4th International Chess Festival “VOJVODINA OPEN 2026” will take place on June 25 – July 2, 2026 in Novi Sad, Serbia. This is a chess tournament in Novi Sad, Serbia, in 2026, and it features a FIDE-rated classical chess festival with two Swiss sections, a full nine-round schedule, and title-norm chances in the top group.

Unlike a single-section open, VOJVODINA OPEN 2026 splits the competition into Group A and Group B, so it gives both stronger players and improving competitors a suitable level of opposition. Moreover, the festival combines serious long-play chess, official FIDE rating, and a practical city-center venue at SPENS.

The event also stands out because it adds rapid and blitz side tournaments during the same week. In addition, the organizers publish hotel packages, airport transfer support, and a confirmed prize fund, so 4th International Chess Festival “VOJVODINA OPEN 2026” offers a structured and attractive summer option for international and local players alike.

📌 Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The confirmed total cash prize fund for 4th International Chess Festival “VOJVODINA OPEN 2026” is €7,000. Therefore, the festival offers a strong overall payout across both sections, while the published rules also include special prizes in each group.

The organizers award only one prize per player, and they grant the highest cash prize earned. In addition, the regulations state that prizes for players scoring 7 or more points in Group A follow the Hort principle if ties occur.

⏰ Time Control & Pairings

Both sections use a 9-round Swiss system, so the event gives players a full classical tournament structure across eight days. Group A uses 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment from move one. Meanwhile, Group B uses 90 minutes for the whole game plus a 30-second increment from move one.

Players in both sections may request one half-point bye in the first six rounds if they announce it in advance. In addition, Group A offers norm opportunities for all FIDE titles, which adds extra competitive value for ambitious players.

📂 Sections / Groups

🗓️ Schedule

📝 Registration

All players must book accommodation through the organizer. However, players who arrange their own lodging pay an additional €30 entry fee.

👤 Organizer

The Chess Federation of Vojvodina organizes the festival under the patronage of the Provincial Secretariat for Sports and Youth. Moreover, the organizer handles registration, accommodation reservations, and festival logistics directly, which keeps the process clear for visiting players.

• Email: vojvodinachessopen@gmail.com
• Phone: +381 64 1648180
• Website: https://www.vojvodinachess.net

📍 Venue

Ceremonial Hall, 1st Floor, SPC Vojvodina “SPENS”, Sutjeska 2, Novi Sad, Serbia

The festival takes place inside SPC Vojvodina “SPENS”, one of Novi Sad’s best-known sports and event complexes. Consequently, the venue gives the tournament a central and practical city location for daily play, opening events, and prize distribution.

🏨 Accommodation

The official accommodation hotel for the festival is Hotel Putnik, which is about 750 meters from the venue and roughly a 10-minute walk away. Therefore, staying in the official hotel gives players the simplest daily routine throughout the tournament week.

🚗 How to Get There

Novi Sad is easy to reach from Belgrade, and the organizers offer direct airport transfers from Belgrade to the hotel. The published rate is €70 one way or €120 round trip for 1–3 persons, while larger groups can request a separate quote. In addition, players who stay at Hotel Putnik can walk to the venue in about 10 minutes.

4th International Chess Festival “VOJVODINA OPEN 2026” is a strong choice for players who want a serious classical tournament, norm opportunities, and a well-organized chess week in Novi Sad.