Mary Cherian Memorial International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament
Mary Cherian Memorial International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament takes place on May 2-3, 2026, in Delhi, India. This is a chess tournament in Delhi, India, in 2026.
The event runs as a FIDE-rated rapid open with 9 Swiss rounds and a 25+10 time control. It brings players together in a single open field while also offering a broad set of prize categories across rating, age, and special awards.
Shri Ram College of Commerce hosts the tournament in Delhi University’s North Campus. Moreover, the two-day format gives players a full competitive schedule with reporting, briefing, nine rounds, and an evening prize ceremony on the second day.
🏁 Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 2-3, 2026 |
| Location | Delhi, India |
| Format | International FIDE-rated rapid open, 9-round Swiss |
| Time control | 25 minutes + 10 seconds per move |
| Rating | FIDE rapid rating |
| Sections | 1 open section |
| Prize fund | INR 700,000 (approx. USD 7,550) |
| Chess-Results | https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1365064.aspx?lan=1&turdet=YES&SNode=S0 |
| FIDE Event ID | 467438 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system. Each game is played with 25 minutes plus a 10-second increment from move one. It is rated for international rapid rating, and the default time is 15 minutes. Tie-breaks follow current AICF guidelines.
💰 Prize Fund
The confirmed total prize fund is INR 700,000 (approx. USD 7,550).
♟️ Sections / Groups
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Open | Single open section for Indian rated and unrated players; foreign players must hold a valid FIDE ID under their federation or FIDE flag |
| Prize groups | Additional prize categories include rating prizes, unrated prizes, best female 15+, best veteran 50+, best physically challenged, age prizes for under-8, under-10, under-12, and under-14 boys and girls, plus academy and school team awards |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2026 | 08:30 AM | Reporting & Verification |
| May 2, 2026 | 09:00 AM | Players’ Meet & Briefing |
| May 2, 2026 | 09:15 AM | Inauguration |
| May 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 1 |
| May 2, 2026 | 12:00 PM | Round 2 |
| May 2, 2026 | 02:00 PM | Round 3 |
| May 2, 2026 | 04:00 PM | Round 4 |
| May 2, 2026 | 06:00 PM | Round 5 |
| May 3, 2026 | 09:30 AM | Round 6 |
| May 3, 2026 | 11:30 AM | Round 7 |
| May 3, 2026 | 01:30 PM | Round 8 |
| May 3, 2026 | 03:30 PM | Round 9 |
| May 3, 2026 | 06:00 PM | Prize Distribution Ceremony |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration method | Online registration through the official event registration link |
| Confirmation | Entry is confirmed only after payment verification |
| Early bird fee | INR 3,300 until March 7, 2026 |
| Standard fee | INR 3,500 from March 8 to April 20, 2026 |
| Late fee | INR 3,800 from April 21 to May 1, 2026 |
| Title holders | GM, WGM, IM, and WIM enter free |
| Differently abled players | INR 1,750 for players with at least 50% certified disability |
| AICF registration | Mandatory for Indian players |
| DCA registration | Delhi players must hold valid DCA registration |
| Capacity note | Limited seats; entries may close early |
👤 Organizer
Joyous Chess organizes this two-day international rapid open under the aegis of FIDE, AICF, and DCA. The event combines a large prize fund, a broad prize structure, and a professionally managed schedule in one of Delhi’s best-known academic venues.
Phone: +91 72200 08484
Email: contact@joyouschess.com
📍 Venue
Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi North Campus, Maurice Nagar, Delhi-110007, India
The venue sits in Delhi University’s North Campus and offers a large indoor setting that fits a full rated rapid event well. In addition, the central academic location makes arrival and navigation straightforward for both local players and visitors.
🚗 How to Get There
Use Maurice Nagar, Delhi-110007, in your navigation and head to Shri Ram College of Commerce in Delhi University North Campus. Delhi is easy to reach by air and rail, and a direct taxi or app-based cab to North Campus is the simplest option for most players.
It is a strong option for players who want a serious rated rapid event in Delhi.
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $7,550
Venue on the Map
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