Naroditsky Memorial Rapid & Blitz - Masters
Naroditsky Memorial Rapid & Blitz - Masters
Charlotte Marriott City Center
OVERVIEW
The First Naroditsky Memorial Rapid and Blitz is will take place in Charlotte, NC from July 3-5, 2026. The tournament features a $50,000 total guaranteed prize fund and awards FIDE Circuit and US Chess Grand Prix Points. The NMRB is open to all players (professionals and amateurs) regardless of rating. Capacity is limited to 300 players for our inaugural edition.
The Memorial is a 3-day chess festival bridging together elite play, the vibrant creator community, and the chess community at large. The weekend is built around 4 main events:
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Rapid (Friday): 7 rounds. 2 sections: Masters and Challengers.
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Blitz (Saturday): 11 rounds. 2 sections: Masters and Challengers.
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Creator Invitational (Sunday) - Featuring 10 of the world’s top chess creators, details here.
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Blitz Finals (Sunday) -The elite finale featuring the top 10 Masters from Saturday, details here.
All players receive complimentary spectator access to Sunday's events. Watch the world's best players and your favorite creators live and in person.
SPONSORS
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Interested in sponsoring? Help us sustain this initiative - contact the CCCF.
WHEN
July 3-5, 2026
Friday - Rapid
Saturday - Blitz
Sunday - Creator Invitational & 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
MASTERS ELIGIBILITY
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Players currently rated 2200+ USCF or FIDE (classical, rapid, or blitz)
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Players with the FM/WFM or higher titles
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Up to 10 organizer wildcards
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US Chess membership required
Rated Under 2200? See Challengers Section
SCHEDULE
Rapid (Friday, July 3)
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Round 1 |
11:00am |
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Round 2 |
11:50am |
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Round 3 |
12:40pm |
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Break |
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Round 4 |
2:20pm |
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Round 5 |
3:10pm |
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Round 6 |
4:00pm |
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Round 7 |
4:50pm |
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Playoff (if necessary) |
5:30pm |
Blitz (Saturday, July 4)
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Round 1 |
11:00am |
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Round 2 |
11:25am |
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Round 3 |
11:50am |
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Round 4 |
12:15pm |
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Round 5 |
12:40pm |
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Break |
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Round 6 |
2:00pm |
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Round 7 |
2:25pm |
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Round 8 |
2:50pm |
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Round 9 |
3:15pm |
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Break |
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Round 10 |
3:50pm |
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Round 11 |
4:15pm |
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Playoff (if necessary) |
5:00pm |
Blitz Final (Sunday)
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Top 10 players from Saturday in the Masters section only. Players TBD - Based on Saturday blitz results
- Blitz Final Page Here
Creator Invitational (Sunday)
- Held just prior to the Blitz Final
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Players: IM Levy Rozman, WFM Alexandra Botez, IM Sagar Shah, WGM Dina Belenkaya, Andrea Botez, IM Eric Rosen, IM Julien Song, GM Aman Hambleton, IM John Bartholomew, IM Danny Rensch.
- Creator Invitational Page Here
FORMAT
Rapid Championship (Friday)
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7 Rounds
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Time Control: G/10 minutes; +5 second increment
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US Chess and FIDE Rated
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200 US Chess Grand Prix Points (Enhanced); FIDE Circuit Event
Blitz Championship (Saturday)
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11 Rounds
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Time Control: G/3 minutes; +2 second increment
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US Chess and FIDE Rated
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Top 10 players qualify to Sunday Blitz Final. 150 US Chess Grand Prix Points; FIDE Circuit Event
Blitz Final (Sunday)
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9 Rounds
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Time Control: G/3 minutes; +2 second increment
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US Chess and FIDE Rated
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Single Round Robin
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200 US Chess Grand Prix Points (Enhanced); FIDE Circuit Event
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Players: Top 10 players from Saturday in the Masters section only. Players TBD - Based on Saturday blitz results
- Blitz Final Page Here
Creator Invitational (Sunday)
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9 Rounds
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Time Control: G/3 minutes; +2 second increment
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US Chess and FIDE Rated
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Single Round Robin
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Players: IM Levy Rozman, WFM Alexandra Botez, IM Sagar Shah, WGM Dina Belenkaya, Andrea Botez, IM Eric Rosen, IM Julien Song, GM Aman Hambleton, IM John Bartholomew, IM Danny Rensch.
- Creator Invitational Page Here
$40,000 PRIZE FUND
$15,000 - Rapid
$3000* - $2500 - $2000 - $1500 - $1300 - $1100 - $1000
*Winner’s Bonus: $500
Top U2500: $800 / $400
Top U2350: $600 / $300
Trophy/Plaque awards to top 3
Highest FIDE rating (Classical, Rapid, Blitz) used.
$25,000 - Blitz
$6000* - $3500 - $2500 - $2000 - $1800 - $1600 - $1500 - $1300 - $1200 - $1000
Winner’s Bonus: $500
Top U2500: $800 - $400
Top U2350: $600 - $300
Trophy/Plaque to top 3
Highest FIDE rating (Classical, Rapid, Blitz) used.
The Challengers Section has an additional $10,000 in prizes.
ENTRY FEE
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Masters Section Entry Fee: $350
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Free entry for GMs.
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Entry fee includes both rapid and blitz events, as well as spectator passes for Sunday events.
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.
CONTACT
events@charlottechesscenter.org
Conditions are available for all GMs – request conditions by April 1 and officially confirm participation by May 1 (strict deadlines). Contact Dr. Walter High – walter@charlottechesscenter.org
SPECIAL NOTES
Regulations Document Coming Soon