Event Overview
Event Details
Sunday, January 10, 2027
Weather Postponement Date: Sunday, January 17, 2027
Hilton Garden Inn BWI Airport
1516 Aero Dr
Linthicum, MD 21090
Format
Maximum Field: 85 players
US Chess Rated: Yes
US Chess Membership Required
5-Round Swiss
Time Control: G/25; d5
Rating Eligibility: January 2027 US Chess Rating Supplement
Schedule
9:15 AM – Check-in / Day-of Registration
10:30 AM – Round 1
11:45 AM – Round 2
12:45–1:30 PM – Lunch Break
1:30 PM – Round 3
2:45 PM – Round 4
4:00 PM – Round 5
Approximately 5:00 PM – Awards
Day-of registration is available only if space remains.
Sections & Entry Fees
Section
By December 25 After December 25 / Day-of
U1600 $40 $50
A player's spot is not reserved until both registration and payment have been received.
Prizes
$2,015 Guaranteed Cash Prize Fund
Open
1st: $600
2nd: $300
3rd: $150
Top U2000: $125
Top U1800: $100
U1600
1st: $300
2nd: $200
3rd: $100
Top U1400: $80
Top U1200: $60
All advertised cash prizes are guaranteed.
Players may receive only one cash prize. If players tie for cash prizes, the applicable prizes will be combined and split equally.
Sponsor-Supplied Special Awards
Special awards will be offered in each section for:
- Top Female
- Top Senior — age 65+
- Top Youth — under 12 years old
Special awards will consist of sponsor-provided merchandise and/or gift cards.
Players may win one cash prize and one special award. Standard US Chess tiebreaks will be used to determine special-award winners when necessary.
Additional Info
Half-Point Byes
Each player may request one half-point bye.
A Round 5 half-point bye must be requested before Round 4 begins.
Equipment
Players are expected to bring their own:
- Chess set
- Chess clock
A limited number of sets, clocks, and other supplies will be available for purchase on site.
Refund Policy
Refunds are available through January 7, 2027.
After January 1, refunds will only be available if the tournament is postponed due to weather.
If the tournament is postponed to January 17, players who cannot attend must request a refund by January 13.
Players who do not arrive before the end of Round 1 will forfeit their registration.
Parking
Parking is available at the Hilton Garden Inn BWI Airport.
Tournament Directors
Head Tournament Director: Wilbert Brown
Tournament Director: Alex Hill
Tournament Director: Andrew James
Click here to show mail address
443-895-1129
1516 Aero Dr
Linthicum, MD 21090
United States