The International Open Chess Tournament “Mikis Theodorakis”, April 3-9, 2026, in Chania, Greece brings classical chess to Crete with a strong international feel and a distinctive cultural identity. The event runs a 9-round Swiss and welcomes a wide rating range through a practical two-group structure that helps players compete in balanced fields.

Chania’s Old Town and Venetian Harbor setting adds real character to every round, while the tournament’s €4,700 cash prize fund raises the competitive stakes across both groups. The schedule supports serious play with a classical time control, and the event also allows FIDE title norms, which makes it attractive for ambitious performers and traveling chess players.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

A Group (Overall)

A Group (Women)

B Group (Overall)

Combined Special Prizes (with the International Chess Tournament Pafos – Cyprus)

The event awards several non-cash special prizes (cups, medals, gifts) across age and category groups, including youth and veteran distinctions.

The tournament applies the Hort system for tied prize places: organizers split 50% of the tied prizes equally and distribute the remaining 50% by tie-break order. If a player wins two special category prizes, the player takes the larger prize.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament runs a 9-round Swiss system with two groups. The organizers use the following time control for games: 90 minutes for 40 moves + 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move from move 1.

The tournament uses these tie-breaks in order:

1. Head-to-head result (when applicable)

2. Buchholz

3. Median Buchholz

4. Sonneborn-Berger

Arrive within one hour of the scheduled start time, or you forfeit the game. Request a half-point bye through Round 5 and notify the chief arbiter before pairings for the next round.

The event allows FIDE title norms.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Complete the registration form and submit it by email:
https://mikis.chaniachess.gr/registration-form/

Pay the entry fee by bank transfer and write the player’s name with the payment. Send a scanned copy of the bank deposit document by email. Players cover all bank transfer fees.

Entry fees:

• Group A: Free for players with ELO above 2350 and titled players (GM, WGM, IM)

• Group A: €40 for ELO 2300–2350

• Group A: €50 for ELO 2200–2299

• Group A: €50 for veteran players over 60

• Group A: €60 for all other players

• Group B: €50 for all players

• Players rated 1650–1700 may switch groups with an additional €30 plus the Group A fee

Entry fee deposit details:

• Bank: Bank of Chania

• Account number: 204710001

• IBAN: GR08 0690 0010 0000 0020 4710 001

• Account owner: APO “MIKHS THODORAKIS”

Pay by March 10, 2026 to avoid a €5 surcharge. Add €5 to the applicable entry fee for payments after March 10, 2026.

👥 Organizer

Chania Chess Academy and A.P.O. “MIKHS THEODORAKIS” organize the tournament in cooperation with the Region of Chania, the Municipality of Chania, and the Greek Chess Federation. The organizers position the event as an international chess and cultural week in Chania, with a full classical schedule and prize incentives across both groups.

• Email: chaniachessacademy@gmail.com

• Phone: +30 6957630383

• Website: https://mikis.chaniachess.gr/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaniachess/

🏨 Venue

Center for Mediterranean Architecture – The Great Arsenal, Grand Arsenal, Michail Afentoulief, Chania 731 32, Greece

The tournament takes place at the Center for Mediterranean Architecture – The Great Arsenal, a landmark cultural venue in Chania’s Old Town near the Venetian Harbor that regularly hosts public events and exhibitions.

🛎️ Accommodation

The organizer offers limited hospitality for GM and WGM (apply a minus-100 ELO adjustment for women when assessing rating thresholds). The organizer uses a strict priority list.

🚗 How to Get There

Fly into Chania Airport (CHQ) and continue to Chania by bus or taxi. The venue sits in Chania’s Old Town area by the Venetian Harbor, so you can reach the playing hall easily once you arrive in the city center.

Bring your best classical form to Chania and play a full week of tournament chess in one of Crete’s most memorable settings.