We aim to determine absolute dimensions for the mid B-type eclipsing binary U Ophiuchi and compare the inferred ages and chemical compositions to those of other binary stars with masses near 5M_{sun}_. We determine masses, radii, logg, logT_eff_, and luminosities for the stars in U Oph from new radial velocities and uvby light curves. By improving the Wilson-Devinney code, we also derive precise apsidal-motion and light-time orbits of this triple system, using 353 times of minimum over 120 years. Finally, we compare the data for U Oph and similar systems with the predictions of stellar models.