10th International Chess Open Holy Week 2026
10th International Chess Open Holy Week 2026 takes place from April 1-6, 2026 in San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain and marks the 10th edition of this established international chess tournament. The event runs across 6 competition days with a classical chess format, a 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment time control, and 9 rounds. In addition, the tournament uses two groups, which gives both open-field players and lower-rated competitors a clear playing structure.
The 10th International Chess Open Holy Week 2026 returns to San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain with a strong multi-day format and flexible playing conditions. Moreover, the organizer keeps the event accessible through an Open section and a B section for players under 1900 Elo, while also allowing up to 3 half-point byes in the first 7 rounds. Because this FIDE rated classical chess tournament has grown strongly over recent years and attracted around 700 participants in the previous edition, the 10th International Chess Open Holy Week 2026 stands out as one of the key spring chess events in Alicante province.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | April 1-6, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain |
| ♟️ Format | Classical chess tournament |
| 📂 Sections | Group A (Open), Group B (-1900) |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment |
| 💳 Entry fee | Group A: EUR 80; Group B: EUR 70 |
| 👤 Eligibility | Group A is open to all players; Group B is for players under 1900 Elo |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Players may take up to 3 half-point byes in the first 7 rounds |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment time control and runs over 9 rounds. Players may take up to 3 half-point byes during the first 7 rounds, which adds flexibility across the long tournament schedule.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Open to all players | Main open section |
| Group B | Under 1900 Elo | Rating-limited section |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2026 | Wednesday | Tournament day |
| April 2, 2026 | Thursday | Tournament day |
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | Tournament day |
| April 4, 2026 | Saturday | Tournament day |
| April 5, 2026 | Sunday | Tournament day |
| April 6, 2026 | Monday | Tournament day |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Register by email |
| Entry fee details | Group A: EUR 80; Group B: EUR 70 |
| Payment method | Bank transfer to ES76 0081 1341 1100 0143 9048 |
| Organizer notes | Use SWIFT/BIC BSABESBB and include the player’s surname in the payment details |
👥 Organizer
Club de Ajedrez Dama Negra organizes the 10th International Chess Open Holy Week 2026 in San Vicente del Raspeig together with I.O. Patricia Claros Aguilar. The tournament continues a well-established Easter chess tradition in Alicante province and offers a strong multi-day format for players who want serious classical games in Spain.
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Email: info@opendeajedrez.com
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Website: https://opendeajedrez.com/
🏨 Venue
New Sports Center, between the UA Faculty of Education and the Sur Sports Complex and Velodrome, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
The New Sports Center hosts the tournament in San Vicente del Raspeig and gives players a clearly identified playing venue in the Alicante area. In addition, the location near the university and sports facilities makes the venue easier to identify on arrival.
🚗 How to Get There
Players should travel directly to the New Sports Center in San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain. The venue stands between the UA Faculty of Education and the Sur Sports Complex and Velodrome, which gives players clear reference points for arrival.
The 10th International Chess Open Holy Week 2026 offers a strong classical chess format, two practical sections, and a proven Easter tournament setting for players who want serious over-the-board chess in Alicante province.
Organizer
Club de Ajedrez Dama Negra is a chess club and events team based in San Vicente del Raspeig (Alicante), Spain. It supports competitive over-the-board chess in the Alicante region. Moreover, it is an experienced tournament organizer for large regional and international events.
In addition, the club runs major tournaments such as the Open Internacional de Ajedrez Semana Santa in San Vicente del Raspeig. Its calendar also includes fast-paced competitions like the Torneo Relámpago Internacional Dama Negra. Furthermore, these events are often structured as a FIDE-rated tournament with classical chess as the main format, while blitz chess is offered in dedicated side events.
Furthermore, the organizers focus on clear regulations, strong playing conditions, and consistent communication with participants. As a result, many players return for a reliable open chess tournament experience in Alicante.
