Before you contact the Registrar or the Co-Directors, save yourself some time and check here first!
General
What is the tournament schedule for the week?
The Masters tournament will be merged into the top band of the US Open tournament. Top boards will be played in a secluded strong players room. The congress team is currently collecting feedback on overall format and schedule for the week. The full list of tournaments are currently being finalized. Check back for updates!
What is the COVID-19 Policy?
Please read the congress’s 2026 Covid Policy.
What is the facility like this year?
The 2026 US Go Congress will be held at the Boston Marriott Newton Hotel, which is right along the Charles River! The main playing area will be in the Grand Ballroom. From there, it will be a short walk away to the Skittles room! All Congress activities will take place in the hotel!
How can I view the Congress schedule on my mobile phone?
All schedule information can be conveniently accessed on your mobile phone using the Yapp app. Stay tuned for the app link as congress approaches!
What is the weather like?
Daily high temperatures are likely to average highs of 82°F (28°C) and lows around 66°F (19°C)
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, the Boston Marriott absolutely has air conditioning (AC) in all guest rooms and throughout the hotel!
What is provided in the Hotel ROoms?
King and two Queens guest rooms will include a Mini fridge, Wireless internet, and a Coffee/tea maker! It also will come with a Hair Dryer, Iron & ironing board, and a workdesk station. Rollaway beds are available upon request for king rooms.
I will be flying into Boston late on Saturday, July 25. Will I still be able to check-in?
Early check-in will be available on Friday (contact the registrar for details). The main Check-in desk will run from 10 AM until 10 PM on Saturday. The congress opening ceremony will run Saturday evening from 7-8 PM (Attendance is highly recommended). Attendees who miss the 10pm cutoff on Saturday can come to the Help Desk Sunday morning after 7 AM.
Is there wireless internet access?
Yes, Wireless Internet Access is provided in all guest rooms and throughout the hotel, and it is free for US Go Congress attendees!
Is there cell phone service?
Yes, the hotel is in an urban area with high-quality cellphone coverage.
What airports serve the BoSTon area?
Boston Logan International Airport is the primary airport serving the Boston area. It is about a 25 minute drive from the airport to the Boston Marriott Newton Hotel.
What time should I arrive and leave?
Most people will arrive on Saturday morning or afternoon, July 25th and leave on Sunday morning, August 1st. The registration/check-in desk will open on Saturday morning by 10 AM. The main playing area will be available for casual games after check-in.
Please be aware that the first round of the US Open will start at 9:00AM Sunday, so arriving on Sunday may cause you to miss the first round of the US Open tournament.
Are there laundry facilities?
Yes there is a laundry room for self-service washers/dryers for guest to use for a fee.
Can I attend the Congress for part of the week?
Yes. Day passes and evenings-only registration are available as options. Check out the Prices and Options page for more information!
Is Free parking available at the Hotel?
Yes, parking will be FREE for all US Go Congress attendees thanks to our partnership with the Boston Marriott Newton Hotel.
REgISTRATION
How do I change my reservation?
Please contact the Registrar with any requested changes to your registration.
What payment options are available for registration?
- Check out the Prices and Options page for more information!
i’m traveling from another country – how can i request help with my travel visa?
Fill out this Invitation Letter Request Form or contact the Registrar for support with a Visa invitation letter.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Check out the Prices and Options page for more information!
Is there a group discount available?
In order to incentivize student and tour groups to come to the congress, the congress offers group discounts. Contact the Registrar if you have 6 or more people in your group.
What if I’m not currently an AGA member?
To register to play in the Congress, you must be a current member of the American Go Association. If you are not currently an AGA member, sign up by clicking Join the AGA. If your membership has lapsed, Sign In to your account and renew your membership.
What is the Non-participant registration fee?
Anyone who uses the Congress for any go related activities must be registered at Congress. We recognize that there may be family members that will not be interested in participating in Go events, like tournaments and lectures from Professional Go Teachers. For these we have the much-reduced registration fee for Non-Participants of $149 for the week (Early bird rate). Non-Participants get entry to the Saturday banquet and also get a congress swag bag. The guardian of under-age youth participants must be registered at the Congress.
For more information, visit the Prices & Options page
What is the youth policy?
Each youth (age 17 and younger) must have a designated adult on-site who is also a registered attendee at the Congress and agrees to watch over the youth and be responsible for their behavior. This adult will either be a Legal Guardian (parent or otherwise), or someone assigned to be the “Attending Guardian” at the Congress. The Legal Guardian must fill out and sign one of the agreement forms on the Youth Participants page, and submit it before or during Congress registration. If an Attending Guardian is used, that adult must also sign the form to acknowledge responsibility.
Please visit the Youth Room for more information
What should I put for my rank?
In most cases you should select the option to use your current AGA rating. If you don’t have an AGA rating, or believe that your current rating is significantly different from your AGA rating, select the option to have the Tournaments Coordinator contact you before the congress. The Tournaments Coordinator has the final say on your rank. (Consult this Sensei’s Library page for some guidance on ranks, especially with regard to online server ranks.)
miscellaneous
What about people with disabilities?
The Hotel has ADA rooms available. Contact the front hotel desk for more information
What if I have an emergency?
If there is a health emergency, call 911.
Lost & Found
Items can be brought to the Congress Help Desk, or the Hotel front desk.
What else about BOSTON MArRIOTT newton should I know?
This Guest Welcome Letter from the Marriott contains more information about the hotel amenities. (Prices are subject to change. Parking is free for congress attendees.)