OVERVIEW

The 2025 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 2025 GM/IM Norm Invitational and runs alongside the NC Open, an open event for all players.

WHEN

November 26-30, 2025 ​

WHERE

Hilton Charlotte University Place

8629 JM Keynes Drive

Charlotte, NC 28262

Free Internet, Free Parking

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​HOTEL BOOKING

$132/Night – 1 King or 2 Doubles

Booking link – Book ASAP

Click “edit stay” at the top of the page to select your exact dates

REGISTRATION

• Online registration is strongly recommended.

• Online registration closes November 26, 4:00pm

• On-Site Registration: November 26, 3:00-4:00pm

• All registrations after 4:00pm will result in round 1 bye.

• On-site check-in is not necessary for players who registered online.

ELIGIBILITY

• Players rated or once rated 2200+ USCF or FIDE based on an established rating of 26+ games.

• Players with the NM, FM, WFM, or higher titles.

• 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). Additional fee applies. Peak ratings are not considered for untitled juniors.

• No exceptions to eligibility rules.  Players who do not qualify for the USM may enter the NC Open.

• Entry fees are based on status at the time of registration.

SPECTATORS

• Parents, spectators, and other non-players may attend, but during play, are not permitted in any playing halls or nearby hallways and restrooms.

• Spectators may enjoy side events with GM Yasser Seirawan and use the hotel common areas.

• Anyone may register for the $2,000 Blitz on Saturday.

TIME CONTROL

G/90; inc/30

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 – $500

Bonus Prizes (can be won in addition to other prizes)

• $500 + USM trophy and title for clear or playoff winner

• Top Female: $600 – $300

• Top Senior (born 1975 or earlier): $600

The USM is a leg of the FIDE Circuit, part of the FIDE Candidates cycle. See regulations.

NORMS

• GM, IM, WGM, WIM norms available

• Norm “Super Swiss” – normal federation requirement waived

• FIDE requires at least one Swiss norm (40+ players) to obtain GM/IM/WGM/WIM titles

SCHEDULE

Registration and bye requests close November 26, 4:00pm

​SIDE EVENTS

FREE $2,000 Blitz

• Saturday, November 29

• Starts at 9:30pm

• Free Entry for USM Players – register on-site by 9:15pm

ENTRY FEES

• Entry fees are based on status at the time of registration. 

• All GMs, IMs, WGMs: Free Online Entry. No deduction from prize by October 10, otherwise $200 deducted.

• Titled Player Entry (FMs, WIMs, WFMs, NMs): $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.

• USM players who have an unsuccessful start may withdraw and join the NC Open for a discounted fee of $100.

  • This option is available to U2400 FIDE players who are not receiving conditions.

  • On-site registration only for discount.

CONTACT

events@charlottechesscenter.org

Conditions are available for GMs – must request conditions by October 1 and officially confirm participation by October 10 (strict deadline). Contact Dr. Walter High – walter@charlottechesscenter.org

Use this form to withdraw. Withdrawals close 2 hours before round 1.

Conditioned players who withdraw after November 1 will not be eligible for conditions in future CCC events.