OVERVIEW
The 2026 US Masters is a US Chess National Championship held over Thanksgiving Weekend. The USM is part of the FIDE Circuit and offers GM/IM norms and a $25,000 guaranteed prize fund.
The USM is held just after the Fall GM/IM Norm Invitational and runs alongside the NC Open, an open event for all players.
New this Year:
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Higher rating minimums for untitled juniors
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Larger female and senior prizes
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Adjusted time control from G/90 to G/80, inc/30, allowing for a more time between rounds while still being valid for norms, rating, and the FIDE Circuit.
WHEN
November 25-29, 2026
WHERE
Hilton Charlotte University Place
8629 JM Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28262
Free Internet, Free Parking
$139/Night
Booking Link - Book by November 2
Click "edit stay" at the top of the booking page to select your exact dates
Please email us if the booking link is not showing the correct rate.
REGISTRATION
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Online registration required.
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Online registration closes November 25, 4:00pm
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On-site check-in is not necessary for pre-registered players.
ELIGIBILITY
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Players rated or once rated 2200+ USCF or FIDE based on an established rating of 26+ games.
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Players with the NM, FM, WFM, or higher titles.
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CFC and other foreign National Masters accepted.
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CM and WCM titles are not considered.
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Untitled juniors (born 2007 or after) must be rated 1950+ FIDE and 2100+ USCF at any time between September 1 and November 25; the ratings need not be achieved concurrently. Additional fee applies.
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No exceptions to eligibility rules. Players who do not qualify for the USM may enter the NC Open.
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Entry fees are based on status at the time of registration.
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Players who register but do not need by the eligibility requirements by November 25 will be removed and subject to withdrawal penalties.
SPECTATORS
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Parents, spectators, and other non-players may attend, but during play, are not permitted in any playing halls or nearby hallways and restrooms.
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May enjoy side events and use the hotel common areas.
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Anyone may register for the $2,000 Blitz on Saturday.
TIME CONTROL
G/80; inc/30
The USM has been specifically approved by FIDE to be played at a slightly faster classical time control and still be valid for norms, rating, and the FIDE Circuit.
PRIZES
$25,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund in 1 Section.
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
Bonus Prizes (can be won in addition to other prizes)
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$500 + USM trophy and title for clear or playoff winner
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Top Female: $1000
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Top Senior (born 1976 or earlier): $1000
The USM is counted towards the FIDE Circuit, part of the FIDE Candidates cycle. See regulations.
NORMS
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GM, IM, WGM, WIM norms available
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Norm “Super Swiss” – normal federation requirement waived
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FIDE requires at least one Swiss norm (40+ players) to obtain GM/IM/WGM/WIM titles
SCHEDULE
Registration and bye requests close Wednesday 11/25, 4:00pm
Wednesday, 11/25 - 6:00pm
Thursday, 11/26 - 10:30am & 4:30pm
Friday, 11/27 - 10:30am & 4:30pm
Saturday, 11/28 - 10:30am & 4:30pm
$2000 Blitz - Saturday 9:00pm
Sunday, 11/29 - 10:00am & 4:00pm
Playoff (if necessary) - Sunday 8:15pm
SIDE EVENT
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Saturday, November 29
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Starts at 9:00pm
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Free Entry for USM Players - register on-site by 8:45pm
ENTRY FEES
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All GMs, IMs, WGMs: Free Online Entry. No deduction from prize by October 10, otherwise $200 deducted.
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Titled Player Entry (FMs, WIMs, WFMs, NMs): $339 by November 1, $369 by November 15, $399 after November 15.
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Untitled Juniors (born 2007 or after) with Peak Ratings Under 2200: Must be rated 1950+ FIDE and 2100+ USCF between September 1 and November 25: $400 more than Titled Player Entry.
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Entry fees are based on status at the time of registration.
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Players who register but do not need by the eligibility requirements by November 25 will be removed and subject to withdrawal penalties.
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USM players who have an unsuccessful start may withdraw and join the NC Open for a discounted fee of $100 (only available to U2400 FIDE players who are not receiving conditions).
CONTACT
events@charlottechesscenter.org
Conditions are available for GMs – request conditions by October 1 and officially confirm participation by October 10 (strict deadlines). Contact Dr. Walter High – walter@charlottechesscenter.org
Conditioned players who withdraw after November 1 will not be eligible for conditions in future CCC events.
SPECIAL NOTES
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Please read US Masters Regulations (coming soon),CCC Terms and Conditions, and Fair Play Policy.
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No Spectators. Parents and spectators are not permitted in the playing area and nearby hallways and restrooms.
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Withdrawals/Refunds:
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Withdrawals by November 20 will be refunded less a $25 transaction fee.
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Withdrawals November 21-24 will be refunded less a $50 transaction fee.
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50% refunds after November 25 until 4:00pm. No refunds thereafter.
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During the event: Withdraw at least 90 minutes before the next round.
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Failure to notify us of a pending withdrawal or zero-point bye at least 90 minutes before the next round, which leads to a forfeit will incur a fine of $200.
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Conditioned players who withdraw (cancel) after November 1 will not be eligible for conditions in future CCC events.
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Byes:
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Up to 4 optional half-point byes may be requested by 4:00pm on November 25.
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Norms not possible with a half-point or zero-point bye.
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Byes are not available to conditioned players without expressed permission of the organizers.
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All byes requested after the start of round 1 are 0 points.
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Any 0-point byes or withdrawals during the event must be submitted at least 90 minutes before the relevant round.
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Equipment: Sets and clocks provided (must use our equipment). Players must use the provided scoresheets and hand in a copy to an arbiter after each game. Personal scorebooks are not permitted.
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US Chess and FIDE-rated. US Chess membership is required.
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November FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes.
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By registering for or attending the US Masters or any side events, players and guests grant permission to CCC to take and use photographs and video for purposes related to the event.