Event Overview
Event Website: https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/coblitz
OVERVIEW
The 2026 Charlotte Open Blitz is a 6 round US Chess and FIDE Blitz-rated event held alongside the 2025 Charlotte Open. The blitz event is open to everyone, offers a $1,000 prize fund, and is free for those playing in the Charlotte Open.
WHEN
Sunday, January 18
8:45pm
WHERE
UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
9041 Robert D Snyder Road
Charlotte, NC 28262
PARKING
$6 Self-Parking
Each exit requires $6 payment
SCHEDULE
- Sunday, January 18
- Register on-site by 8:30pm. Entries after 8:30pm receive a round 1 bye.
- Blitz round 1 starts 8:45pm, rounds 2-6 are ASAP.
REGISTRATION
- Open to all players. US Chess membership required.
- Free for players in the Charlotte Open
- On-site, in-person blitz registration only, 4:00-8:15pm on Sunday, January 18.
- Registration after 8:30pm will incur a round 1 bye.
- No online or emailed registration.
FORMAT
- 6 single rounds
- 2 sections - Championship and Under 1700
- No playing up - must be 1700+ to play in Championship section.
- Time Control: G/3, inc/2
- January 2026 US Chess Regular Ratings are used for pairings and prizes
- In general, the same rating assigned to a player for the Charlotte Open main event will be used for the blitz event.
- At the Chief Arbiter's discretion, live ratings, US Chess blitz ratings, FIDE Classical or Blitz ratings, or other ratings may be used if higher than US Chess regular ratings.
- Both sections are US Chess Blitz and FIDE Blitz rated. US Chess membership required.
- Boards, sets, and clocks provided (must use our equipment).
SECTIONS AND PRIZES
$1,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund in 2 Sections
Blitz Championship (1700+) – FIDE Blitz Rated
$300 - $150 - $80 - $60
Top U2100: $60
Top U1900: $50
Under 1700 - FIDE Blitz Rated
$120 - $60 - $40
Top U1500: $40
Top U1300 or Unrated: $40
ENTRY FEE
Players in the Charlotte Open: FREE
Others: $35
CONTACT
Click here to show mail address
Event Website: https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/coblitz
9041 Robert D Snyder Road
Charlotte, NC 28262
United States