Werner-Ott-Open 2026 runs from August 1-9, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. This is a chess tournament in Berlin, Germany, in 2026. The event takes place at the SC Kreuzberg clubhouse in Haus des Sports and forms part of the Kreuzberger Schachsommer.

The tournament uses a full classical format across nine rounds. Moreover, it combines FIDE rating and DWZ rating, so it suits ambitious club players, titled players, and experienced open-tournament regulars who want a serious week of chess in the German capital.

The event also brings a solid prize structure and a practical city location. The guaranteed cash prize fund totals EUR 3,325, which is approximately USD 3,829. In addition, Berlin’s public transport makes daily access straightforward for both local players and visitors.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system. Each player receives 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 15 more minutes for the rest of the game, plus a 30-second increment from move one. As a result, the event offers a true classical format rather than a compact rapid-style schedule.

The playing conditions are clear and strict. A player who arrives more than 30 minutes after the official start time loses the game by forfeit. In addition, the tournament follows the FIDE Laws of Chess in the 2023 version, and the results count for both Elo and DWZ.

Because of this structure, the event works well for players who want a stable round rhythm and serious long-play games throughout the week.

🏆 Prize Fund

The guaranteed cash prize fund totals EUR 3,325, or about USD 3,829. The six main prizes account for EUR 3,100, while the three rating categories add EUR 225 in extra cash prizes. The guaranteed level applies from 70 participants.

Rating Prizes

The tournament director sets the final rating groups after registration and forms equally sized categories. In addition, the event also offers special prizes for women, players aged 65 and above, and players under 18 when at least three players are present in the category.

There are no double prizes. Therefore, each player can win only one prize.

👥 Sections / Groups

The Werner-Ott-Open uses one single open section. Therefore, all participants compete in the same main event instead of separate parallel groups.

This one-section format gives the tournament a direct and competitive structure. At the same time, the extra rating and category prizes create additional targets for a wider range of players.

🗓️ Schedule

The round schedule stays simple and easy to follow. Rounds 1 to 8 start in the evening, while the final round begins on Sunday morning.

Because the schedule uses one round per day, players get a steady tournament rhythm and enough time between games.

📝 Registration

Players register through the ChessManager event page. The entry becomes valid only after the organizer receives the entry fee by bank transfer. Registration closes once the event reaches 80 entries.

The withdrawal policy is also clear. A cancellation carries a EUR 10 processing fee. From July 30, 2026 onward, the organizer refunds only half of the entry fee. In every case, the withdrawal must be sent by email in writing.

🏢 Organizer

SC Kreuzberg e. V. organizes the Werner-Ott-Open as part of its Kreuzberger Schachsommer program in Berlin. The club is one of the best-known chess organizations in the city and regularly hosts open events, league matches, and club competitions.

Phone: +49 170 2926732
Email: info@schachclubkreuzberg.de
Website: https://www.schachclubkreuzberg.de/

📍 Venue

SC Kreuzberg e. V., Haus des Sports, Böcklerstr. 1, 10969 Berlin, Germany

The playing site is the SC Kreuzberg venue inside Haus des Sports in central Berlin. Because of its Kreuzberg location, players stay close to everyday services, public transport, and a wide range of food options before and after the rounds.

🚆 How to Get There

The venue is easy to reach by public transport. Prinzenstraße on the U1 and U3 lines is nearby, while Kottbusser Tor on the U1, U3, and U8 lines gives another convenient option. Therefore, players can arrive quickly from many parts of Berlin without relying on a car.

This Berlin summer open is a strong choice for players who want a full classical week, a central urban venue, and a proven club-organized tournament atmosphere.