plaques to first place in all sections.
SCHEDULE
3-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds
Friday: 6:30pm
Saturday: 10:30am & 4:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am & 3:00pm
2-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds
Saturday: 10:30am*, 1:00pm*, 4:00pm
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
FREE FEBRUARY OPEN BLITZ
- Saturday 8:45pm
- Blitz Registration On-site only, Saturday 4:00-8:30pm
- No online or emailed blitz registration
- Free blitz entry for players in the February Open
- Open to all players - $30 on-site blitz entry for those not in the February Open
- 6 (single) Rounds – US Chess regular ratings used for pairings/prizes.
- US Chess and FIDE blitz rated. US Chess membership required.
- $500 guaranteed prize fund in one section:
- $200 - $100 - $60. Top U2000: $80, Top U1700: $60.
ENTRY FEE
$135 by February 9
$150 after February 9
GM/IM/WGMs: Free online entry, no deduction from prize if registered by January 20, otherwise $135 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