BC Open 2026
Chess players can look forward to the BC Open 2026 from February 14-16, 2026 in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. This 6-round Swiss classical tournament – organized by Lulu Island Chess – targets a broad spectrum of players and offers both CFC and FIDE-rated sections, plus a blitz side event. The event combines competitive chess with a generous prize fund and convenient venue amenities, making it a strong choice for players seeking serious games early in the year.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | February 14–16, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, 7311 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC V6X 3K3, Canada |
| ♟️ Format | 6-round Swiss + optional Blitz side event |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move |
| ⭐ Rating | CFC-rated (all sections), FIDE-rated (Premier & U2000) |
| 📂 Sections | Premier; U2000; U1600; U1200; Blitz |
| 💳 Entry fee | Super Early Bird: US$110 (before Dec 1, 2025); Early Bird: US$125 (before Jan 5, 2026); Regular: US$140. Blitz: US$30 (before Feb 1), US$35 after. Free for GM/IM/WGM/WIM (first 5 registrants before Jan 1). 50% off for CM/WCM/FM/WFM with code. “Play-up” fee US$50 within 150 rating points. |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | CFC membership required. On-site paid parking (US$10/day). |
🏆 Prize Fund
Organizers guarantee a total cash prize pool of US$6,200.
General prizes by section:
| Section / Category | Prizes |
|---|---|
| Premier (Open) | US$1100, US$800, US$500; Top U2200: US$350, US$250 |
| U2000 | US$700, US$500, US$300 |
| U1600 | US$350, US$250, US$100 |
| U1200 | US$200, US$150, US$100 |
| Blitz side event | US$250, US$175, US$125 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Organizers run the main event as a standard 6-round Swiss. Time control for each classical game is 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move. The Blitz side event follows 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move control. Organizers forfeit games if a player defaults more than 60 minutes after round start. They apply tie-breaks in the following order: 1) direct encounter; 2) individual cumulative score; 3) cumulative score of opponents.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Premier | All players | CFC + FIDE rated |
| U2000 | Players rated under 2000 | CFC + FIDE rated |
| U1600 | Players rated under 1600 | CFC rated |
| U1200 | Players rated under 1200 | CFC rated |
| Blitz | All registered players | Quick-rated side event |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 14, 2026 | Saturday | 11:00 | Round 1 |
| February 14, 2026 | Saturday | 16:00 | Round 2 |
| February 15, 2026 | Sunday | 10:00 | Round 3 |
| February 15, 2026 | Sunday | 15:00 | Round 4 |
| February 15, 2026 | Sunday | 19:30 | Blitz Tournament |
| February 16, 2026 | Monday | 10:00 | Round 5 |
| February 16, 2026 | Monday | 15:00 | Round 6 |
📝 Registration
Players register through the online form on the organizer’s website. Entry fees vary by registration date: Super Early Bird (before Dec 1) costs US$110; Early Bird (before Jan 5) — US$125; Regular — US$140. Blitz entry costs US$30 (before Feb 1) or US$35 after. The first 5 titled players (GM/IM/WGM/WIM) registering before Jan 1 get free entry. Players holding CM/WCM/FM/WFM titles may receive 50% discount with a promo code (request via email). Players who wish to “play up” to a higher section within 150 rating points pay an additional US$50 fee. The organizers require valid CFC membership for all participants.
Blitz entrants pay a separate fee. The organizer allows refunds: full refund on or before January 4, 2026; 50% refund until January 31, 2026; no refund after that date.
👥 Organizer
Lulu Island Chess organizes the BC Open 2026 and frequently runs high-quality tournaments and coaching services across the Lower Mainland. The club aims to strengthen the local chess community and provide competitive yet accessible events.
Email: ryanleong@luluislandchess.com
Website: https://www.luluislandchess.com
🏨 Venue
The tournament takes place in the Grand Ballroom of Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, located at 7311 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC, Canada. The hotel offers on-site paid parking and comfortable accommodation options.
🛎️ Accommodation
The Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport offers a special tournament rate for participants. The rate includes overnight parking, high-speed Internet, free local calls, and free airport transfer during designated hours. Players must call the hotel at 604-278-5555 (or toll-free 1-800-663-2878) and quote “BC Open Chess Tournament.” The rate applies for single or double occupancy (maximum 2 adults + 2 children under 15); extra persons may incur additional charges. Players must guarantee their reservation with a credit card and pay for room, taxes, and incidentals.
🚗 How to Get There
Richmond lies near Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Players can reach the venue by airport shuttle or taxi from the airport. The hotel provides paid on-site parking for private car arrivals.
We encourage every chess player to join BC Open 2026 for serious classical games, vibrant competition, and a welcoming chess community around Vancouver.
