22nd EUYOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP in MURECK
Elevate young talents on the continental stage at the 22nd European Union Youth Chess Championship, taking place August 1–9, 2025, in Mureck, Austria. Hosted by the Styrian Chess Federation and Österreichische Schachjugend at the Kulturzentrum Mureck, this nine-round FIDE-rated Swiss brings together the EU’s brightest U8–U14 players—including one boy or girl per federation per age group plus invited extras—for an unforgettable week of classical competition. Alongside rigorous play, participants enjoy cultural excursions, a mid-tournament blitz, and the chance to forge friendships across borders.
Designed for peak performance and player comfort, the Championship features generous bye options, live digital pairings, and strict adherence to FIDE regulations under the guidance of Tournament Director Mag. Philipp Raeke and Chief Arbiter IA Herrmann Wilfling. Whether aspiring masters seek international norms or newcomers aim to test their skills among peers, the EUYCC delivers professional organization, robust support, and the thrill of representing one’s nation on the European stage.
🎯 EVENT DETAILS
| Dates: | August 1–9, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Age Categories: | U8, U10, U12, U14 (open to EU/Schengen, Ukraine, Kosovo citizens) |
| Tournament Type: | 9-Round Swiss (FIDE-rated classical) |
| Place: | Mureck, Austria |
| Venue: | Kulturzentrum Mureck, Lorberplatz 4 |
| Address: | A-8480 Mureck, Austria |
| Organizer: | Styrian Chess Federation & Österreichische Schachjugend |
| Federation: | Austrian Chess Federation & FIDE |
| Tournament Director: | Mag. Philipp Raeke |
| Chief Arbiter: | IA Herrmann Wilfling |
| Time Control: | 90 min + 30 sec increment |
| Number of rounds: | 9 |
⏱ TIME CONTROL
Each game runs at 90 minutes per player plus a 30-second increment from move one. Players may request up to two half-point byes in the first four rounds.
🗓 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
| Date | Session | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Aug 1 | Arrival & Registration (15:00–22:00); Round 1 (18:00) | See at left |
| Sat, Aug 2 | Opening Ceremony (14:30); Round 2 (15:00) | See at left |
| Sun, Aug 3 | Rounds 3 & Blitz (09:30 & ~15:00) | See at left |
| Mon, Aug 4 | Round 4 (15:00) | |
| Tue, Aug 5 | Round 5 (09:30) & Excursion (~15:00–18:30) | |
| Wed, Aug 6 | Round 6 (15:00) | |
| Thu, Aug 7 | Round 7 (09:30) | |
| Fri, Aug 8 | Round 8 (15:00) | |
| Sat, Aug 9 | Round 9 (09:30); Closing Ceremony (~14:30) |
🏆 PRIZE FUND
- Trophies for the top three finishers in each age group
- Trophies for the top three girls in each age group
No cash prizes; awards ceremony immediately follows Round 9.
📝 REGISTRATION
- Deadline: June 15, 2025
- Fee: € 100 per player and one invited coach (required for final acceptance)
- Includes: Participation, printed materials, pairings system, and organizational support
- How to register: Complete the official form and email to jugend@schachzentrum.at
- Payment: Bank transfer in euros only to the provided IBAN (instructions on proforma invoice)
- Note: All participants (players, coaches, parents) must book officially designated accommodations or pay an € 80 fee.
✈️ TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
Kulturzentrum Mureck lies 59 km south of Graz, near the Austrian–Slovenian border.
- By train: Graz → Mureck via regional service; local shuttle to venue
- By car: A2/E66 motorway → Mureck exit; onsite parking available
Official accommodations (breakfast included):
- Category A (guesthouses/apartments): € 49 pp double/triple; € 59 pp single
- Category B (Mureck Hostel): € 39 pp double/triple; € 49 pp single
- Meals: € 10 pp/day lunch; € 20 pp/day lunch + dinner
- Booking: Through the Organizing Committee by June 15
🏛️ ORGANIZER
Since 1894, the Österreichische Schachjugend (Austrian Chess Youth) and the Styrian Chess Federation have championed youth chess through national and international events. Each year, they host the European Union Youth Championship, the Austrian Scholastic Championships, provincial leagues, and the popular Steirisches Jugendschachopen. Their certified arbiters and volunteer team ensure seamless pairings, clear communication, and a supportive atmosphere for every young competitor.
📞 CONTACT DETAILS
- Address: Karmeliterplatz 2/I, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Email (main): jugend@schachzentrum.at
- Email (additional): office@schachjugend.at
- Phone (main): +43 316 9037 0270
- Phone (additional): +43 316 9037 0271
🌟 WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
The 22nd European Union Youth Chess Championship offers aspiring champions a professionally run, FIDE-rated environment to test skills, earn titles, and represent their nation. Enjoy robust competition, cultural excursions, and lifelong connections in the picturesque town of Mureck—secure your spot among Europe’s brightest young minds!
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Kulturzentrum Mureck, Lorberplatz 4
Organizer - Österreichische Schachjugend
Organizer Phone - +43 316 9037 0270
Organizer email - jugend@schachzentrum.at
Tournament Director - Mag. Philipp Raeke
Chief Arbiter - IA Herrmann Wilfling
Time control - 90 minutes for game with 30 seconds delay from move 1
Number of rounds - 9
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
The Österreichische Schachjugend (Austrian Chess Youth) serves as the national youth arm of the Austrian Chess Federation, dedicated to fostering chess development among children and teenagers since 1950. Each year, it co-hosts the European Union Youth Chess Championship alongside the Styrian Chess Federation, organizes the Austrian Scholastic Championships, the Steirisches Jugendschachopen, and supports provincial youth leagues such as the Steiermärkische Jugend-Grand-Prix. Through these flagship events, the Schachjugend brings together emerging talents from across Austria and neighboring countries under FIDE-rated, norm-eligible conditions.
Beyond its major tournaments, the Österreichische Schachjugend maintains year-round programming to nurture growth at every level. Weekly club nights and online training sessions connect young players nationwide, while FIDE Arbiter–led workshops and summer chess camps provide structured coaching. The organization also offers scholarships for promising juniors and partners with regional schools and clubs to integrate chess into educational curriculums, ensuring both competitive and personal development for Austria’s next generation of chess enthusiasts.