OVERVIEW
The Charlotte Summer Open is a 5 round classical event with a guaranteed prize fund of $6,500 plus a $500 Saturday evening blitz. There is a registration cap of 140 players - we expect to sell out so please register well in advance.
WHEN
July 18-20, 2025
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 - Southpark
$128 per night single or $138 for double
Free internet and parking
Homewood Suites - Southpark (overflow hotel)
$149 for King suite with pullout sofa bed
Free internet and parking
ELIGIBILITY
Must be members of US Chess.
There is a USCF rating minimum of 1000 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
3-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds
Friday: 6:30pm
Saturday: 10:30am & 4:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am & 3:00pm
2-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds
Saturday: 10:30am*, 1:00pm*, 4:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am & 3:00pm
*Rounds 1-2 of 2-Day Schedule played at G/30; inc/10 time control, then merge with 3-day schedule, Saturday 4:00pm
TIME CONTROLS
3-Day Schedule: G/110, inc/10
Rounds 1-2 of 2-day Schedule: G/30, inc/10
$6,500 GUARANTEED IN PRIZES
Championship Section - FIDE Rated
$1000 - $500 - $300 - $200
Top U2200: $300
Under 2000 Section - FIDE Rated
$600 - $400 - $200
Top U1850: $200
Under 1700 Section
$600 – $400 – $200
Top U1550: $200
Under 1400 Section
$600 - $400 - $200
Top U1200: $200
Minimum rating of 1000. No unrated players.
100-point rule applies for "playing up" a section - see Special Notes at bottom of page.
SIDE EVENTS
FREE $500 Blitz
Saturday 8:30-10:15pm
Blitz Registration On-site only, Saturday 4:30-8:15pm – No online blitz registration
Free blitz entry for players in the Charlotte Summer Open.
Open to all players - $30 on-site blitz entry for those not in the Summer Open.
6 (single) Rounds – USCF regular ratings used for pairings/prizes.
$500 guaranteed prize fund in one section with class prizes.
US Chess and FIDE blitz rated. US Chess membership required.
ENTRY FEE
$125 by July 8
$140 after July 8
GM/IM/WGMs: Free, no deduction from prize if registered by June 20, otherwise $125 deducted from prize.
CONTACT
For questions, concerns, and withdrawals prior to the event email: events@charlottechesscenter.org
Titled Player Conditions - wmhigh@nc.rr.com
Please read Terms and Conditions and Fair Play Policy PDF
July 2025 US Chess ratings used for pairings and prizes in all sections.
Parents and spectators are not permitted in the playing area or in the nearby hallway.
100 Point Rule: Must be within 100 points of next section to play up (e.g. 1900+ to enter Championship). In additon to the July 2025 US Chess Supplemental Rating, we will also honor peak ratings since April 16.
Minimum rating: There is a USCF rating minimum of 1000 to enter, based on September US Chess supplement ratings or a live rating thereafter. No peak ratings.
Registration Cap: 140 players.
Registration closes 90 minutes before round 1 or when the capacity limit is reached.
Registration closes at 140 players. The organizers reserve the right to accept entries past 140 players depending on specific space constraints.
Re-Entry:
If players have an undesirable start to the event, they may wish to re-enter the event.
Players may re-enter for a $60 fee
Re-entry closes Saturday 9:30am
Changes to registration / mid-event withdrawals:
All changes to registration including schedule changes, byes, and withdrawals must be submitted at least 1 hour before the relevant round.
Players who forfeit (no-show) without notice will be fined $100.
Byes: Players may take up to 2 optional half-point byes, request before round 1. All byes requested during the tournament are zero points.
Refunds: all withdrawals by July 17 will be refunded minus a $10 transaction fee. 50% refunds after July 17 until 1 hour before round 1.
OTHER RULES
Boards, sets, clocks provided (must use our equipment).
In all sections, White's clock will be started at the start of the round, even if one or both players are not present.
All sections are US Chess-rated. US Chess membership is required.
Championship and U2000 sections are also FIDE-rated and use FIDE rules, except for 2-day schedule.
Plaque to first place in each section, based on US Chess cumulative tiebreak and "average opposition rating, drop one" tiebreak if necessary.
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.