Championnat ouvert du Québec 2026
Championnat ouvert du Québec 2026 (COQ) takes place on July 21-26, 2026 in Longueuil, Canada. This major summer event brings together titled players, experienced club competitors, ambitious juniors, and improving players for six days of serious over-the-board chess near Montreal.
This is a chess tournament in Longueuil, Canada, in 2026. The event features five rating sections, a classical time control, and a strong confirmed cash prize package. Therefore, it gives players across a wide rating range a clear and competitive format.
In addition, the tournament uses a practical hotel venue, a compact nine-round schedule, and flexible entry-fee stages. As a result, Championnat ouvert du Québec 2026 (COQ) stands out as one of the key summer chess events in Quebec for players who want a full classical tournament with broad section coverage.
🏁 Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Tournament | Championnat ouvert du Québec 2026 (COQ) |
| 📅 Dates | July 21-26, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Longueuil, Canada |
| 🏨 Venue | Sandman Hotel Montreal-Longueuil, 999 Rue de Serigny, Longueuil, Quebec J4K 2T1, Canada |
| 👤 Organizer | Fédération québécoise des échecs |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round Swiss tournament |
| 🧩 Sections | A, B, C, D, E |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes for the game with a 30-second increment from move 1 |
| ✅ Rating | Sections A and B: FQE, CFC, and FIDE rated; Sections C, D, and E: FQE rated |
| 💵 Prize fund | CAD 15,345 confirmed cash prizes (approximate USD 11,200) |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a classical chess time control of 90 minutes for the full game with a 30-second increment from move one. Pairings follow the Swiss system across nine rounds. Consequently, players get enough games to build meaningful final standings over a compact six-day schedule.
Moreover, the five-section structure helps keep pairings more balanced across the full field. Sections A and B also carry the broader rating recognition, while Sections C, D, and E remain part of the provincial rating structure. Therefore, the event works well for both stronger competitors and developing players.
🏆 Prize Fund
Championnat ouvert du Québec 2026 (COQ) offers CAD 15,345 in confirmed cash prizes. The published prize structure covers all five sections and also includes a separate Raymond Petit beauty prize. Therefore, the event rewards both strong final results and standout games.
| Section | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Class prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A (Open) | CAD 3,000 | CAD 2,000 | CAD 1,000 | CAD 500 | Under 2300: CAD 250 |
| B (-2200) | CAD 1,500 | CAD 1,000 | CAD 500 | CAD 300 | Under 2000: CAD 200 |
| C (-1900) | CAD 1,000 | CAD 500 | CAD 300 | CAD 200 | Under 1700: CAD 90 |
| D (-1600) | CAD 750 | CAD 350 | CAD 200 | CAD 100 | Under 1400: CAD 80 |
| E (-1300) | CAD 500 | CAD 250 | CAD 125 | CAD 80 | Under 1100: CAD 70 |
In addition, the Raymond Petit beauty prize is worth CAD 500. As a result, the tournament offers prize opportunities across the full rating spectrum rather than only at the top of the standings.
♟️ Sections / Groups
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| A | Open section |
| B | For players rated under 2200 |
| C | For players rated under 1900 |
| D | For players rated under 1600 |
| E | For players rated under 1300 |
The event uses five sections, which gives players a clearer competitive range from the top group down to the entry-level section. Therefore, the tournament remains accessible while still offering a strong open section for higher-rated players.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 12:00 PM | Round 1 |
| Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Round 2 |
| Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Round 4 |
| Friday, July 24, 2026 | 12:00 PM | Round 5 |
| Friday, July 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Round 6 |
| Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 7 |
| Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 8 |
| Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 3:00 PM | Round 9 |
The schedule begins with a double round on the opening day and later adds another double-round day on Friday. However, the final two days slow the rhythm slightly. As a result, players get a serious nine-round event without an overly long festival format.
📝 Registration
| Section | Before April 1 | Before June 1 | Before July 21 | On site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A (Open) | CAD 120 | CAD 140 | CAD 170 | CAD 200 |
| B (-2200) | CAD 100 | CAD 120 | CAD 150 | CAD 180 |
| C (-1900) | CAD 90 | CAD 110 | CAD 140 | CAD 170 |
| D (-1600) | CAD 80 | CAD 100 | CAD 130 | CAD 160 |
| E (-1300) | CAD 70 | CAD 90 | CAD 120 | CAD 150 |
On-site registration is available between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on July 21. Therefore, players can still enter at the venue, although the earlier fee stages clearly offer better value. In addition, the tiered pricing makes early registration the more practical choice for most participants.
👤 Organizer
Fédération québécoise des échecs presents this major open as part of its annual competition calendar in Quebec. The event structure is clear, the section system is broad, and the schedule supports a full competitive week. Therefore, players can expect an organized and accessible tournament environment.
- Phone: +1 514 252 3034
- Email: info@fqechecs.qc.ca
📍 Venue
Sandman Hotel Montreal-Longueuil, 999 Rue de Serigny, Longueuil, Quebec J4K 2T1, Canada
The tournament takes place at the Sandman Hotel Montreal-Longueuil. The hotel setting suits a multi-section classical event well, and it also gives players a practical base for several consecutive days of competition.
