A premier international event honoring the life, legacy, and impact of GM Daniel Naroditsky.
July 3 - 5, 2026
Charlotte, NC
$50,000 Gtd.
300 Players
A Community-Led Tribute to Honor Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky
The Naroditsky Memorial uniquely brings together elite competitors and the game’s most beloved streamers, a reflection of Daniel’s rare standing as both a world-class blitz player and one of chess’s most respected and loved voices. This event lives through the players and fans he inspired, and through the shared passion for chess.
Top Creators
Main Event Details
The First Naroditsky Memorial Rapid and Blitz will take place at the Marriott City Center 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:
Friday, July 3
Rapid Championship
7 rounds. Masters and Challengers sections.
Both US Chess and FIDE rated.
Saturday, July 4
Blitz Championship
11 rounds. Masters and Challengers sections. Top 10 Masters advance to Blitz Final. Both US Chess and FIDE rated.
Sunday, July 5
Creator Invitational
10 world-class chess creators face off in a round robin format for the Naroditsky Memorial Creator Invitational title!
Sunday, July 5
Blitz Final
Elite championship round robin finale featuring the top 10 from the Masters Blitz for the Naroditsky Memorial Blitz title!
Venue
Charlotte Marriott City Center
100 W Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Beautiful Downtown Venue in the Heart of the City!
Schedule of Events
- RoundTimeRound 111:00 AMRound 211:50 AMRound 312:40 PMBreakRound 42:20 PMRound 53:10 PMRound 64:00 PMRound 74:50 PMPlayoff (if necessary)5:30 PM
- RoundTimeRound 111:00 AMRound 211:25 AMRound 311:50 AMRound 412:15 PMRound 512:40 PMBreakRound 62:00 PMRound 72:25 PMRound 82:50 PMRound 93:15 PMBreakRound 103:50 PMRound 114:15 PMPlayoff (if necessary)5:00 PM
- RoundTimeRound 110:30 AMRound 211:00 AMRound 311:15 AMRound 411:30 AMRound 511:45 AMBreakRound 612:15 PMRound 712:30 PMRound 812:45 PMRound 91:00 PMPlayoff (if necessary)1:15 PM
- RoundTimeRound 12:00 PMRound 22:30 PMRound 32:45 PMRound 43:00 PMRound 53:15 PMBreakRound 63:45 PMRound 74:00 PMRound 84:15 PMRound 94:30 PMPlayoff (if necessary)4:45 PM
Spectator Access
With a limited player capacity of 300, the NMRB offers an intimate viewing experience. All spectator passes grant access to the Ballroom level of the Marriott, allowing you to follow the action across the Rapid, Blitz, and Creator Invitational sections.
Standard Pass: Includes full access to the main playing hall and event ballroom.
VIP Pass: Features exclusive viewing areas near the top boards, access to a private lounge with inclusive food and beverages, and a 2026 commemorative tournament board.
Space is limited due to venue capacity. Secure your pass today to be part of this historic inaugural event.
Current Event Sponsors
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Join the Legacy: Become a Sponsor
One Goal, Two Initiatives
This tournament marks the official launch of the Naroditsky Memorial Fund, a $1M+ endowment established to ensure Daniel’s influence on the game remains permanent. As the first of our two core initiatives, the tournament provides the stage; the second initiative, the Naroditsky Fellowship, provides the future.
By sponsoring this event, you are doing more than funding a weekend of elite chess. You are:
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Protecting the Endowment: Sponsorship ensures the tournament’s longevity without depleting the fund’s principal.
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Maximizing the Fellowship: Every sponsorship dollar allows us to increase the total amount of fellowship money awarded to rising stars.
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Investing in the Community: You are supporting the shared passion of the players and fans who keep Daniel’s legacy alive.
The Naroditsky Memorial Tournament is organized and administered by the CCCF, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. At its core, this event belongs to the community Daniel inspired. While it carries his name, it lives through the players, students, friends, and fans who learned from him and shared in his love of chess. It is a collective remembrance, shaped by those who continue to carry Daniel’s spirit and passion for the game forward.