22. Lichtenberger Sommer takes place on August 8-16, 2026. This is a chess tournament in Berlin, Germany, in 2026. The event returns to the Tribünenhalle at Trabrennbahn Karlshorst and continues one of Berlin’s established summer opens.

The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system with a classical time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move for 40 moves, then 30 more minutes plus 30 seconds per move. It follows FIDE rules and counts for both DWZ and FIDE Elo.

The format is practical and easy to follow. Players complete personal registration on the opening day, then play one round on Saturday, daily evening rounds through Thursday, an earlier eighth round on Saturday, and a Sunday finish with the prize ceremony.

📌 Event Details

The table above follows the published tournament notice and the live Chess-Results entry for the 2026 event.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system. The time control gives each player 90 minutes for the first 40 moves and then 30 additional minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment throughout.

In addition, the event applies FIDE rules, a 30-minute grace period, and a tie-break based on the average rating of the opponents. That creates a straightforward sporting structure for a long classical open.

🏆 Prize Fund

The published cash-prize schedule totals €5,150, which is approximately $5,931. The organizer also states that the prizes are guaranteed at around 200 participants.

Each player can win only one prize. For foreign players without German tax liability, the notice states that a flat 25% tax is withheld.

👥 Sections / Groups

This event runs as one single open section. Therefore, all players compete in the same field rather than in separate rating groups.

🗓️ Schedule

The daily rhythm stays simple for most of the week, while the last two rounds move to earlier start times on the final weekend.

📝 Registration

The entry process is clear. First, players complete registration by bank transfer. Then they must appear in person on the opening day, because on-site registration is mandatory before the first round.

🏢 Organizer

SC Friesen-Lichtenberg e.V. organizes the tournament and remains one of Berlin’s long-standing chess clubs. The club traces its roots back to 1947, and the Lichtenberger Sommer stands out as one of its best-known open events.

Phone: +49 176 8303 1979
Email: ms@planb-tga.de

📍 Venue

Trabrennbahn Karlshorst, Tribünenhalle, Treskowallee 159, 10318 Berlin, Germany

The playing hall sits at the Karlshorst trotting track, a large Berlin venue close to the Karlshorst S-Bahn area. That setting gives the tournament a distinctive local character while still keeping public transport convenient.

🚆 How to Get There

S Karlshorst is the most practical rail stop for the tournament, and the venue is a short walk from the station. Tram lines 27 and M17 and bus lines 296 and 396 also serve the area around Treskowallee, so local access is straightforward from elsewhere in Berlin.

This Berlin summer open offers a clear classical format, a distinctive venue, and a practical week of tournament chess.