As summer chess fever spreads across the United States, one tournament stands out in the Southeast: the 2025 DKC Heart of the Carolinas FIDE Summer Classic. Hosted at the elegant Winston-Salem Marriott in North Carolina, this prestigious over-the-board event will bring together players of all levels: from promising scholastic stars to seasoned masters for three days of intense, FIDE-rated competition and over $9,500 in guaranteed prizes.
Organized by Dragon Knight Chess, the tournament blends classical chess traditions with modern event structure. With a 5-round Swiss system and four rating-based sections: Open, Under 2000, Under 1700, and Under 1400, the event offers something for everyone. The tournament also awards a generous 60 US Chess Grand Prix Points, making it one of the more attractive summer stops on the national circuit.
Tournament Overview: Classic Format, Serious Stakes
The DKC Summer Classic features a dual-schedule format, allowing players to choose between a 3-Day Schedule (starting Friday evening) or a fast-paced 2-Day Schedule (starting Saturday morning), both converging for rounds on Sunday. The time controls vary accordingly G/100 + 10s increment for the main schedule and G/45 + 10s for the accelerated rounds.
Prize fund highlights include:
- Championship Section (FIDE rated): $1,100 first prize, with class prizes for U2300, U2200, and U2100
- U2000 Section: $900 top prize
- U1700 Section: $800 top prize
- U1400 Section: $700 top prize, plus tiered payouts for U1300, U1200, U1100, and U1000
Additionally, senior players aged 50+ are eligible for bonus prizes in every section.
Star Power in the Championship Section
Though capped at 130 total entries, the tournament is already drawing impressive talent. Headlining the Championship Section is Emmanuel Carter (USCF 2279, FIDE 2064), one of North Carolina’s brightest stars, followed closely by Thomas Fang (USCF 2238, FIDE 2031), another top contender with a reputation for sharp calculation and creative play.
Also in the mix are:
- Nathan Peyton (New York, 2027 USCF), a strong Class A player with FIDE experience
- Rising juniors Freya Austin (1921) and Ayush Murthy (1918), both pushing the boundary into expert territory
- Trishona Vinodh Kumar (1900), an active competitor with a solid FIDE base and a 3-day schedule advantage
With multiple players rated between 1900 and 2279, this section promises exciting clashes and potential upsets.
U2000 Section: A Fight for Form and Fortune
A hotbed for ambitious Class A and Class B players, the Under 2000 section features fierce competition:
- Lenny Bueltmann-Prok (1863), a rising talent from Virginia
- Timothy Michael Trogdon (1816), a seasoned NC senior who brings depth and experience
- GARRET ALLEN (1814, FIDE 1735) and Laura Zhang (1760, FIDE 1663) round out a crowded field
Also of note is Ms. Grace Siqi Yang (1740 USCF, FIDE 1613), who brings a unique tactical flair to the board and is often underestimated.
U1700 & U1400 Sections: Development Meets Determination
With over 30 entries in each of the lower sections, the U1700 and U1400 brackets will likely be the most dynamic. These sections serve as battlegrounds for scholastic stars, ambitious adults, and dedicated club players.
In the U1700 Section:
- Charith Reddy Morreddi Gari (1651) and Ragavendhar Sunilkumar (1594) are among the favorites
- Seniors like Leonard Holloway (1580) bring decades of tournament savvy
- Talented juniors like Hazel Austin, Oliver Lane, and Aiden Liu will seek to make a statement
In the U1400 Section, early leaders include:
- Thiru Moorthy Gopal (1386) and Eric Hill Wu (1354), both experienced young players
- The ultra-young Eshan Arlo Yarra (958) and Ivyaan Sharma (934) could surprise if they get on a hot streak
- Watch for Constantine Bueltmann-Prok (873, 3-day schedule) making the trip from Virginia to battle for family glory
About the Organizer: IM Jonathan Schroer & Dragon Knight Chess
At the helm of the event is International Master Jonathan Schroer, founder of Dragon Knight Chess (DKC). A lifelong chess educator, Schroer combines an elite playing background with deep experience in coaching, law, and Montessori education.
His credentials include:
- Multiple-time North Carolina State Champion
- Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School
- Founder of DKC, known for its structured curriculum, tournament organization, and dedication to youth development
Schroer’s mission with the Heart of the Carolinas Classic is clear: to foster a serious, inclusive, and professionally managed environment for chess growth in the Southeast.
Logistics & Registration
The tournament will be held at the Winston-Salem Marriott, centrally located in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Hotel rooms are available at a special $149/night rate for players who book by July 17, including free Wi-Fi.
Key Registration Info:
- Online registration strongly recommended
- Early registration starts at $99 (by June 1) and climbs to $159 for late or on-site entries
- Players may re-enter the tournament for $60 if they stumble early
- USCF membership required
- Up to two half-point byes allowed if requested before Round 3
A Community-Driven, Competitive Event
More than just a tournament, the DKC Summer Classic is an embodiment of community. Players of all ages and backgrounds—seniors, scholastic champions, and weekend warriors—come together for one shared goal: to test their mettle over the board.
And with nearly 100 players already confirmed as of August 4, the event is on track to sell out. Prospective entrants should act quickly to secure their spot.
For More Information: Dragon Knight Chess Tournaments
Whether you’re an expert hunting for rating gains or a rising junior looking to make a breakthrough, the DKC Heart of the Carolinas FIDE Summer Classic 2025 is shaping up to be the place to be this August. Mark your calendars, prep your openings, and get ready for a weekend of unforgettable chess.
I’m the senior editor of Attacking Chess, a keen chess player, rated above 2300 in chess.com. You can challenge me or asking questions at Chess.com.
