Event Overview
https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/springfide
OVERVIEW
The 2026 Spring Southeastern FIDE takes place March 20-22, 2026 in SouthPark Charlotte. There are three FIDE and US Chess rated sections with a minimum rating of 1500 to participate. There is a $5,500 guaranteed prize fund - $5,000 in the main event plus a free $500 Saturday evening blitz tournament.
There is a registration cap of 125 players. The Spring SE FIDE runs alongside the Spring GM/IM Norm Invitational.
WHEN
March 20-22, 2026
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
Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte SouthPark
$134/Night - King; $149/Night - Two Queens
Free Parking, Free Internet
Homewood Suites Charlotte SouthPark (conjoined hotel)
$152/Night - King Suite
Free Parking, Free Internet, Free Breakfast
ELIGIBILITY
- Must be members of US Chess.
- There is a USCF rating minimum of 1500 to enter:
- This rating minimum applies to all players – adults and kids.
- See special notes below for details.
- See events schedule for other options this weekend.
SCHEDULE
Date | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|
Fri, 3/20 | Round 1 | 5:00pm |
Sat, 3/21 | Round 2 | 10:30am |
Sat, 3/21 | Round 3 | 4:30pm |
Sat, 3/21 | Free Blitz | 9:00pm |
Sun, 3/22 | Round 4 | 10:00am |
Sun, 3/22 | Round 5 | 3:30pm |
TIME CONTROL
G/90, inc/30
SECTIONS AND PRIZES
$5,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund in 3 Sections
Championship Section - FIDE Rated
$1000 - $500 - $300
Top U2250: $350
30 US Chess Grand Prix Points
Under 2100 Section - FIDE Rated
$700 - $350 - $200
Top U1950: $250
Under 1800 Section - FIDE Rated
$600 – $300 – $200
Top U1650: $250
Minimum rating of 1500.
100-point rule applies for "playing up" - see Special Notes below.
Plaques to first place in all sections.
FREE SPRING FIDE BLITZ
- Saturday 9:00pm
- Blitz Registration On-site only, Saturday 4:30-8:45pm
- No online or emailed blitz registration
- Free blitz entry for players in the Spring Southeastern FIDE Championship or Spring Norm Invitational
- Open to all players - $30 on-site blitz entry for those not in either event
- 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 U2300: $80, Top U2100: $60.
ENTRY FEE
$149 by March 4
$165 after March 4
GM/IM/WGMs: Free online entry, no deduction from prize if registered by February 23, otherwise $145 deducted from prize.
CONTACT
Click here to show mail address
https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/springfide
4808 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28210
United States