SPONSORS
OVERVIEW
The 2025 US Masters will be held over Thanksgiving Weekend, November 26 – November 30, 2025. The USM is an official US Chess National Championship and part of the FIDE circuit, a leg of the World Championship/Candidates cycle. This 9 round event is both US Chess and FIDE-rated featuring a $25,000 guaranteed prize fund in one section.
The USM is held just after the Fall 2025 GM/IM Norm Invitational and runs alongside the 2025 NC Open, an open event for players of all ratings.
WHEN
November 26-30, 2025
WHERE
Hilton Charlotte University Place
8629 JM Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28262
HOTEL BOOKING
$132/Night - 1 King Bed or 2 Doubles
Free Internet, Free Parking
Click “edit stay” at the top of the page to select your exact dates
REGISTRATION
Online registration is strongly recommended.
Online registration closes November 26, 4:00pm
On-Site Registration: November 26, 3:00-4:00pm
All registrations after 4:00pm will result in round 1 bye.
On-site check-in is not necessary for players who registered online.
ELIGIBILITY
Players rated or once rated 2200+ USCF or FIDE based on an established rating of at least 26 games.
Players with the NM, FM, WFM, or higher titles regardless of rating.
CFC and other foreign National Masters accepted.
CM and WCM titles are not considered.
Untitled juniors (born 2006 or after) must be rated 2000+ FIDE or 2100+ USCF at the time of registration (or thereafter, but no peak ratings) to play – additional fee applies. Peak ratings are not considered for untitled juniors.
No exceptions to eligibility rules. Players who do not qualify for the US Masters may enter the NC Open.
Entry fees are based on the title and rating at the time of registration.
NON-PLAYERS
Parents, spectators, and other non-players may attend the event, but during play, are not permitted in the tournament playing halls and nearby hallways and restrooms.
Spectators may enjoy side events with GM Yasser Seirawan and use the skittles/lounge/merch areas.
Anyone may register for the $2,000 Blitz on Saturday evening.
TIME CONTROL
G/90; inc/30
PRIZES
$25,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund in 1 Section.
150 US Chess Grand Prix Points
$7000 - $3500 - $2000 - $1500 - $1400 - $1200 - $1000
Top U2500 FIDE: $1400 - $700
Top U2350 FIDE: $1200 - $600
Top U2200 FIDE: $1000 - $500
Bonus Prizes (can be won in addition to other prizes)
$500 + USM trophy and title for clear or playoff winner
Top Female: $600 – $300
Top Senior (born 1975 or earlier): $600
The USM is part of the FIDE Circuit, a leg of the World Championship / Candidates cycle. See regulations document for more information.
NORMS
GM, IM, WGM, WIM norms available
Norm “Super Swiss” – normal federation requirement waived
FIDE requires at least one Swiss norm to obtain GM/IM/WGM/WIM titles
SCHEDULE
Registration and bye requests close November 26, 4:00pm
Wed, 11/26 | Round 1 | 6:00pm |
|---|---|---|
Thu, 11/27 | Round 2 | 10:30am |
Round 3 | 4:45pm | |
Fri, 11/28 | Round 4 | 10:30am |
Round 5 | 4:45pm | |
Sat, 11/29 | Round 6 | 10:30am |
Round 7 | 4:45pm | |
9:30pm | ||
Sun 11/30 | Round 8 | 10:00am |
Round 9 | 4:00pm | |
Playoff (if necessary) | 9:00pm |
SIDE EVENTS
Saturday, November 29
Starts at 9:30pm
Free Entry for USM Players - register on-site by 9:15pm
ENTRY FEES
All entry fees based on the title/status at the time of registration.
All GMs, IMs, WGMs: Free Online Entry with no deduction if registered by October 10. $200 deducted from prize if registered after October 10.
Titled Player Entry (FMs, WIMs, WFMs, NMs): $309 by November 1, $339 by November 15, $379 after November 15.
Untitled Juniors (born 2006 or after) with Peak Ratings Under 2200: Must be rated 2000+ FIDE or 2100+ USCF at the time of registration: $200 more than Titled Player Entry.
US Masters players who have an unsuccessful start may withdraw from the USM and join the North Carolina Open for a discounted entry fee of $100.
This option is available to USM players rated U2400 FIDE who are not receiving conditions from the organizer.
On-site registration required for discounted NCO entry.
CONTACT
Conditions are available for Grandmasters – must request conditions by October 1 and officially confirm participation by October 10. Contact Dr. Walter High – walter@charlottechesscenter.org
Use this form to withdraw. Withdrawals close 2 hours before round 1. Conditioned players who withdraw after November 1 will not be eligible for conditions in future CCC events.
Please read US Masters Regulations, CCC Terms and Conditions and Fair Play Policy.
No Spectators. Parents and spectators are not permitted in the playing area and nearby hallways and restrooms.
Withdrawals/Refunds:
Before the event, withdrawals for paid entries will incur a $25 transaction fee until November 25. 50% refunds after November 25 until 2 hours before round 1.
Conditioned players who withdraw (cancel) after November 1 will not be eligible for conditions in future CCC events.
All withdrawals during the event must be submitted at least 90 minutes before the round.
Byes:
Up to 4 optional half-point byes which must be requested by 4:00pm on November 26.
Norms not possible with a half-point or zero-point bye.
Byes are not available to conditioned players without expressed permission of the organizers.
All byes requested after the start of round one are zero-point byes.
Any zero-point byes or withdrawals during the event must be submitted at least 90 minutes before the round in question.
Players who forfeit a round (no show) or do not provide 90-minute notice prior to withdrawing will incur a $200 fine.
Equipment: Sets and clocks provided (must use our equipment). Players must use the provided scoresheets and hand in a copy to an arbiter after each game. Personal scorebooks are not permitted.
US Chess and FIDE-rated. US Chess membership is required.
November FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes.
By registering for or attending the US Masters and all side events, players and guests grant permission to CCC to take and use photographs and video for purposes related to the event.