The 45th Ludwik Zamenhof Chess Memorial 2026 brings a major Christmas-season chess festival to Chorten Arena in Białystok, Poland, from December 27–31, 2026. Hosted by MUKS Stoczek 45 Białystok and Chorten Arena, the memorial celebrates Ludwik Zamenhof, the Białystok-born creator of Esperanto. The competition has roots in 1979 and now brings together ambitious titled players, developing amateurs, juniors and young beginners in five separate Swiss-system groups. The two flagship classical Opens, Open A and Open B, play nine rounds at 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move.

The organizer’s complete 2026 regulations allocate PLN 100,000 in cash awards to the five playing groups (approximately US$25,330). A further PLN 500 recognizes the best-performing Esperanto speaker and PLN 2,250 rewards coaches and group leaders, taking the published cash-award program to PLN 102,750 overall. First prize in Open A is PLN 13,000, while Open B awards PLN 7,000 to its winner. The shorter Open C, the junior-friendly Open D and the under-nine Open E have their own rating and age conditions, distinct time controls and separate prize tables.

Chorten Arena is the city’s principal stadium complex at 1 Słoneczna Street, 15-323 Białystok. The classical playing area occupies the ground-floor mixed zone, while the shorter groups play in a first-floor VIP area. The organizer also provides hotel-rate information for four named properties and a prebookable lunch service at the arena. This page brings together every verified group, prize schedule, entry fee, deadline, playing timetable and practical travel arrangement for a five-day chess visit to northeastern Poland.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The memorial uses nine-round Swiss pairings in all five competitions, but the groups do not share a single clock or timetable. The strongest groups, Open A and Open B, use a full classical setting of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. Each of these players completes two rounds on December 27–30 and one final round on December 31. The organizer registers these two groups for FIDE rating calculation, and the 2026 FIDE Standard list dated December 1 determines rating eligibility.

Open C is a shorter three-day event from December 27–29. Its 30 minutes plus a 30-second increment differs from the A/B program, and the FIDE registration follows the relevant group setting. Open D and Open E run only on December 30–31 at 15 minutes plus 15 seconds per move, offering more accessible multi-game schedules for children and improving players. Consequently, families should select the competition they can attend rather than assume every group must stay until New Year’s Eve.

Final standings use tournament points followed, in order, by Buchholz Cut-1, full Buchholz, Sonneborn–Berger, progressive score, direct encounter, number of wins and victories with Black. A player may arrive up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start within the organizer’s default-time limit. There is no requirement to reconfirm attendance before Round 1. Anyone missing a session should tell chief arbiter Leszek Zega as early as practical, preferably by email.

🏆 Prize Fund

The published cash-prize tables total PLN 100,000 for tournament participants across Groups A–E. That is approximately US$25,330 using the October 27, 2026 European Central Bank reference rates. The group-specific totals are PLN 44,000 for Open A, PLN 24,650 for Open B, PLN 14,950 for Open C, PLN 8,900 for Open D and PLN 7,500 for Open E. These figures include the group placement prizes and the corresponding female, senior and junior classifications listed in the regulations.

Open A offers the biggest awards. Its twelve general prizes begin at PLN 13,000, PLN 8,000 and PLN 6,000, followed by a range of payouts through twelfth place. Women can compete for three extra cash awards, while senior and junior classifications recognize strong performances within the same Open. The listed junior amounts apply to the six birth-year categories used throughout the festival.

For Open B, the general ranking pays PLN 7,000 to the winner, followed by PLN 4,000, PLN 3,000 and progressively smaller prizes through twelfth place. Three women’s awards, a senior prize and the same six junior categories raise the group total to PLN 24,650. Open C likewise supports the intermediate and lower-rated field with twelve general awards and additional classifications.

The shorter groups, Open D and Open E, also have twelve cash-paying places. Each winner earns PLN 2,000, and prizes run down to PLN 100 at twelfth place. Both include separate first-, second- and third-place awards for women; Open D has additional senior and junior classifications. These categories give young entrants a meaningful chance at recognition even if they are still developing their FIDE ratings.

Separate from the PLN 100,000 tournament-group allocation, the event provides PLN 1,000, 750 and 500 to the three leading coaches or group leaders who register and pay for qualifying groups of at least ten players. There is also a PLN 500 Best Esperantist prize for the competitor with the greatest FIDE rating increase attributable to the memorial. Together, these awards bring the full monetary program to PLN 102,750. The organizer will also give prizes such as handmade chess sets, Zamenhof-themed trophies, diplomas, small gifts and a painted portrait for the Open A champion.

Cash awards are stated gross in PLN and paid by bank transfer. Applicable Polish taxes may be withheld. Prizes are not divided among tied players, and any one player can receive a maximum of two cash awards, chosen by highest value. A special-category award requires at least three eligible participants. The winner of Open A will also appear in a special mural depicting Zamenhof playing chess with the memorial champion.

♟️ Sections / Groups

Five groups allow the memorial to welcome a large range of chess experience. Open A is the strongest classical section, ordinarily requiring FIDE Standard 2100 or higher. Open B admits players rated 1700–2150, creating a controlled overlap for entrants near 2100. Open C welcomes players rated below 1800 and unrated competitors. Since these bands overlap, the official regulations allow a qualified player to choose an eligible group during registration.

