15th Split Open – Chess Festival 2026 runs from August 6-14, 2026. This is a chess tournament in Split, Croatia, in 2026. The festival combines a major summer classical open with fast-play side events in one seaside setting.

The main event is a FIDE-rated classical Swiss tournament played over 10 rounds. In addition, the program includes a blitz tournament and a rapid tournament on August 10. The confirmed total cash prize fund is €15,000, which is approximately $17,300.

The festival takes place at Hotel Zagreb, which also offers official player accommodation. That setup makes the event practical for both local players and international visitors who want to stay at the playing venue throughout the week.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The main open uses a Swiss system over 10 rounds. The time control is 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one, so it offers a full classical format for serious tournament play.

The blitz event also uses a Swiss format and runs over 11 rounds with a 3+2 time control. The rapid tournament follows a Swiss format as well, with 7 rounds at 10+5.

All three events are scheduled for FIDE rating. In addition, the first 40 boards of the standard tournament are planned for live transmission, which adds value for players, coaches, and online followers.

🏆 Prize Fund

The confirmed total cash prize fund is €15,000, or about $17,300. The main classical open carries the largest share, while the blitz and rapid events follow their own published prize ladder.

The standard event also includes special cash prizes for women, seniors over 60, juniors under 18, and rating groups under 1800, 1801-2000, 2001-2150, and 2151-2300.

👥 Sections / Groups

The festival has a clear and practical structure. First, players can focus on the main classical tournament. Then, on August 10, they can also join the blitz and rapid side events without leaving the festival venue.

🗓️ Schedule

The schedule keeps a steady rhythm. It starts with two rounds across the first two days, pauses the classical event for the side events on August 10, and then moves into the final stretch of the main open.

📝 Registration

The registration process is simple. Players can complete the on-site check-in at the hotel, while those staying at the venue can also book official accommodation through the organizer.

🏢 Organizer

Chess Club Brda – Split is one of the active chess organizers in the region and continues to run major summer events that bring together classical, rapid, and blitz competition in Split.

Phone: +385 91 6400 589
Email: splitchessopen@gmail.com

📍 Venue

Hotel Zagreb, Put Duilova 23, 21000 Split, Croatia

Hotel Zagreb serves as both the playing venue and the official accommodation base. Therefore, it is especially convenient for players who want to stay close to the tournament hall and avoid daily transfers across the city.

🚆 How to Get There

Split Airport is the most practical arrival point for many international players. From there, Hotel Zagreb is reachable by car or taxi, while players already in Split can continue by local transport toward Put Duilova.

This Split chess festival offers a strong week of rated play in a practical coastal setting.