17 Memorial Costantino Romano takes place on April 12, 2026 in Firenze, Italy and offers a competitive one-day FIDE rated rapid chess tournament for players who want serious over-the-board play in Tuscany. The event runs at SMS Rifredi and uses a 12 minutes + 3 seconds increment time control over 9 rounds. In addition, the tournament counts for FIDE Rapid rating changes, which gives the event clear value for players seeking official rapid chess in Florence.
The 17 Memorial Costantino Romano also combines a confirmed cash prize fund, a practical Sunday schedule, and a straightforward registration process. Moreover, Accademia Scacchistica Fiorentina ASD opens the tournament to both Italian and foreign players who meet the published membership requirements. Because the event takes place in Firenze, Italy and keeps the full competition on one day, the 17 Memorial Costantino Romano stands out as an attractive international chess tournament for spring 2026.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | April 12, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Firenze, Italy |
| ♟️ Format | Open rapid chess tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Rapid rated |
| ⏱️ Time control | 12 minutes + 3 seconds increment |
| 💳 Entry fee | EUR 20 |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 578 (approx.) |
| 👤 Eligibility | Open to Italian and foreign players in good standing with FSI membership |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | The organizer offers a pre-booked lunch for EUR 15, payable in advance by bank transfer. The first 30 bank transfers receive priority. |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Prize / Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st place | EUR 130 + cup |
| 2nd place | EUR 100 |
| 3rd place | EUR 70 |
| Rating Group A (Elo 1800-2000) | EUR 50 |
| Rating Group B (Elo 1500-1799) | EUR 50 |
| Rating Group C (Elo under 1500) | EUR 50 |
| Best U18 | EUR 50 |
The total confirmed cash prize fund is EUR 500. In addition, the organizer awards cups in the female and over-60 categories. Prize money is not divisible and not cumulative. The published amounts are also gross of tax withholdings.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The 17 Memorial Costantino Romano uses a 12 minutes + 3 seconds increment time control and runs over 9 rounds. Moreover, the tournament follows the Swiss system and applies Article A.5 of the FIDE International Regulations.
If players tie in the final standings, the organizer applies these tie-breaks in order: direct encounter, Buchholz Cut 1, Sonneborn-Berger, and APRO.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament uses one open section for all eligible players.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 12, 2026 | Sunday | 09:45 | Registration closes |
| April 12, 2026 | Sunday | 10:00 | Round 1 starts |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Pre-register on Vesus |
| Entry fee details | EUR 20 |
| Payment method | Bank transfer to IBAN IT62R0503402802000000005054 in the name of Accademia Scacchistica Fiorentina ASD |
| Confirmation / check-in rules | Registration closes at 09:45 on April 12, 2026 |
| Organizer notes | Players who want lunch must book it in advance and pay by bank transfer |
👥 Organizer
Accademia Scacchistica Fiorentina ASD organizes the 17 Memorial Costantino Romano in Firenze, Italy. In addition, the club publishes clear rules for the format, entry process, prize structure, and tournament conditions. Therefore, players can prepare easily for this FIDE rated rapid chess tournament and contact the organizer directly for practical details.
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Phone: +39 333 588 0377
🏨 Venue
SMS Rifredi, Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 303, Firenze, Italy
SMS Rifredi hosts the tournament in Florence and gives players a clearly identified venue for a full day of rated rapid chess. Moreover, the published address makes arrival planning easier for both local players and visitors.
🚗 How to Get There
Players should travel directly to SMS Rifredi at Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 303 in Firenze, Italy. Therefore, an early arrival will help participants complete registration before 09:45 and get ready for the first round at 10:00.
The 17 Memorial Costantino Romano offers rated rapid chess, a solid cash prize fund, and a focused one-day format for players who want competitive spring chess in Florence.
🧾 Other
Players must switch off mobile phones completely and must not wear them during the game. In addition, the organizer states that entry into the tournament means full acceptance of the published regulations. The tournament also follows the current FIDE International Regulations and FSI Technical Regulations for all matters not specifically covered in the announcement. Moreover, the organizer reserves the right to make changes that support the proper running of the event or respond to force majeure.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $578
Organizer
Cercle d’Échecs de Nantes is an established chess club and active chess organizer based in Nantes, France. The club plays a visible role in the local chess scene and supports both community participation and competitive development. Moreover, it has built a strong identity through regular events, public chess activities, and sustained work with players of different ages.
The club runs weekly play, coaching, and a broad calendar of competitions during the season. In addition, it organizes rapid chess, youth events, and a well-known open chess tournament program in Nantes. The 28ème Open Rapide de Nantes belongs to this same event structure and highlights the club’s role as a reliable tournament organizer for major local competition.
Beyond tournament play, the club also promotes junior chess, public outreach, and broader chess training activity. Furthermore, it has developed a strong community presence through school-related work, city events, and club growth in recent years. As a result, Cercle d’Échecs de Nantes stands out as an important FIDE-rated tournament organizer in western France.