The tournament uses the December 1, 2026 FIDE rating list to check admission to each group. The organizer reserves discretion to admit a player who falls outside the normal A or B band, subject to a higher entry fee. Such a decision can also affect a participant whose rating changes between registration and the applicable monthly FIDE list. Junior classifications within Groups A–D distinguish birth years 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2016–17 and 2018 or later.

📅 Schedule

The memorial has three distinct playing timetables. Open A and Open B begin on Sunday, December 27, with an opening ceremony at 9:15 AM and the first classical round at 9:30 AM. These groups play at 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM on December 27–30, then at 9:00 AM on December 31 before the 1:00 PM awards. The playing area is the arena’s ground-floor mixed zone, so participants should follow the signs for Level 0.

Open C occupies the first-floor VIP red zone and completes nine games in three days. The schedule starts on December 27, with sessions at 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM and 2:00 PM, repeating on December 28 and 29. This makes a shorter stay practical for participants who can play the faster 30+30 setting. Open C holds its closing ceremony on December 29 at 4:00 PM.

The final pair of competitions, Open D and Open E, begins Wednesday, December 30. Five rounds are scheduled from 9:30 AM at roughly hourly intervals, and four additional rounds take place on New Year’s Eve from 9:00 AM. They also use the first-floor VIP red zone. A family with an under-nine entrant can therefore attend a substantial nine-game event while needing only two tournament days.

📝 Registration

Entries are accepted until December 16, 2026 using each group’s ChessManager registration page or by contacting chief arbiter Leszek Zega. The application should include the player’s name, year of birth, club or hometown, FIDE registration information, email and the selected tournament group. Payment is made by bank transfer to MUKS Stoczek 45 Białystok by December 16, with the player’s name and chosen Open stated in the transfer reference.

The fee is non-refundable. If the organizer grants exceptional admission to a higher group outside its normal rating band, the entry fee rises by 50%. Late entries can also incur a 50% surcharge when accepted; the two surcharges can combine to 100%. A player who has not paid and provided payment confirmation by December 20 may be deleted from the starting list. Grandmasters and Woman Grandmasters receive a refund of their entry fee after the tournament begins, and special conditions for titled players are arranged through the chief arbiter.

International players should have a FIDE registration issued by their federation, as required by the entry rules. Individual ChessManager pages keep the competitions distinct and provide the most direct place to review entries. For families submitting several children, confirm the correct group and birth year for every registration and arrange any required meals before the same December 16 deadline.

🏛️ Organizer

MUKS Stoczek 45 Białystok is a school-focused sports club with a long involvement in organized chess in the city. The Ludwik Zamenhof Memorial began in 1979, and MUKS Stoczek 45 has helped run it since 1996. The club and Chorten Arena jointly organize the forty-fifth edition, with ArtefactumGames and KS Zaszachowani as co-organizers. This long-running format combines the needs of high-level tournament chess with opportunities for local juniors and their coaches.

Leszek Zega serves as chief arbiter and the tournament’s primary registration contact. The memorial has secured honorary support from officials representing the national chess federation, the City of Białystok, the Podlaskie region and the Ministry of Sport and Tourism. The event’s cultural focus on Ludwik Zamenhof also appears in its special artwork and awards, including hand-painted chess sets and a permanent mural depicting the Open A champion alongside the celebrated linguist.

The club’s published registration email is leszeg@wp.pl, and Leszek Zega can also be contacted at +48 722 334 038. The Polish Chess Federation announcement contains the direct ChessManager competition pages and the current organizer prospectus. These sources provide the club’s specific entry and tournament operating conditions for the December 2026 edition.

📍 Venue

Chorten Arena is located at ul. Słoneczna 1, 15-323 Białystok, Poland. It is Białystok’s municipal stadium complex, with indoor hospitality and event facilities used for conferences and other public functions. The classical Open A and Open B playing rooms are in the Level 0 mixed zone. Open C, Open D and Open E play in the Level 1 VIP red zone, while booked participant lunches are served in the Level 2 Super VIP yellow zone.

The stadium’s official visitor directions specify coordinates of 53.106032° N, 23.149052° E. These are venue-provided GPS coordinates rather than an approximate point in the city center. The complex also publishes substantial parking facilities, including 950 car spaces, 50 coach spaces and bicycle parking. Its dedicated event areas make it easier to run separate chess sections simultaneously, but entrants should still follow floor and zone signage on the first day.

🏨 Accommodation

The organizing committee publishes four concrete accommodation options, each with an address and pricing. Two are within Białystok itself, while the other two lie on the western outskirts in the Choroszcz area and work best for guests who have a car or arrange transport to Chorten Arena. The organizer’s price list offers single, double and family-appropriate occupancy arrangements, including meals at several properties. Because the memorial includes early-morning games, the final daily journey is an important consideration when selecting a hotel.

