OVERVIEW
The 2026 Charlotte Open Scholastic is a 5 round US Chess-rated tournament held alongside the 2026 Charlotte Open. It is open to all K-8 players aged 13 or younger with ratings under 700 (or unrated).
WHEN
Saturday, January 17
11:00am - 4:30pm
SCHEDULE
Round 1: 11:00am
Round 2: 12:00pm
Lunch Break: 12:45 - 1:30pm
Round 3: 1:30pm
Round 4: 2:30pm
Round 5: 3:30pm
Awards Ceremony hosted by GM Kayden Troff: 4:30pm
WHERE
UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
9041 Robert D Snyder Road
Charlotte, NC 28262
$132 per night - 2 Queen or King
PARKING
$6 Self-Parking
Each exit requires $6 payment
REGISTRATION
Online registration (link below) is strongly recommended.
On-Site Registration: Saturday 9:00-10:00am
All registration closes Saturday 10:00am
ELIGIBILITY
K-8 players (age 13 and under)
Players must be rated under 700 (or unrated) based on the January 2026 US Chess rating supplement - not live ratings.
TIME CONTROL
G/20, inc/10
20 minutes per player plus a 10 second increment per move.
PRIZES
Trophies to top 10, based on US Chess standard tiebreaks.
ENTRY FEE
$40 by January 13
$50 after January 13
SIDE EVENTS
GM Kayden Troff Engagement Events
Saturday, January 17
Scholastic Awards Ceremony: 4:30-4:45pm
Player Game Analysis: 5:00-7:00pm
“Play the Grandmaster” Blitz: 8:00-9:30pm
CONTACT
Please read 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:
Scholastic: $5 transaction fee until January 15
50% refunds after January 15 until 1 hour before round 1.
Byes:
Up to 2 optional half-point byes, request before round 1.
All byes requested during tournament are zero points.
Boards, sets, clocks provided (must use our equipment).
January 2026 US Chess Ratings are used for pairings and eligibility.
This event is US Chess rated. US Chess membership is required.
All registration (online and on-site) closes 1 hour before round.
Trophies to top 10, based on US Chess standard tiebreaks.
By registering for or attending this event, players and guests grant permission to CCC to take and use photographs and video for purposes related to the event.