27th Open de Meximieux (-2400) returns with a compact holiday-weekend schedule on May 23-25, 2026 in Meximieux, France. The event runs a 7-round Swiss with a modern increment time control, which rewards consistent calculation and endgame technique across three full playing days. A strong prize fund and additional category prizes create clear scoring targets for ambitious club players and experienced tournament regulars.
The organizer hosts all rounds at the Salle des Fêtes – Espace Vaugelas, which keeps logistics simple and supports a focused playing atmosphere. The tournament limits entry to players with a FIDE rating below 2400, which balances the field and keeps the competitive level accessible for a wide range of players. If you want a well-structured French open with FIDE rating, a published round schedule, and a meaningful cash payout, Meximieux offers a reliable long-weekend option.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 23-25, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Meximieux, France |
| ♟️ Format | 7-round Swiss System |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated; FFE rapid rated |
| 📂 Sections | Single section (Under 2400 FIDE) |
| ⏱️ Time control | 60 minutes + 30-second increment from move 1 |
| 💳 Entry fee | €35 adults (€40 from May 17, 2026); €18 juniors (€20 from May 17, 2026) |
| 💰 Prize fund | €2,200 cash |
| 👤 Eligibility | Players with a FIDE rating below 2400 |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Snack bar on site; the organizer accepts card payments |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €600 |
| 2nd | €400 |
| 3rd | €200 |
The organizer also awards category prizes, and the organizer publishes the full category breakdown separately.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament plays 7 rounds in a Swiss System and uses a 60-minute base time with a 30-second increment from move 1. The event runs as an under-2400 open, and it counts for FIDE rating.
📂 Sections / Groups
The event runs a single Swiss section reserved for players with a FIDE rating below 2400.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2026 | Saturday | 2:00 PM | Round 1 |
| May 23, 2026 | Saturday | 5:30 PM | Round 2 |
| May 24, 2026 | Sunday | 9:30 AM | Round 3 |
| May 24, 2026 | Sunday | 1:00 PM | Round 4 |
| May 24, 2026 | Sunday | 5:00 PM | Round 5 |
| May 25, 2026 | Monday | 9:30 AM | Round 6 |
| May 25, 2026 | Monday | 1:00 PM | Round 7 |
| May 25, 2026 | Monday | 5:00 PM | Prize ceremony (approx.) |
📝 Registration
Register by contacting the organizer and paying the entry fee at the published rate. The entry fee increases from May 17, 2026: €35 to €40 for adults and €18 to €20 for juniors.
Email: contact@meximieuxechecs.fr
👥 Organizer
Cercle d’Échecs de Meximieux organizes the Open de Meximieux and manages entries and tournament communications through its official club channels and the dedicated tournament contact email.
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Email: contact@meximieuxechecs.fr
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Email: meximieuxechecs@gmail.com
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Phone: +33 6 66 42 29 62
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Website: http://meximieuxechecs.fr/
🏨 Venue
Salle des Fêtes – Espace Vaugelas, Avenue du Dr Boyer, 01800 Meximieux, France
The tournament plays in a dedicated municipal event hall in Meximieux. The organizer runs all rounds on site across the full weekend schedule. A snack bar operates during the event, and the organizer accepts card payments.
🚗 How to Get There
Arrive by train to Meximieux–Pérouges station, then continue to Avenue du Dr Boyer for the Salle des Fêtes – Espace Vaugelas. If you drive, route directly to 01800 Meximieux and plan to arrive ahead of Round 1 on Saturday.
Bring disciplined preparation, score steadily across seven rounds, and finish the weekend with a strong result in Meximieux.
Organizer
Cercle d’Échecs de Meximieux is a French chess club and active tournament organizer based in Meximieux (Ain), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. Over the years, the club has built a stable local community through regular over-the-board play and structured competition. As a result, it is a recognized chess address in the Plaine de l’Ain area.
In addition, the club runs the Open de Meximieux, a long-standing open chess tournament traditionally held around Pentecost. The event is organized in multiple groups and delivered as a FIDE-rated tournament in classical chess when the rating requirements apply. Moreover, the organizers publish clear round schedules and section rules to keep the playing experience consistent for both local and visiting players.
Furthermore, Cercle d’Échecs de Meximieux supports player development through a junior chess program and ongoing chess training activities. For example, the club offers regular youth sessions and adult playing nights that help members prepare for league matches and weekend events. Consequently, it serves both improving players and competitive tournament participants in Meximieux and the wider Ain region.
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