Naroditsky Memorial Rapid & Blitz - Creator Invitational
Naroditsky Memorial Rapid & Blitz - Creator Invitational
Charlotte Marriott City Center
OVERVIEW
Kick off Championship Sunday with the Creator Invitational. Before the top 10 Masters take the stage for the Blitz Final, 10 of the world’s most influential chess creators will battle it out in a single-round-robin blitz event.
While the 9 rounds of blitz will certainly be competitive, the heart of this event is about giving back. These creators are donating their time and talent to help secure the future of the Naroditsky Memorial Fund, ensuring that the next generation of players and educators has the resources they need to thrive. This is a rare, relaxed environment where fans can watch their favorite streamers and educators play in person, all while contributing to a mission-driven cause.
CREATORS
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SPONSORS
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Interested in sponsoring? Help us sustain this initiative - contact the CCCF.
WHEN
July 5, 2026
Just prior to the Blitz Final
WHERE
Beautiful Downtown Charlotte Venue!
Charlotte Marriott City Center
100 W Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
BOOK HOTEL
$189/Night - King and Queen/Queen Rooms Available
Booking Link - Book by June 14
FORMAT
- 9 Rounds
- Time Control: G/3 minutes; +2 second increment
- US Chess and FIDE Rated
- Single Round Robin; Lots determined by placement in Saturday's Blitz Championship.
- If a creator places in the top 10 of Saturday's Blitz Championship, a replacement will be found for them in the Creator Invitational
SCHEDULE
| Round 1 | 10:30am |
| Round 2 | 10:45am |
| Round 3 | 11:00am |
| Round 4 | 11:15am |
| Round 5 | 11:30am |
| Break | |
| Round 6 | 12:00pm |
| Round 7 | 12:15pm |
| Round 8 | 12:30pm |
| Round 9 | 12:45pm |
| Playoff (if necessary) | 1:00pm |
SPECTATORS
Only players, invited guests, staff, and those with paid spectator passes will be allowed into the playing venue and surrounding areas at any time - no exceptions. Family members of players must purchase a spectator pass for access to the playing hall.
Standard Pass
Grants access to playing hall and playing floor.
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Friday, July 3: $75
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Saturday, July 4: $75
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Sunday, July 5: $150
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All Days: $250
VIP Pass
Access to exlusive areas in playing hall, playing level, and VIP Lounge (light food and drinks). Commemorative memorial chess board included.
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Friday, July 3: $250
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Saturday, July 4: $250
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Sunday, July 5: $350
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All Days: $700
SECURING THE FUTURE
The 1st Annual Naroditsky Memorial is a mission-driven event. To ensure the long-term sustainability of this initiative, 100% of all entry fees and spectator pass proceeds are directed to the Naroditsky Memorial Fund.
These funds are managed by the Charlotte Chess Center Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, which houses the Naroditsky Endowment. Your contribution directly supports the continuation of this premier event and the Naroditsky Fellowship, a prestigious program for rising players and educators to be announced later this year.
Interested in sponsoring? Help us sustain this initiative - contact the CCCF.