Baltic Way Youth Rapid Chess Tournament 2026
Baltic Way Youth Rapid Chess Tournament 2026, officially the X International Children and Youth Chess Festival THE BALTIC WAY, takes place on October 3–4, 2026 in Riga, Latvia. The festival is organized by Kasparov Chess Foundation Europe and Public Establishment Tarptautinis informacijos sklaidos centras.
Young players compete in four separate age groups: U8, U10, U12 and U14. Each tournament consists of nine FIDE-rated rapid games with a time control of 25 minutes plus a 10-second increment from move one.
The festival welcomes young chess players from different cities and countries. In addition, every participant receives a commemorative postcard signed by Garry Kasparov.
♟️ Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | October 3–4, 2026 |
| 🌍 City / Country | Riga, Latvia |
| 📍 Venue | Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara – Krogus iela 1, Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Riga LV-1048, Latvia |
| ♟️ Format | Rapid |
| 👥 Sections | U8, U10, U12 and U14 |
| 🔢 Rounds | 9 in each section |
| 🧩 System | Individual Swiss system |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 25 minutes + 10 seconds per move |
| 📊 Rating | FIDE Rapid rated |
| 👤 Tournament Director | Alena Tyutrina (LTU) |
| 👨⚖️ Chief Arbiter | IA Aivars Laizans |
| 👨⚖️ Deputy Arbiter | FA Vaidas Radzickas |
| 👥 Organizers | Kasparov Chess Foundation Europe and Public Establishment Tarptautinis informacijos sklaidos centras |
| 📝 Registration Deadline | September 27, 2026 |
Chess-Results – U8:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1486754.aspx?lan=1
Chess-Results – U10:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1486753.aspx?lan=1
Chess-Results – U12:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1486752.aspx?lan=1
Chess-Results – U14:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1486751.aspx?lan=1
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
All four age groups use the same playing format.
| Tournament Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ⏱️ Time Control | 25 minutes + 10 seconds per move |
| ➕ Increment | 10 seconds from move 1 |
| 🔢 Rounds | 9 |
| 🧩 Pairing System | Individual Swiss system |
| 📊 Rating Calculation | FIDE Rapid |
| 📜 Rules | FIDE Rapid Chess Rules |
| 💻 Pairing Software | Swiss-Manager |
Each age category operates as a separate tournament. Therefore, players should follow the Chess-Results page assigned to their own age group for pairings, standings and results.
The results of all four tournaments will be submitted for FIDE Rapid rating calculation.
🏆 Prize Fund
The regulations do not announce a cash prize fund. Instead, awards are presented separately in every age category for boys and girls.
Main Awards
| Place | Award |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Place | Cup + Medal + Diploma + Valuable Prize |
| 🥈 2nd Place | Medal + Diploma + Valuable Prize |
| 🥉 3rd Place | Medal + Diploma + Valuable Prize |
The awards apply separately to boys and girls in U8, U10, U12 and U14.
Therefore, every age group has separate boys’ and girls’ prize classifications.
⭐ Participant Gift
Every tournament participant will receive a commemorative postcard signed by Garry Kasparov, the 13th World Chess Champion.
👥 Sections / Groups
Four separate tournaments are held according to the player’s year of birth.
🟢 U8
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🎂 Eligibility | Born in 2018 or later |
| 🔢 Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 25+10 |
| 📊 Rating | FIDE Rapid |
Chess-Results:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1486754.aspx?lan=1
🔵 U10
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🎂 Eligibility | Born in 2016 or later |
| 🔢 Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 25+10 |
| 📊 Rating | FIDE Rapid |
Chess-Results:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1486753.aspx?lan=1
🟠 U12
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🎂 Eligibility | Born in 2014 or later |
| 🔢 Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 25+10 |
| 📊 Rating | FIDE Rapid |
Chess-Results:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1486752.aspx?lan=1
🔴 U14
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🎂 Eligibility | Born in 2012 or later |
| 🔢 Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 25+10 |
| 📊 Rating | FIDE Rapid |
Chess-Results:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1486751.aspx?lan=1
Young chess players from different cities and countries are welcome to participate.
