Opening the Southern Hemisphere’s chess calendar with a full national festival, the 133rd New Zealand Chess Congress will run from January 2-12, 2026 in Invercargill, New Zealand. Staged at the Ascot Park Hotel, this ten-day celebration brings together the New Zealand Championships, Major Open, age-group and junior titles, plus national Rapid and Lightning championships – alongside the community-friendly Invercargill Open.

With a minimum prize fund of NZD $12,000, free entry for GMs/IMs/WGMs/WIMs, and professional arbiting, the Congress delivers serious classical play and a welcoming atmosphere. Clear schedules, consistent time controls with increments from move one, and straightforward entry/payment options make it easy for players, families, and coaches to plan a full week in Southland.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Notes: Titles/prizes share on equal points unless stated; one cash prize per player (highest applies).

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

• Standard (NZ Champs & Major Open): 90′/40 + 30′, +30″/move from move 1.

• Rapid: 25′ + 5″/move; Article A.5 applies.

• Lightning: 3′ + 2″/move; Article B.4 applies.

• Juniors/Age Groups & Invercargill Open: 60′ + 30″/move (7-round juniors; 5-round Invercargill Open).

• Pairings: Vega; for standard events, pairings become final 30 minutes before round start.

• Default time: 30 minutes.

• Fair-play: Mobile/electronic devices are prohibited in the venue; random scanning and venue cameras in operation; violations result in loss of game. Appeals procedures apply (except Lightning).

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

NZ Championships & Major Open – Standard (Fri–Sat, Jan 2–10, 2026)

NZ Junior & Age Groups / NZ Junior U1000 – Standard (Sat–Fri, Jan 3–9, 2026)

NZ Lightning Championship – Blitz (Sun, Jan 11, 2026)

NZ Rapid Championship – Rapid (Sun–Mon, Jan 11–12, 2026)

Invercargill Open — Standard (Mon–Fri, Jan 5–9, 2026)

📝 Registration

• Enter online (primary form): https://forms.office.com/r/viEMjXdaYX

• Card payments (optional): https://events.humanitix.com/133rd-nz-chess-congress-2026

• Bank transfer: Account name Richard Christie • 38-9014-0346070-04 (use “Congress + Surname”).

• Entry fees (standard events):

  • NZ Championships: $200 early bird (by Dec 1, 2025) • $220 afterward.

  • Major Open: $140 early bird (by Dec 1, 2025) • $160 afterward.

  • Juniors & Age Groups: $70 early • $90 later.

  • Junior U1000: $50 early • $70 later.

  • Rapid: $70 (entries accepted until 11:45 AM, Jan 11).

  • Lightning: $40 (entries accepted until 8:30 AM, Jan 11).

  • Invercargill Open: $50.

• Check-in requirements: See schedules above; failure to check in may mean no pairing in Round 1.

• Eligibility notes: Championships entry ≥1800 (NZCF or FIDE). Major Open NZCF <2100 or FIDE <2000. All events open to all nationalities (NZ titles to highest-placed eligible NZ players).

• Olympiad note: The outright NZ Champion (if eligible) qualifies for the 2026 NZ Open Olympiad team.

👥 Organizer

The Congress is hosted by the Invercargill–Southland Chess Club with the New Zealand Chess Federation. For entries and event operations, the organizing office provides fast email/phone support.

• Email: chessventures@gmail.com

• Phone: +64 21 111 5662

• NZCF site: https://newzealandchess.co.nz/

🏨 Venue

Ascot Park Hotel – Invercargill
Primary playing venue for all Congress events, with analysis space and meeting rooms integrated into the hotel complex. On-site food options and ample parking support full-day schedules.

🛎️ Accommodation

• Congress hotel (on-site): Ascot Park Hotel — special Congress rates available (book directly with the hotel as instructed; limited allocation).

  • Phone: 03 219 9076 or 0800 272 687

  • Email: info@ascotparkhotel.co.nz

  • Example room types: Superior Hotel Rooms (from $196/night); One-Bedroom Hotel Apartments (from $222/night); additional guests +$30/night.

• Other options: Numerous motels/hotels within 0.5–4 km of the venue (e.g., Hacienda Motel, 554 on Moana, Tower Lodge Motel, Kelvin Hotel, Langlands Hotel). Booking platforms such as https://www.booking.com and https://www.airbnb.co.nz may be useful.

🚗 How to Get There

• Air: Fly to Invercargill Airport (IVC); the venue is a short drive by taxi/rideshare.

• Road: Invercargill is well connected by SH1/SH6 to Southland and Otago; the hotel has on-site parking.

• Local transport: Taxis and local buses serve the hotel area; walking distance amenities available.

Make your summer chess plans now—championship titles, national rapid and blitz, junior highlights, and a welcoming Southland setting await at the 133rd New Zealand Chess Congress in Invercargill.