Event Overview
A Grandmasters Screening Event
Join MVP Chess for a special blitz tournament celebrating the release of Grandmasters, the new documentary screening at select AMC theaters. Play four rounds of 3+2 blitz in Old Town Alexandria, then head to nearby AMC Hoffman Center 22 for the 6:00 PM screening!
Grandmasters features some of the biggest names and stories in chess, including Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Wesley So, Hans Niemann, Danny Rensch, and more.
🎬 ">Watch the Grandmasters Trailer
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Venue: The Link in Old Town, 215 North Payne Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Organizer: MVP Chess is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, VA. Our mission is to make chess accessible for everyone and develop growth-minded players. For questions, please email [email protected].
Register Now: https://chessnut.club/e/mvp-chess-red-carpet-blitz
🎬 Tournament & Screening
- The Red Carpet Blitz is being held in connection with the theatrical release of Grandmasters.
- After the tournament, players and families are invited to head to AMC Hoffman Center 22 for the 6:00 PM screening.
- Participation in the screening is optional.
- Movie tickets are separate and must be purchased in advance.
- Chess.com is supporting participating local events with promotion and Chess.com Diamond Membership prizes.
Entry & Donations
- This tournament is FREE for all US Chess members.
- An active US Chess membership is required. You can join or renew here.
- The event is limited to 20 players, so please register in advance to secure your spot.
- We welcome voluntary donations to help cover the cost of room rental and other tournament-related expenses.
- All contributions are tax-deductible and may be made online or onsite at the event.
Format
- 4 rounds using Swiss-system pairings
- Time control: 3+2 (3 minutes per player plus a 2-second increment per move)
- US Chess blitz rated
- Non-elimination, so all players play all four rounds regardless of results
- Live ratings used for pairings
Prizes
💎 Chess.com Diamond Memberships
📊 Ties will be broken first by head-to-head result, then by Modified Median, Solkoff, Cumulative, and Opposition Cumulative, in that order.
Schedule
- 4:45 PM: Check-in
- 5:00 PM: Round 1
- Subsequent rounds begin as soon as the prior round finishes
- By 5:45 PM: Expected tournament finish
- 6:00 PM: Grandmasters screening at AMC Hoffman Center 22
Rules & Expectations
- US Chess rules apply
- Notation is optional
- Chess sets and clocks provided
- Parents/guardians should stay on-site during the event
- Please show respect for opponents, staff, and the venue
Media Policy
- MVP Chess may take photos or short video clips for educational and promotional purposes.
- Names will not be published without consent. If you prefer not to be photographed, simply let us or the photographer know.
Parking & Metro Access
- Onsite parking lot available
- Free street parking available nearby
- King St–Old Town Metro (Blue/Yellow Lines) nearby
215 North Payne Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
United States