📅 Schedule
The nine rounds are played over two days, with five rounds on Saturday and four rounds on Sunday.
Saturday, October 3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00–10:45 | Registration |
| 11:00–12:30 | Round 1 |
| 12:30–14:00 | Round 2 |
| 14:00–15:00 | Lunch Break |
| 15:00–16:30 | Round 3 |
| 16:30–18:00 | Round 4 |
| 18:00–19:30 | Round 5 |
Sunday, October 4
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00–11:30 | Round 6 |
| 11:30–13:00 | Round 7 |
| 13:00–14:00 | Lunch Break |
| 14:00–15:30 | Round 8 |
| 15:30–17:00 | Round 9 |
| 17:30 | Closing Ceremony |
The first round begins at 11:00 on Saturday, while the final round finishes at approximately 17:00 on Sunday.
📝 Registration
The entry fee is:
| Registration Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 💶 Entry Fee | €25 per player |
| 💵 Approx. USD | $30 |
| 📅 Registration Deadline | September 27, 2026 |
| 🆔 FIDE ID | Required |
🔗 Official Registration Form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1snnEo_T1qlUmgmda997qvdT7C5Cv9f9TPMNJwZeJtJY/viewform
The registration form asks for:
- Player’s full name
- Date of birth
- FIDE ID
- FIDE Rapid rating
- Federation
- Email address
- Phone number
A player who does not yet have a FIDE ID should contact their national chess federation to obtain one.
For assistance with registration or FIDE ID requirements, contact:
Players should register no later than September 27, 2026.
👥 Organizer
| Organizer Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 👥 Organizers | Kasparov Chess Foundation Europe and Public Establishment Tarptautinis informacijos sklaidos centras |
| 👤 Contact Person | Alena Tyutrina |
| 👨💼 Role | Tournament Director / Festival Organizer |
| ✉️ Email | balticway.chess@gmail.com |
Alena Tyutrina represents Kasparov Chess Foundation Europe in the organization of the festival.
📍 Venue
Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara – Krogus iela 1, Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Riga LV-1048, Latvia
The tournament takes place directly inside Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara. Therefore, families staying at the official tournament hotel can participate without arranging daily transport to another playing venue.
The hotel is situated on the western side of the Daugava River, close to central Riga and Riga International Airport.
Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara has 178 guest rooms, an on-site restaurant, fitness facilities and meeting spaces. The hotel is also located only a short public-transport journey from Riga Old Town.
🚆 How to Get There
Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara is located west of the Daugava River, between Riga International Airport and the city centre.
🚗 By Car
Venue address: Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara – Krogus iela 1, Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Riga LV-1048, Latvia
Drivers should use the complete Krogus iela 1 address when navigating to the tournament.
The hotel has parking available through an external parking partner approximately 30 metres from the hotel entrance, around one minute away on foot.
Because player registration runs from 09:00 to 10:45 on October 3, families arriving by car should leave sufficient time for parking and check-in before the first round begins at 11:00.
✈️ From Riga International Airport
Riga International Airport is approximately 8 km from the hotel.
The hotel publishes two practical options:
By public transport: take Bus 22 toward Riga and leave at Slokas iela. The stop is approximately 250 metres from the hotel. The hotel estimates the overall journey at around 20 minutes.
By taxi: the hotel estimates the journey from the airport at approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Families travelling with children, luggage and chess equipment may find a direct taxi particularly convenient.
🚆 From Riga Central Railway Station
Riga Central Railway Station is approximately 3 km from the hotel.
According to the hotel, public-transport options include:
- Tram 1 or Tram 5 to Kalnciema iela, approximately 250 metres from the hotel
- Trolleybus 9 to Āgenskalna iela, approximately 300 metres from the hotel
A taxi journey is listed by the hotel at approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Walking from Riga Central Railway Station is also possible. The hotel gives a distance of about 3 km and an approximate walking time of 40 minutes.
