Sainte-Soulle hosts the 1er Open du Pays Rochelais on May 15-17, 2026 in Sainte-Soulle, France with seven classical rounds and a FIDE-rated Swiss format. The event runs two parallel tournaments to fit different competitive levels, including a dedicated section for players under 1600 rating. Organizers set a strong weekend rhythm with multiple rounds on Friday and Saturday, then a decisive finish on Sunday. A published cash prize fund adds extra incentive for ambitious club players and tournament regulars.
The tournament takes place at the Salle des Associations in the heart of Sainte-Soulle, close to La Rochelle, and it keeps all rounds at one venue. The organizers use a modern incremental time control that rewards precise technique and strong endgame play. The schedule suits players who want a compact three-day open with consistent round times and clear logistics. The event also offers online registration to streamline entry and payment.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 15-17, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Sainte-Soulle, France |
| ♟️ Format | Swiss System, 7 rounds |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated (FIDE June 2026 rating list) |
| 📂 Sections | Tournament A; Tournament B (under 1600 rating) |
| ⏱️ Time control | 60 minutes + 30-second increment per move |
| 💳 Entry fee | Adults: €30 (€35 from May 8, 2026); Juniors: €20 (€25 from May 8, 2026); IM/GM/WIM/WGM: free |
| 💰 Prize fund | €1,500 cash (if at least 100 entries) |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Organizers allow 1 bye before Round 6. |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €400 |
| 2nd | €200 |
| 3rd | €100 |
The organizers publish a €1,500 total cash prize fund when at least 100 players register.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament runs a 7-round Swiss System. Each game uses 60 minutes per player with a 30-second increment per move. The event counts for FIDE rating in the FIDE June 2026 rating list. The organizers allow one bye before Round 6.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tournament A | Open section | Organizers run alongside Tournament B on the same schedule. |
| Tournament B | Under 1600 rating | Organizers restrict access to players under 1600 rating. |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | 1:30 PM | Round 1 |
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | 5:00 PM | Round 2 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 AM | Round 3 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 1:30 PM | Round 4 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 5:00 PM | Round 5 |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | 9:30 AM | Round 6 |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | 1:00 PM | Round 7 |
📝 Registration
Register online here:
https://www.helloasso.com/associations/la-rochelle-echecs-17/evenements/open-du-pays-rochelais
The organizer charges €30 for adults and €20 for juniors (under 20), then increases fees from May 8, 2026 to €35 for adults and €25 for juniors. Titled players (IM, GM, WIM, WGM) enter for free. The organizer allows one bye before Round 6.
👥 Organizer
La Rochelle Échecs 17 organizes the 1er Open du Pays Rochelais in Sainte-Soulle and manages entries through the official online registration page and direct organizer contact.
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Email: alr.echecs@gmail.com
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Phone: 07 44 55 77 02
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Website: https://larochelle-echecs.fr
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Registration: https://www.helloasso.com/associations/la-rochelle-echecs-17/evenements/open-du-pays-rochelais
🏨 Venue
Salle des Associations, Place de la Mairie, Route de Saint Coux, 17220 Sainte-Soulle, France
The tournament plays at a municipal community hall in the center of Sainte-Soulle. The venue location keeps the full three-day schedule in one place and sits close to La Rochelle. Organizers also offer on-site refreshments and light food service during the event.
🚗 How to Get There
Travel to Sainte-Soulle near La Rochelle, then navigate to Place de la Mairie and Route de Saint Coux to reach the Salle des Associations.
Bring your best weekend focus and turn seven classical rounds into a strong result in the first Open du Pays Rochelais.
Organizer
La Rochelle Échecs 17 is a French chess club and community-focused tournament organizer based in La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, France. Over the years, it has grown into a visible local hub for organized over-the-board chess. As a result, it supports players who want both structured competition and a welcoming club atmosphere.
In addition, the club runs regular playing sessions, coaching, and league activity for adults and juniors. It organizes rapid chess events such as the Rapide de La Rochelle, and it also develops larger weekends like the 1st Open du Pays Rochelais. Moreover, these events are built as a practical pathway toward FIDE-rated tournament participation and steady improvement in classical chess preparation.
Furthermore, La Rochelle Échecs 17 invests in a junior chess program through training groups and supervised play. For example, the club promotes inclusive initiatives like its women’s pole (pôle féminin) to broaden participation. Consequently, it remains a strong entry point for players seeking chess training, team competition, and rated events in La Rochelle.