🚗 How to Get There
The venue is in Longueuil, so players can use the full hotel address for direct navigation before the first round. In addition, the Montreal-area location makes arrival easier for both local players and visitors coming from elsewhere in Quebec or from outside the province.
Championnat ouvert du Québec 2026 (COQ) offers a broad section structure, a strong prize package, and a serious classical format for players who want competitive summer chess in Quebec.
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $11,200
Organizer
♟️ About Fédération québécoise des échecs
Fédération québécoise des échecs (FQE) is the provincial chess federation of Québec, Canada. Founded in 1967, it is a nonprofit organization recognized and supported by the Government of Québec. Its mission is to promote organized chess throughout the province. The federation provides ratings, membership services, tournament administration, training, club support, publications, and a central calendar for Québec chess.
FQE supports Classical, Rapid, Blitz, youth, junior, senior, amateur, club, and open competition. Moreover, it coordinates major provincial championships and the Tour du Québec tournament circuit. The federation also trains arbiters, coaches, and organizers. Its digital services include player ratings, tournament listings, club directories, registration tools, and the Échec+ chess publication.
Éric Jose Guipi Bopala has served as President since his election in July 2026. Meanwhile, Alexandre Ber serves as Directeur général and manages the federation’s day-to-day operations. The FQE maintained an extensive competitive program in 2026. Major activities included the Championnat ouvert du Québec, Championnat invitation du Québec, youth championships, the Tour du Québec, and preparations for a new 2026–2027 provincial season.
📜 History and Provincial Role
The FQE was founded in December 1967. It was formally incorporated later that month under the original name Fédération des joueurs d’échecs du Québec.
In 1977, the organization adopted its current Fédération québécoise des échecs name. Since then, it has developed into the principal institutional structure for organized chess across Québec.
The federation promotes chess both as a competitive activity and as an educational and recreational pursuit. Accessibility, education, and adaptability form part of its stated institutional values.
In addition, the Government of Québec recognizes and supports the federation. This relationship helps FQE maintain its provincial development programs and administrative services.
🏆 Provincial Championships
FQE organizes several of Québec’s principal championship events.
The Championnat ouvert du Québec (COQ) remains one of the flagship tournaments on the provincial calendar. It brings together leading Québec players with competitors from elsewhere in Canada and abroad.
The federation also runs the Championnat invitation du Québec (CIQ). This event brings together leading players who qualify through rating, championship results, and other established pathways.
The 2026 CIQ took place from August 7–13 in Montréal. Players competed over nine rounds at 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment.
IM Krishna G V Sai won the 2026 Invitational Championship. Meanwhile, NM Ananda Saha won the accompanying Open section and secured qualification for the 2027 CIQ.
FQE also organizes or supports provincial Junior, Senior, Rapid, Blitz, Amateur, and other championship formats.
🎓 Youth and Chess Development
Youth chess is a major part of the federation’s program.
FQE organizes the Championnat jeunesse du Québec in Classical and Rapid chess. It also publishes information about national and international youth qualification opportunities.
Throughout 2026, the federation supported participation in major international youth competitions. These included the North American Youth Championship and FIDE World youth events.
In addition, local qualifiers and affiliated organizations provide competitive pathways across Québec. Young players can progress from club tournaments to provincial championships and then to national or international competition.
The federation also supports training for coaches and tournament officials. Therefore, its development structure reaches beyond players alone.
🌐 Tour du Québec
The Tour du Québec connects established tournaments across the province into one seasonal circuit.
The 2025–2026 season included nine tournaments. IM Olivier-Kenta Chiku-Ratte finished first in the Masters category, ahead of IM Thanh Nha Duong and FM Renzo Gutierrez.
The new 2026–2027 Tour du Québec began in September 2026. Its calendar includes tournaments in Laurentides, Haut-Richelieu, Gatineau, Mauricie, Granby, Laval, and other Québec chess centers.
The season is scheduled to conclude with the Championnat ouvert du Québec 2027 in July.
As a result, players can compete regularly across several regions while accumulating points within one provincial framework.
🌟 Fédération Activity in 2026
The federation maintained a busy calendar throughout 2026.
In July, FQE organized the Championnat ouvert du Québec. The Championnat invitation du Québec followed in August.
The federation also completed the 2025–2026 Tour du Québec before launching its next season in September.
Meanwhile, the Championnat ouvert de Montréal 2026 formed part of the early autumn calendar. Additional Tour events were scheduled in Laurentides, Haut-Richelieu, and Gatineau.
FQE’s online calendar also promotes numerous club competitions across the province. These include Classical, Rapid, Blitz, scholastic, collegiate, and community tournaments.
Consequently, the federation functions both as an organizer and as the central information hub for Québec chess.
🏛️ Organization and Leadership
The FQE Board has seven elected directors.
Éric Jose Guipi Bopala became President following the July 2026 General Assembly in Longueuil. Diana Tsypina serves as Vice President.
Pierre Dénommée is Secretary, while Thanh Nha Duong serves as Treasurer. Julia Tsukerman, Alexandre Le Siège, and Danny Goldenberg complete the Board.
For daily operations, Alexandre Ber serves as Directeur général. Therefore, he is the most useful operational contact for organizers, institutions, and federation-related inquiries.
The federation’s headquarters are located at the Maison du loisir et du sport on Boulevard Lacordaire in Montréal.
Hotels Near the Venue
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