49th Ikaros International Chess Tournament 2026 will take place from July 11 – 18, 2026, in Aghios Kirykos, Ikaria, Greece. This is a chess tournament in Aghios Kirykos, Ikaria, Greece, in 2026.

The event also carries the title Aegean Open Championship 2026. Moreover, it brings players to one of the most distinctive chess destinations in the eastern Aegean Sea.

In addition, the tournament includes two main groups, side events, travel support, and special accommodation packages. Therefore, players can combine classical chess with a summer island experience in Ikaria.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Classical Format

Players receive 90 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment from move 1. Therefore, both groups offer a serious classical chess format.

Group A uses a 9-round Swiss System. Meanwhile, Group B uses a 7-round Swiss System.

Pairings and Tie-Breaks

The tournament follows FIDE rules. Also, players should follow the Chess-Results page for pairings, standings, and participant updates.

Final ranking uses Buchholz first. After that, the tie-break order is median Buchholz, number of wins, and progressive score.

Default Time

The default time is 1 hour. Therefore, a player who arrives more than one hour after the official start of a round loses by forfeit.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The main tournament prize fund is €3,700, approx. $4,350. In addition, the Aegean Friendship Chess Cup and Mediterranean Team Open Rapid Tournament “Achilleas Mitsakos” each add €200 in side-event prizes.

Money prizes in the main event use the Hort system for players who finish on the same score. Moreover, special category prizes require at least three participants in the relevant category.

Group-A-Main Prizes

Group-A-Special Prizes

Group-B-Main Prizes

Group-B-Special Prizes

Side-Event Prizes

Cup prizes and medals are also awarded to winners in general standings, women’s categories, and age categories. In addition, medals are awarded to the three best juniors and girls in U20, U18, U16, U14, U12, U10, and U08 categories.

🏆 Sections / Groups

Group A

Group A is the stronger section. Therefore, it suits titled players, experienced competitors, and players who want the full 9-round schedule.

Group B

Group B gives lower-rated players a separate tournament. Moreover, it uses a shorter 7-round schedule, since Group B does not play on the two rounds marked as Group A only.

Aegean Championship Titles

The best Greek male and female players who belong to chess clubs in the Aegean region become the 2026 Aegean Champions. These titles are decided through Group A.

📅 Schedule

Opening Rounds

Main Rounds

Prize-Giving

📝 Registration

Entry Fees

The entry fee does not apply to GM, IM, WGM, and WIM title holders. In addition, it does not apply to already qualified players, Ikaria Chess Club members, PAS Ikaros members, or Ikarian chess players.

Registration Details

Players should complete the participation form and contact the organizers for any package or room requests. In addition, players who use the official accommodation package must send payment proof by email before the tournament.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

The Municipality of Ikaria, the Local Committee of Aegean Chess Clubs, Ikaria Chess Club, and Panicarian Athletic Club “Ikaros” organize the tournament together. As a result, the event combines local support with a long-running Aegean chess tradition.

Moreover, Ikaros has a strong festival identity. The program includes classical chess, rapid and blitz events, youth and veteran activities, and team competitions around the main tournament.

Email: ikaroschess2026@gmail.com
Phone: +30 698 218 4521

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Athletic Center of Aghios Kirykos — Aghios Kirykos, Ikaria island, Greece

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place at the Athletic Center of Aghios Kirykos. Therefore, players should use Aghios Kirykos as the main reference point for local arrival.

The organizers provide bus transportation from Therma and Aghios Kirykos to the playing venue 30 minutes before each round. As a result, players staying in those areas can reach the venue more easily.

🏨 Accommodation

Official Package

The official package covers accommodation costs, free entry to the tournament, and local bus transportation to the playing venue. However, meals, breakfast, and board expenses are not included.

Discounted Package

Families, club teams of at least four members, players under 20, Aegean natives, unemployed persons with a valid unemployment card, students under 25 with a university ID, and persons with disabilities can use reduced package prices.

Accommodation Notes

The package applies to the period from July 11 to July 18. In addition, the same prices apply to both players and accompanying persons.

Players who request special room conditions or extra days in Ikaria should contact the organizers in advance. Additional costs may apply depending on the request.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Ikaria

Ikaria can be reached by ferry from Piraeus, Mykonos, or Samos. In addition, players can travel by plane from Athens, Thessaloniki, or Heraklion.

The announcement lists a planned group ferry connection from Piraeus to Aghios Kirykos on July 11. It also lists a return ferry from Aghios Kirykos after the tournament.

Local Transport

The organizers provide bus transport from Therma and Aghios Kirykos to the playing venue before each round. Moreover, they can provide port transfers from and to Evdilos when needed because of the ferry schedule.

Players should confirm ferry and flight details before booking. This is especially important because island travel schedules can change.

ℹ️ Other Information

Byes and Withdrawals

Each participant may request to be excluded from pairings up to two times. However, the request must reach the chief arbiter before the end of the previous round.

For exclusions up to Round 3, the player receives 0.5 points. In addition, a player who misses a round without a serious reason is considered withdrawn from the tournament.

Side Events

Rapid, blitz, veteran, women’s, junior, blind rapid, problem-solving, and team events are planned before, during, and after the main tournament.

The Aegean Friendship Chess Cup 2026 and the Mediterranean Team Open Rapid Tournament “Achilleas Mitsakos” 2026 are also part of the wider Ikaros program.

Player Conditions

A limited number of GM, WGM, IM, and WIM players may receive accommodation support in double rooms from July 11 to July 18. Moreover, GM and WGM players may receive pocket money according to their rating band.

By participating, players accept the event’s data, game recording, photo, and video publication rules. Finally, Ikaros 2026 offers classical chess, side events, island travel, and a distinctive Aegean summer tournament atmosphere.