Finland’s premier youth chess event returns to Central Finland as the Finnish Youth Chess Championship 2026 (Nuorten SM 2026) is staged in Jyväskylä from 3–6 January 2026. Hosted at the Jyväskylä Christian Institute (Sulkulantie 28), the championship crowns national medalists in seven age groups for both Open and Girls, using classical FIDE time controls across a compact four-day festival.

Players and families can expect professional organization, clear schedules, and a friendly setting to kick off the new chess year. With Swiss or round-robin formats depending on entries, the event ensures competitive games for all levels, plus playoff matches to decide the top two places where required.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

• U12–U20: 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 30 minutes to finish; 30 seconds increment from move 1

• U8–U10: 90 minutes for the whole game; 30 seconds increment from move 1

• System: Swiss or Round Robin per group size; organizer may combine groups if necessary

• Notation: All players must record moves throughout the game

• Access: Only players, arbiters, and officials in the playing hall during rounds

📂 Sections / Groups

Players may “play up” in an older group if desired (declare during registration).

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

• How to enter: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuV13JJewb5WrGwpdq7gPAzgfNwxP0Q99VZe6oSXD1f06ysQ/viewform

• Deadline: 31 December 2025 (registration = form and fee paid)

• Fees: €50 (by 30 Nov) • €60 (from 1 Dec)

• Payment:

  • Payee: Jyväs-Shakki ry

  • IBAN: FI87 5290 0240 2695 53

  • BIC/SWIFT: OKOYFIHH

  • Reference number: 19130

• Participation is approved only after both the form and payment are received.

👥 Organizer

Organized by Jyväs-Shakki ry with permission of the Finnish Chess Federation.

• Chief Organiser: Sami Hämäläinen — 6qssam@gmail.com — +358 40 512 3864

• Chief Arbiter: Eetu Tiiva — eetu.tiiva@outlook.com — +358 40 935 7959

🏨 Venue

All rounds take place at Jyväskylä Christian Institute, Sulkulantie 28, Jyväskylä — a calm, well-equipped campus environment suitable for youth championships.

🛎️ Accommodation

An accommodation offer for the event period is available here:
https://www.shakkiliitto.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jyvas-Shakki_majoitus_030126.pdf

🚗 How to Get There

• By train/bus: Travel to Jyväskylä main station; local buses or a short taxi ride to Sulkulantie 28

• By air: Fly to Jyväskylä Airport (JYV) or Helsinki (HEL) then train to Jyväskylä

• By car: On-site/nearby parking available around the institute area

Other

• Playoffs for 1st–2nd (two-player ties):

  1. Two rapid games 15′ + 10″ → 2) Two blitz games 5′ + 3″ → 3) Two blitz games 3′ + 2″ → 4) Armageddon: White 6′ vs Black 5′, increment +2″ from move 61; Black wins the title on a draw

• Multiple-player playoffs: Format set by the Chief Arbiter before Round 7 begins

• Federation eligibility: Only players representing the Finnish Chess Federation may participate

• Laws & conduct: FIDE Laws apply; quiet playing hall and notation required at all times

Kick off your chess year in style — join Finland’s brightest young talents in Jyväskylä for the Finnish Youth Chess Championship 2026!