🚌 From Riga City Centre
The hotel is on the opposite side of the Daugava from Riga Old Town but remains close to the centre.
Public transport crosses the river toward the Kalnciema iela / Slokas iela / Āgenskalns area, from which the hotel is within a short walk.
Families staying elsewhere in central Riga should check the current Rīgas satiksme journey planner before travelling, especially before the 10:00 Sunday round.
🅿️ Parking
Parking is available through the hotel’s external parking partner.
The parking area is approximately:
30 metres / 1 minute on foot from the hotel entrance
The tournament regulations do not state that parking is included in the entry fee or accommodation package, so drivers should follow the hotel’s current parking conditions.
⏰ Arrival Advice
Registration is open on Saturday from 09:00 to 10:45, and Round 1 begins at 11:00.
Players staying outside the tournament hotel should therefore plan to arrive early enough to complete registration without rushing.
On Sunday, Round 6 starts at 10:00.
ℹ️ Other Information
🏨 Official Tournament Accommodation
The organizer has arranged special accommodation rates at the same Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara hotel where the tournament is played.
| Room Type | Special Rate | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Single Room | €75 | $90 |
| Double / Twin Room | €85 | $100 |
| Triple Room | €115 | $140 |
The special rates include:
- Breakfast
- VAT
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free access to the fitness centre
🛏️ Hotel Reservation
Reservations should be made directly through the hotel’s Reservations Department:
When booking, participants should state that they are attending the:
Baltic Way 2026 Chess Tournament
and use the discount code:
Baltic Way 2026
The deadline for individual reservations at the special tournament rates is:
September 19, 2026
Room availability after that date is not guaranteed at the tournament rate.
🎁 Garry Kasparov Commemorative Postcard
Every participant receives a commemorative postcard signed by Garry Kasparov.
This benefit applies to all four age groups.
🎯 Purpose of the Festival
The organizers state that the festival is intended to:
- Promote chess among schoolchildren
- Encourage interest in logical games
- Develop intellect, perseverance and responsibility in decision-making
- Support the development of chess skills among children and young people
🔗 Official Links
Registration:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1snnEo_T1qlUmgmda997qvdT7C5Cv9f9TPMNJwZeJtJY/viewform
Kasparov Chess Foundation Europe:
https://kcf-europe.org/
Riga Chess School Tournament Calendar:
https://sahaskola.lv/tuvakie-turniri/
Chess-Results – U8:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1486754.aspx?lan=1
Chess-Results – U10:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1486753.aspx?lan=1
Chess-Results – U12:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1486752.aspx?lan=1
Chess-Results – U14:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1486751.aspx?lan=1
Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara:
https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-inn-riga-valdemara
Additional Details
Organizer
♟️ About Kasparov Chess Foundation
Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) is a nonprofit educational chess organization founded by 13th World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov in the United States. Established in 2002, the Foundation promotes chess as an educational and cognitive-development tool for children and young adults. Its work has expanded from American scholastic chess into an international network of educational programs, elite youth training, tournaments, conferences, and partnerships across several regions of the world.
KCF develops chess curricula for schools, supports scholastic competitions, and provides opportunities for promising young players to work with leading trainers and grandmasters. Its long-running activities include the KCF All-Girls National Chess Championships, regional scholastic championships, the Young Stars talent-development program, the KCF University Cup, and the online Kasparov Chess Foundation Academy. The Foundation’s curriculum materials have been used by more than 3,500 schools across all 50 U.S. states, as well as by schools outside the United States.
