Event Overview
https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/ncopen
OVERVIEW
The 2026 North Carolina Open is a 6 round tournament held over Thanksgiving Weekend featuring a $12,000 guaranteed prize fund in 6 sections. The NC Open runs alongside the 2026 US Masters, a premier US Chess national event.
Side events include the Free $2,000 Blitz and a Scholastic (K-8) tournament. Throughout the weekend, participants may enjoy game analysis, lectures, and blitz challenges with a VIP titled player!
WHEN
Main Event
November 27-29, 2026
3-day and 2-day playing schedules
Side Events
- K-8 Scholastic (U700) - Friday
- $2,000 Blitz - Saturday
- VIP events - all weekend
WHERE
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
Email us if the booking link is not showing the correct rate.
REGISTRATION
- Online registration is strongly recommended.
- All registration closes 90 minutes before round 1.
- On-site check-in is not necessary.
- On-site Registration:
- 3-Day Schedule: Friday 8:30-9:30am
- Scholastic: Friday 8:30-8:45am
- 2-Day and Re-Entry: Saturday 8:45-9:00am
- Blitz Registration: Saturday 4:00-8:45pm
SCHEDULE
3-Day Schedule - 6 Rounds
Friday: 11:00am & 4:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am & 4:00pm
Sunday: 10:30am & 3:00pm
2-Day Schedule - 6 Rounds
Saturday: 10:30am*, 12:00pm*, 1:30pm*, then merge with 3-day schedule Saturday at 4:00pm
Sunday: 10:30am & 3:00pm
* Rounds 1-3 of 2-Day played at G/20; inc/10, then merge with 3-day, Saturday 4:00pm
TIME CONTROL
3-Day Schedule: G/100, inc/10
2-Day Schedule: Rounds 1-3: G/20, inc/10, Rounds 4-6 (merge with 3-day): G/100, inc/10
PRIZES & SECTIONS
$12,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund in 6 Sections.
Championship - FIDE Rated
50 US Chess Grand Prix Points
$1400 - $700 - $400 - $300
Under 2000 - FIDE Rated
$1200 – $600 – $300 – $200
Under 1800 - FIDE Rated
$1000 - $500 - $250 - $150
Under 1600 - FIDE Rated
$1000 - $500 - $250 - $150
Under 1400
$800 - $400 - $250 - $150
Under 1100
$700 - $400 - $250 - $150
100-point Rule applies for "playing up" - see Special Notes below.
Plaques to first place in all sections.
SIDE EVENTS
VIP Engagement Events
VIP Engagement Events are open to event participants only - sign up for the NC Open, Scholastic, or Blitz to be eligible.
Tentative schedule below:
Friday, November 27
- Commentary / Player Game Analysis: 12:30-2:00pm
- “Play the Master” Blitz: 2:30-4:00pm
- Commentary / Player Game Analysis: 6:00-8:00pm
Saturday, November 28
- Commentary / Player Game Analysis: 12:30-2:00pm
- Photo / Autograph Session: 3:00-4:00pm
- Commentary / Player Game Analysis: 5:30-7:00pm
- “Play the Grandmaster” Blitz 7:45-9:15pm
Sunday, November 29
- Open Lecture / Q&A: 9:45-10:30am
- Commentary / Player Game Analysis: 11:30am-1:00pm
- “Play the Grandmaster” Blitz: 2:00-3:00pm
- Commentary / Player Game Analysis: 4:30-6:30pm
K-8 Under 800 Scholastic
FREE $2,000 Blitz
ENTRY FEE
$149 by November 9
$165 by November 23
$180 after November 23
GM/IM/WGMs: Free Entry, no deduction from prize by November 5, otherwise $145 deducted from prize.
US Masters players who have an unsuccessful start may join the NCO for a discounted entry fee of $100 - on-site only.
Re-entry: $60. See information under "Special Notes" below.
CONTACT
Click here to show mail address
https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/ncopen
8629 JM Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28262
United States