Hotel Podlasie is especially useful for families interested in hotel restaurant services and room configurations for multiple children. Villa Tradycja suits travelers who prefer a more central Białystok base, while Dwór Czarneckiego offers wellness facilities and parking outside town. Sosnowe Zacisze is another lower-cost driving option. The published rates are part of the organizer’s 2026 accommodation information; guests should reserve directly with the property and confirm the relevant dates, meals and cancellation terms.

🚆 How to Get There

🚆 From Białystok Railway Station

Białystok railway station is the main arrival point for rail travelers, including those coming from Warsaw and other Polish cities. From the station area, the stadium’s official directions list bus 10 toward the south of the city, with the Wiosenna/Kawaleryjska stop serving the arena’s wider neighborhood. Alternatively, a taxi can take players directly to Chorten Arena, Słoneczna 1. The PKP Intercity website provides current intercity ticket and timetable information.

Passengers with children and heavy luggage should allow time for the final local journey and the check-in at their selected hotel. Round 1 in Open A and Open B begins at 9:30 AM on December 27, so arriving the preceding day can make the opening morning more comfortable. For those entering Open D or E, December 30 is the first playing day and may justify a shorter stay.

🚌 Public Transport from the City Center

The arena publishes several city-bus approaches, including routes 3, 11, 16, 22, 26 and 104 from different parts of Białystok. In particular, route 11 serves the stadium corridor, while route 22 can be relevant to bus-terminal arrivals. Bus stops named Wiosenna/Kawaleryjska and the municipal stadium area provide useful wayfinding references. The actual best route depends on the hotel, the time of day and the holiday timetable.

Because the memorial takes place between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, local transport may run different timetables than on ordinary working days. Check the current public transport schedule before every morning round, particularly for the early start on December 31. The official stadium contact and transport page lists all of its recommended services and gives a useful destination reference for local taxis.

✈️ Via Warsaw Airports

For international visitors, Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) offers an important gateway to Poland’s rail network. Arrivals can continue into Warsaw and take an intercity train to Białystok, then connect to the stadium or hotel by city transport. Other travelers may enter through Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) and make the necessary onward road or rail transfer via the Warsaw area. The most practical airport depends on the origin city, airline and current transport schedule.

When arranging an international itinerary, account for the final train or coach into Białystok rather than planning only the flight to Warsaw. A hotel night before the first round can reduce the risk of a missed pairing after travel delays. The five-day classical program ends with awards at 1:00 PM on December 31, so a connection onward that afternoon should include the local transfer and the time needed to collect an award.

🚗 Arriving by Car or Group Coach

The arena’s navigation address is ul. Słoneczna 1, 15-323 Białystok. Its official GPS point is 53.106032, 23.149052. The venue publishes parking capacity for 950 cars and 50 coaches, useful for clubs traveling with large junior groups. Drivers should follow venue signs and confirm which gate serves the chess memorial rather than entering a stadium access route intended for a different event.

Coaches accompanying ten or more registered players can also participate in the memorial’s special group-leader competition, provided every participant’s registration and fee reach the organizer by December 16. That makes advance planning especially important for sports clubs arriving with several cars or a hired bus. Parents and coaches should coordinate a meeting area near the relevant playing level and keep the organizers’ telephone number available.

ℹ️ Other Information

🍽️ Daily Lunches at Chorten Arena

The organizer has arranged daily lunches for PLN 43 per person, supplied by Dwór Czarneckiego and served between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM in the arena’s Level 2 Super VIP yellow zone. Meals are booked with Leszek Zega by December 16 and prepaid to the organizer’s account. The published menu offers soup and a main course, with meat and vegetarian or vegan dishes described for the tournament dates. Players receive the meal vouchers from the organizing committee.

This on-site arrangement can be especially helpful to Open A/B participants: the morning game starts at 9:30 AM and the next round begins at 4:00 PM, so lunch is already available inside the same venue. Families can reserve the meals they actually need across December 27–31 instead of making a daily trip back to the hotel. The full tournament prospectus specifies the ordering and payment instructions.

🏆 Zamenhof Portrait, Chess Sets and Esperantist Prize

The top three finishers in every group receive Zamenhof-themed cups and hand-painted chess sets from ArtefactumGames. The Open A champion receives a hand-painted portrait of Ludwik Zamenhof and joins a commemorative mural showing the tournament winner opposite the creator of Esperanto. Ten physical prizes are also drawn in each tournament group, including chess sets, figurines, shirts and other souvenirs. These awards give the memorial a distinctive cultural character beyond its monetary payouts.

The separate Best Esperantist award is PLN 500. It goes to the eligible player whose FIDE rating increases the most through the memorial, measured between the official rating lists before and after the tournament’s reported results. Interested participants should supply their relevant details to leszeg@wp.pl. This award connects the competitive chess event with Zamenhof’s contribution to international communication.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Festival for Clubs and Families

Families can choose among five competitive levels and different visit lengths. A high-rated competitor may enter the five-day classical Open A, while a developing player can choose Open B or the three-day Open C. Children born in 2017 or later can take part in the two-day Open E. The organizer anticipates approximately 400 participants, and the hotel and lunch arrangements are built around this substantial holiday attendance. With early morning start times and possible prize ceremonies, participants should plan the travel, meals and accommodation around the exact group selected.