Event Overview
https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/winterclassic
OVERVIEW
The Charlotte Winter Classic is a classical event with a $7,500 guaranteed prize fund - $7,000 in the main event plus a FREE $500 Sunday evening blitz. The event is open to all - there is no minimum rating or registration cap.
The Winter Classic is held just after the NA Junior Championship (same venue) and just before the Winter Elite Camp (different venue).
WHEN
December 26-28 or 27-28, 2025
WHERE
Great venue in the heart of Southpark! Walk to Starbucks, Whole Foods and more!
Hilton Charlotte University Place
8629 JM Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28262
Free Internet, Free Parking
$139/Night
Click "edit stay" at the top of the booking page to select your exact dates
Please email us if the booking link is not showing the correct rate.
ELIGIBILITY
- This event is fully open! There is no minimum rating or registration cap.
REGISTRATION
- Online registration only - no on-site registration.
- All registration closes 75 minutes before round 1 start time.
- On-site check-in is not necessary for players.
TIME CONTROLS
Championship Section, 3-Day Schedule: G/110; inc/10
Under Sections, 3-Day Schedule: G/100, inc/10
2-day Schedule: Rounds 1-2: G/30, inc/10, Rounds 3-5: same as 3-day above
PRIZES & SECTIONS
$7,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund in 4 Sections.
Championship - FIDE Rated
40 US Chess Grand Prix Points
$1200 - $600 - $300
Top U2200: $350
Under 2100 Section - FIDE Rated
$800 - $400 - $200
Top U1900: $300
Under 1800 Section – FIDE Rated
$700 – $350 – $200
Top U1600: $250
Under 1400 Section
$600 – $300 – $200
Top U1100: $250
100-point Rule applies for "playing up" - see Special Notes below.
Plaques to first place in all sections.
FREE $500 WINTER CLASSIC BLITZ
- Sunday, 12/27, 8:30pm
- Blitz Registration On-site only, Saturday 4:30-8:15pm – No online blitz registration.
- Free blitz entry for players in the Winter Classic.
- Open to all players - $30 on-site blitz entry for those not in the main event.
- 6 (single) Rounds – USCF regular ratings used for pairings/prizes.
- $500 guaranteed prize fund:
- $200 - $100 - $60. Top U1900: $80, Top U1500: $60
- US Chess and FIDE blitz rated. US Chess membership required.
SCHEDULE
3-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds
Saturday: 6:30pm
Sunday: 10:30am & 4:00pm
Monday: 10:00am & 3:00pm
2-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds
Sunday: 10:30am*, 1:00pm*, 4:00pm
Monday: 10:00am & 3:00pm
* Rounds 1-2 of 2-Day played at G/30; inc/10 time control, then merge with 3-Day, Saturday 4:00pm
ENTRY FEE
$135 by December 17
$150 after December 17
GM/IM/WGMs: Free Online Entry, no deduction from prize if registered by December 1, otherwise $130 deducted.
Re-entry: $60. See information under "Special Notes" below.
CONTACT
Click here to show mail address
https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/winterclassic
8629 JM Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28262
United States