Play a classic English weekend congress at the 9th Crewe Chess Congress 2026 on June 26-28, 2026 in Crewe, England, United Kingdom, where the organizer runs a tightly scheduled 5-round Swiss with four rating-based sections. The event blends competitive ambition with accessibility, since the Open section counts for FIDE and ECF rating and the three restricted sections count for ECF rating. Crewe Chess Club keeps the format straightforward, supports clear section placement, and offers a published prize structure across every section.

You will compete at the Mornflake Stadium near Crewe’s rail connections, which makes the trip easy for weekend travelers. The organizer limits the field and defaults late arrivals after 30 minutes, so each round starts on time. You can also register your car for free parking during online entry, pick up refreshments on-site, and focus on five long-play games with Fischer-style time control.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

All sections list the same cash prizes: 1st £400, 2nd £200, 3rd £100, plus £50 prizes. The organizer awards only one prize per player when a player qualifies for more than one prize, and the organizer pays the higher-value prize. The organizer can change prize money based on the number of entrants.

In the Major, Inter, and Minor sections, an unrated player receives only half of any prize. Unrated players do not receive rating prizes outside the Open section. The organizer announces the number of rating prizes per section during the event.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The organizer runs a 5-round Swiss in every section and uses Swiss-Manager to generate pairings in all rounds. The Open section uses the latest monthly FIDE rating list and also counts for ECF grading. The organizer uses the latest monthly published ECF rating list for the Major, Inter, and Minor sections, and players without a current rating must provide full details of prior results and any previous ratings, including online ratings.

The tournament uses Fischer-style timing: 110 minutes for the game plus a 10-second increment from move 1. The organizer defaults missing players after 30 minutes from the round start time and can re-pair players. Players must record moves until their clock drops below five minutes remaining.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Crewe Chess Club runs the Crewe Chess Congress as a five-round weekend event with four sections, a published prize structure, and clear section administration. The organizing team keeps round times consistent, uses Swiss-Manager pairings, and supports an accessible playing venue close to transport links. Matthew Carr serves as Chief Arbiter.

• Email: crewecongress@gmail.com

• Phone: 07984572456

• Website: https://crewechessclub.co.uk/congress/

🏨 Venue

The Mornflake Stadium, Gresty Road, Crewe, CW2 6EB, United Kingdom
The congress plays at Crewe Alexandra FC’s Mornflake Stadium, a venue the organizer describes as a five-minute walk from the railway station. The venue provides disabled access and offers light refreshments on-site (cash only). The organizer also supports free parking when you provide your vehicle registration during entry.

🚗 How to Get There

Arrive by train to Crewe and walk to the Mornflake Stadium, since the organizer places the venue about five minutes from the railway station. Drive when you prefer a car trip and enter your vehicle registration during entry to access free parking.

Bring your best weekend preparation and score five long-play games in one of England’s most travel-friendly summer congress venues.

🧾 Other

The organizer prohibits alcohol on site and allows only hot food purchased on site to be eaten on site. A parent or guardian must remain on site and supervise children at all times. The organizer can offer refunds at its discretion. By entering, players accept the Chief Arbiter’s final decision in any dispute, and the organizer accepts no responsibility for damage, theft, or accidents involving any competitor or visitor.