ChessGraz

♟️ About ChessGraz eV

ChessGraz eV is a chess organization and international tournament organizer based in Graz, Styria, Austria. Founded by Andrea Schmidbauer, the organization was created to promote chess across traditional club boundaries, with an emphasis on youth development and the organization of major chess events. ChessGraz works closely with the Steirischer Schachverband (Styrian Chess Federation) and other Austrian chess organizations, while its most internationally visible project is the long-running International Chessopen Graz. ChessGraz focuses primarily on tournament organization and chess development rather than operating as a conventional league club. Over the years, its projects have included international classical Opens, rapid and blitz events, Austrian championship competitions, and youth activities. The International Chessopen Graz brings together professionals, titled players, juniors, amateurs, women, and senior competitors in several rating sections. In recent editions, the event has developed into one of Austria’s largest international open chess festivals. IO Andrea Schmidbauer is the founder and principal organizer of ChessGraz and serves as Tournament Director of the International Chessopen Graz. She has extensive experience in Austrian chess administration and tournament organization and received the FIDE International Organizer title in 2015. The 2026 Graz Open attracted 556 players from 56 federations, while preparations are already underway for the 34th International Chessopen Graz, scheduled for February 14–20, 2027 at NOVAPARK Flugzeughotel Graz.

🏛️ Chess Organization and Development

ChessGraz was established with the aim of developing chess beyond the structure of a single traditional club. Its activities have included youth work as well as the organization of tournaments serving players from across Austria and abroad. Andrea Schmidbauer has played a central role in these projects for many years. Her organizational work has included editions of the International Graz Open, Austrian rapid and blitz championship events, and other competitions staged in Styria. ChessGraz also works closely with the Steirischer Schachverband, which provides the wider regional framework for organized chess in Styria. This cooperation connects the Graz Open with regional youth development, arbiters, clubs, and the broader Austrian chess system.

🌟 International Chessopen Graz

The International Chessopen Graz is the flagship project associated with ChessGraz and has developed into a large international festival. The 2026 edition took place from February 14–20, 2026 at NOVAPARK Flugzeughotel Graz. Across the festival, participation reached 556 players representing 56 federations. The strong international field included grandmasters, international masters, and a substantial contingent of young players. The main A tournament was won by IM Loïc Travadon of France, who scored 7.5/9. GM Lalit Babu M R of India and Ukrainian IM Roman Dehtiarov also finished on 7.5 points, with Travadon taking first place on tiebreak. The tournament was directed by IO Andrea Schmidbauer, while IA Manfred Mussnig served as Chief Arbiter.

🎓 Youth and International Participation

Youth chess remains closely connected with the Graz Open. The tournament gives developing Austrian players an opportunity to face international opposition while remaining within their home region. In 2026, the Styrian youth squad entered 28 players in the festival. The players also received structured preparation and post-game analysis during the event. The Open’s multiple rating groups make the festival accessible beyond elite players. Strong competitors can enter the A tournament, while the B and C sections provide appropriate competition for developing players. A separate Seniors tournament and shorter Weekend event further broaden participation.

🏆 International Chessopen Graz 2027

The 34th International Chessopen Graz is scheduled for February 14–20, 2027 at NOVAPARK Flugzeughotel Graz. The festival will again include A, B, C, Seniors, and Weekend tournaments. The A, B, and C competitions will consist of nine rounds, while the Seniors section will have seven rounds and the Weekend tournament five. Games will use a classical time control of 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 15 additional minutes, with a 30-second increment from move one. The principal tournament sections will be FIDE rated. The announced total prize fund is €12,500. In addition, the festival program begins with a separate blitz tournament on February 13, 2027 and includes social activities during the main event. Chess-Results officially lists ChessGraz as organizer, IO Andrea Schmidbauer as Tournament Director, and IA Manfred Mussnig as Chief Arbiter for the 2027 edition.