Open de Champagne 2026 takes place from May 23-25, 2026 in Reims, France. This is a chess tournament in Reims, France, in 2026. The event brings players together for a six-round over-the-board chess tournament with one main section and a full classical chess tournament time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Reims Echec et Mat hosts the competition at 32 rue Ledru Rollin, and the tournament offers a confirmed cash prize fund of about USD 1,100.
Moreover, this chess tournament in Reims gives players a practical long-weekend event in the Champagne region with FIDE rating, a manageable field size, and a clear round schedule. In addition, the Open de Champagne 2026 combines overall prizes, category prizes, and performance prizes in one accessible city event. As a result, this chess event in Reims is an appealing option for club players, juniors, and experienced competitors who want a serious FIDE rated chess tournament in France.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 23-25, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Reims, France |
| ♟️ Format | 6-round Swiss tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated |
| 📂 Sections | 1 section |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes + 30-second increment |
| 💳 Entry fee | Seniors: EUR 24; Youth: EUR 12 |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 1,100 (approx.) |
| 👥 Capacity | 100 players |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | On-site entry fee is EUR 30 for seniors and EUR 15 for youth; GM and WGM players have free entry |
🏆 Prize Fund
The total confirmed cash prize fund is EUR 1,000.
| Prize category | Cash prizes |
|---|---|
| Main prizes | 1st EUR 250; 2nd EUR 160; 3rd EUR 120 |
In addition, the event also awards category prizes and performance prizes. The published announcement further mentions champagne and other prizes. However, only confirmed cash prizes are included in the total cash prize fund.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 6-round Swiss system. Each player receives 90 minutes for the game plus a 30-second increment from move one. Therefore, the event follows a full classical chess tournament format across the entire weekend.
In addition, the published regulations state that the tournament uses the June 2026 FIDE rating list for Elo consideration. Players may request one bye up to round 4, which gives the event a little more flexibility for weekend scheduling.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament is played as one main open section. All players compete in the same six-round Swiss event.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2026 | Saturday | 9:00 AM-9:45 AM | Check-in |
| May 23, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 AM | Round 1 |
| May 23, 2026 | Saturday | 3:00 PM | Round 2 |
| May 24, 2026 | Sunday | 9:00 AM | Round 3 |
| May 24, 2026 | Sunday | 2:00 PM | Round 4 |
| May 25, 2026 | Monday | 9:00 AM | Round 5 |
| May 25, 2026 | Monday | 2:00 PM | Round 6 |
| May 25, 2026 | Monday | Around 6:30 PM | Prize ceremony |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Registration via HelloAsso when available, or by cheque |
| Entry fee | Seniors: EUR 24; Youth: EUR 12 |
| On-site fee | Seniors: EUR 30; Youth: EUR 15 |
| Free entry | GM and WGM players |
| Payment | HelloAsso or cheque payable to Reims Echec et Mat |
| Byes | One bye available up to round 4 |
| Special note | Cheque registrations should be sent to Reims Echec et Mat, 32 rue Ledru Rollin, 51100 Reims, France |
👥 Organizer
Reims Echec et Mat organizes this spring tournament in Reims and continues to support rated chess activity in the city. In addition, the club manages player registration, event communication, and tournament operations throughout the weekend.
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Address: 32 rue Ledru Rollin, 51100 Reims, France
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Email: reimsechecetmat@wanadoo.fr
🏨 Venue
Reims Echec et Mat, 32 rue Ledru Rollin, 51100 Reims, France
The tournament takes place at the club venue in Reims. Moreover, the single playing site keeps the event simple and practical from the first round to the prize ceremony. Players also benefit from a clear schedule across the full three-day weekend.
🚗 How to Get There
Players can travel to Reims and then continue locally to 32 rue Ledru Rollin. In addition, using one central venue for the full event makes daily access easier for both local players and visitors.
Enjoy a competitive chess weekend in Reims and take part in a well-structured French open with classical time control and FIDE rating.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $1,100
Organizer
Reims Echec et Mat is a well-established chess club and active chess organizer based in Reims, Grand Est, France. The club plays an important role in the local chess community and maintains a visible presence in the city’s competitive and training landscape. Moreover, it serves both developing players and experienced tournament participants through regular over-the-board activity.
The organization runs club sessions, youth development, training activity, and a steady calendar of events across multiple formats. In addition, it organizes open chess tournament competition and recurring rated events that support both classical chess and rapid chess in Reims. Its tournament work and public event schedule show a stable role as a practical tournament organizer in the regional chess scene.
Beyond competition, the club also supports broader chess outreach through lessons, junior activity, and community-based programs. Furthermore, its long-standing local presence and regular event structure strengthen its profile as a reliable chess association for players in and around Reims. As a result, Reims Echec et Mat remains one of the better-known organized chess structures in the area.
