The 15th BBCF International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament 2026 takes place from November 18 to 22, 2026, at Olive Tree Global School in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Organized by Brains Behind Chess Foundation (BBCF), the five-day classical tournament welcomes players from India and abroad.

Competitors will play nine Swiss-system rounds with 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. The event features a classical cash prize fund of ₹1,000,001 (approximately US$10,650), with awards for the open standings, rating categories, juniors and other eligible participants.

The tournament is part of a chess festival that also includes a separate BBCF blitz event on November 21. However, the classical championship has its own competition rules, schedule and prize fund.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament features nine rounds under the Swiss system, and games count toward the FIDE Standard rating. All players receive 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move from move one. As a result, competitors should prepare for long classical games and consecutive playing sessions during the opening three days.

The default time is 15 minutes. Draw offers are not permitted before move 30. FIDE chess rules apply.

Chief Arbiter: IA Srivatsan R. Deputy Arbiter: IA Ravikumar R. Tournament Director: Balaji S.

💰 Prize Fund

The prize fund is ₹1,000,001 (approximately US$10,650). There are 127 cash awards and additional trophies. Awards are paid in Indian rupees; USD amounts are approximate.

Additional cash prizes cover rating groups, women, veterans, players with disabilities, district rankings and junior age groups. Trophies are also awarded.

🧩 Sections / Groups

All players participate in one FIDE-rated classical Open tournament. Rating, age, district and special categories determine additional awards rather than separate Swiss competitions.

Participants should bring appropriate age or eligibility documentation if they wish to claim category prizes. The 16th BBCF Blitz Tournament is a separate competition and is not included in this classical event’s ₹1,000,001 total.

📅 Schedule

All times below are in India Standard Time (IST). Two rounds are scheduled on November 18, 19, 20 and 22, with one classical round on November 21.

The separate BBCF Blitz Tournament takes place on November 21.

📝 Registration

The classical entry fee depends on the registration period:

The registration deadline is November 15, 2026, at 17:00 IST. A combined classical-and-blitz entry package is also available.

Registration and tournament information.

Indian players must hold applicable AICF registration; Tamil Nadu and Chennai district players should ensure that the relevant TNSCA and CDCA registrations are current. Foreign participants must have a valid FIDE identification record. Keep your entry confirmation and identification ready for the first playing day.

👥 Organizer

Brains Behind Chess Foundation (BBCF) organizes the championship in cooperation with chess authorities including the All India Chess Federation, Tamil Nadu State Chess Association and Chennai District Chess Association. Olive Tree Global School supports the event by providing the fully air-conditioned playing venue.

Balaji S is Tournament Director and BBCF secretary. Janani J is BBCF president.

📍 Venue

The playing venue is Olive Tree Global School, 200 ft Inner Ring Road, Manjambakkam, Madhavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600060, India.

The games take place in a fully air-conditioned hall at Olive Tree Global School.

🏨 Accommodation

Visiting competitors can compare accommodation in Madhavaram, Manjambakkam and the surrounding north Chennai neighborhoods. The relevant consideration is road access to Olive Tree Global School rather than proximity to Chennai’s beach or central tourist districts.

Accommodation assistance is available through the organizing team. For a stay covering the entire event, consider November 17–23.

🚆 How to Get There

Chennai has air, rail and long-distance road connections. The final destination is Olive Tree Global School on 200 ft Inner Ring Road in Manjambakkam. Use the full address when ordering transport, particularly if the driver is unfamiliar with the school.

The inauguration begins at 09:00 on November 18 and the first classical round is scheduled for 10:00. Consequently, players arriving from outside Chennai may prefer to travel on the preceding day.

ℹ️ Other Information

Mobile phones, wristwatches and other electronic devices are prohibited in the playing hall. Players must present identification when required. Time limits and fees apply to protests; the fee is refunded if an appeal succeeds.

The classical competition is one part of a two-event BBCF chess festival; the accompanying blitz event has a different time control, entry fee and prize structure. Accordingly, players must distinguish their classical registration from any blitz entry or combined-entry package.