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 Masters is held just after the 2025 GM/IM Fall Invitational and runs alongside the 2025 NC Open, an open event for players of all ratings with $12,500 in prizes.
WHEN
November 26 - November 30, 2025
WHERE
Hilton Charlotte University Place
8629 J M Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28262
HOTEL BOOKING
$132/Night - 1 King Bed and 2 Double Beds
FREE Internet, FREE Parking
Click “edit stay” at the top of the booking page to select your exact dates
REGISTRATION
Players are strongly recommended to register online (registration form below)
Online registration until November 26, 4:00pm
On-Site Registration: November 26, 3:00-4:00pm
All registrations after Wednesday November 26, 4:00pm will result in round 1 bye.
ELIGIBILITY
Players rated or once rated at least 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.
SPECTATORS/NON PLAYERS
May attend the event but are not allowed in the tournament halls or in the corridors right outside of them.
May enjoy the skittles/lounge/merch area (no cost)
TIME CONTROL
G/90; +30
90 minutes plus a 30 second increment from move 1
$25,000 GUARANTEED IN PRIZES
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 + US Masters trophy and title for clear first 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 complete 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
Day | Date | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Wednesday | November 26 | 1 | 6:00pm |
Thursday | November 27 | 2 | 10:30am |
3 | 4:45pm | ||
Friday | November 28 | 4 | 10:30am |
5 | 4:45pm | ||
Saturday | November 29 | 6 | 10:30am |
7 | 4:45pm | ||
$2000 Blitz | 9:15pm | ||
Sunday | November 30 | 8 | 10:00am |
9 | 4:00pm |
SIDE EVENTS
FREE $2,000 Blitz
Saturday, November 29
Starts at 9:15pm
Free Entry for US Masters Players - register onsite Saturday by 9:00pm
ENTRY FEES
All GMs, IMs, WGMs: Free Entry with no deduction if registered by October 10. $200 deducted from prize if registered after October 10.
Titled Player Entry (FM, WIM, WFM, NM): $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.
Entry fees based on the title/status at the time of registration.
US Masters players who have an unsuccessful start may withdraw from the USM and join the North Carolina Open, an open tournament with a $12,500 prize fund, 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.
CONTACT
For questions/concerns prior to the event email: events@charlottechesscenter.org
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
WITHDRAWALS
SPECIAL NOTES
Please read Terms and Conditions and Fair Play Policy
No Spectator Policy: Parents and spectators are not permitted in the playing area and immediate halls.
Registration and bye request window closes November 26 at 4:00pm
Withdrawals/Refunds:
Before the event, withdrawals for paid entries will incur a $25 transaction fee until November 25. 50% refunds after November 24 until 2 hours before round 1.
Conditioned players who withdraw (cancel) after November 1 may 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 if taking a bye.
Byes 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 to withdrawing will incur a $200 fine.
Boards, sets, clocks provided (must use our equipment).
US Chess and FIDE-rated. US Chess membership is required.
November FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes.
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.