The Internationaux de France Rapide & Blitz 2026 will take place on 19–20 September 2026 at the Palais des Sports Pierre de Coubertin in Châlons-en-Champagne, France. The event brings together rapid and blitz chess in one major weekend program.

This is a chess tournament in Châlons-en-Champagne, France, in 2026. The competition includes a 9-round rapid tournament on Saturday and a 13-round blitz tournament on Sunday.

Moreover, the event offers FIDE-rated play, national title races, and a confirmed total prize fund across both tournaments. Therefore, it is a strong option for players who want a serious rapid and blitz chess weekend in northeastern France.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The rapid tournament uses a time control of 15 minutes plus 3 seconds increment per move. It runs over 9 rounds on Saturday, 19 September 2026.

The blitz tournament uses a time control of 5 minutes plus 3 seconds increment per move. It runs over 13 rounds on Sunday, 20 September 2026.

Both events count for FIDE rating. In addition, the rapid event counts for the French rapid rating list. Players can expect a busy weekend with two separate tournaments and official title categories.

🏆 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The confirmed total prize fund is €12,000, approximately US$14,000.

Each tournament lists €6,000 in prizes. As a result, the weekend offers a strong prize structure for both rapid and blitz players.

👥 Sections / Groups

Rapid Tournament

The rapid event takes place on 19 September 2026. It includes 9 rounds with a 15+3 time control and awards French rapid titles across several categories.

Blitz Tournament

The blitz event takes place on 20 September 2026. It includes 13 rounds with a 5+3 time control and awards French blitz titles across several categories.

The event also includes title races for youth categories from U08 to U20. In addition, players aged 50+ and 65+ have dedicated French title categories.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Players should register online before the deadline, because the organizers will not accept on-site entries. Additionally, early registration helps players avoid the higher fee that starts on 14 September 2026.

🏛️ Organizer

Échiquier Châlonnais organizes the Internationaux de France Rapide & Blitz 2026 in partnership with the French Chess Federation. The event continues the national rapid and blitz tradition and brings a major weekend chess program to Châlons-en-Champagne.

Email: tournois@lechiquier-chalonnais.com

📍 Venue

Palais des Sports Pierre de Coubertin
47 Boulevard Justin Grandthille, 51000 Châlons-en-Champagne, France

The playing venue hosts both tournament days in one sports hall setting. Since the event includes two fast formats, players should plan enough time for arrival, check-in, and preparation before play begins.

🏨 Accommodation

B&B HOTEL Châlons-en-Champagne is listed as an accommodation partner for participants.

The hotel is located at 5 Rue Michel Ménard, 51000 Châlons-en-Champagne, France. Negotiated participant rates include rooms for one or two people at €62, breakfast at €9.50, and a tourist tax of €0.99.

Participants can contact the hotel directly for the special rate. Online booking also uses the event code ECHEC26.

🧭 How to Get There

The Palais des Sports Pierre de Coubertin is about 25 minutes on foot from the Châlons-en-Champagne train station. Therefore, players arriving by train can walk to the venue if they have enough time.

On Saturday, SITAC bus lines 1, 4, and 7 also help players reach the area. Lines 1, 4, and 7 serve Place Tissier in the city center, followed by about a 10-minute walk to the playing hall. In addition, line 7 serves Place de Verdun, about 3 minutes on foot from the train station.

The Internationaux de France Rapide & Blitz 2026 offers a full weekend of rated chess, national title competition, and a practical venue in Châlons-en-Champagne.