Michael Khodarkovsky serves as President of the Kasparov Chess Foundation and is a FIDE Senior Trainer who has played a central role in KCF’s educational and elite-development programs. The Foundation had an exceptionally active 2026, including a record 601 players from 39 states at the 21st KCF All-Girls National Chess Championships, international Young Stars training sessions, and the inaugural KCF Friendship Festival in Slovenia, which welcomed more than 650 participants. KCF has also opened registration for its 2027 Academy season, with the preseason program beginning in October 2026.
🎓 Chess Education and School Programs
Education has been at the heart of Kasparov Chess Foundation since its creation. KCF promotes chess in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary, middle, and high-school students. Its instructional program was developed with input from chess masters and professional educators.
The Foundation’s curriculum includes a structured series of instructional materials designed to introduce chess progressively and help students develop analytical thinking, concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. KCF works with public, private, and home-school communities and has extended its educational reach beyond the United States.
The Foundation also supports educators and chess instructors through conferences and professional-development initiatives. In December 2025, KCF and the National Scholastic Chess Foundation jointly presented the MINDSETS Chess in Education Conference in New York City, bringing together educators, researchers, coaches, and representatives of the collegiate chess community.
🌟 Young Stars and Elite Player Development
The Young Stars program is one of KCF’s best-known talent-development initiatives. It identifies highly promising junior players and gives selected participants access to intensive training with internationally respected coaches and, at advanced stages, with Garry Kasparov himself.
The program has worked with players who later reached the highest levels of competitive chess. Its alumni and participants have included leading American and international junior talents, while the program has progressively expanded from its U.S. base into an international initiative.
In July 2026, five selected Young Stars from Ukraine, Belgium, Austria, and England trained in Zagreb during the Grand Chess Tour. Garry Kasparov led the sessions with additional instruction from Michael Khodarkovsky and GM Alexander Motylev. Earlier in 2026, KCF also held a European qualifying training session at the FC Bayern Academy in Munich.
🏆 Scholastic and International Tournaments
Kasparov Chess Foundation organizes and supports competitions ranging from large scholastic championships to international events. Its traditional U.S. tournament portfolio includes the Greater New York Scholastic Chess Championships, Greater Chicago Scholastic Chess Championships, Greater Mid-Atlantic events, Greater California competitions, and the All-Girls Nationals.
The 21st Annual KCF All-Girls National Chess Championships, held in Chicago from April 10–12, 2026, set a new participation record with 601 girls representing 39 states. The six-round championship was presented by KCF in association with Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation and US Chess.
At collegiate level, KCF created the international online KCF University Cup. The fifth edition in February 2025 attracted more than 100 university teams from 26 countries, with the University of Texas at Dallas winning the overall championship after a tie-break.
🌍 KCF Friendship Festival 2026
One of the Foundation’s most significant international developments was the inaugural Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival, held in Radenci, Slovenia, from June 25 to July 5, 2026.
The eleven-day program combined an International Open, the Albin Planinc Memorial Blitz Tournament, youth competitions, Kasparov Chess Day, an international training camp, and a European Trainers Conference. The complete festival welcomed more than 650 participants and brought together players, trainers, families, and chess professionals from around the world.
The nine-round International Open attracted a strong field of grandmasters and titled players. GM Xu Xiangyu of China won the tournament after defeating top seed GM Vladimir Fedoseev in a key seventh-round encounter and retaining the lead through the final rounds.
🏅 Recognition and Development
In 2025, the United States Chess Federation presented Kasparov Chess Foundation with a Meritorious Service Award. The award recognized the Foundation’s long-term contribution to chess development and education in the United States.
KCF continues to broaden its activities internationally through regional foundations, educational partnerships, online instruction, and major in-person events. Its combination of mass-participation scholastic chess and specialized elite training enables the Foundation to work with players across a particularly wide range of ages and competitive levels.
The KCF Academy has become an important part of this international expansion. Its 2026 season offered structured online training from beginner through advanced levels, weekly workshops, four progressive training groups, and masterclasses with leading grandmasters. Registration is already open for the 2027 KCF Academy, with its preseason scheduled to begin on October 17, 2026.
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