16th Chennai Open International Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2026
Celebrated as one of India’s strongest open tournaments, the 16th Chennai Open International Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2026, held from 2-9 January 2026 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (India), brings together grandmasters, titled players, and ambitious competitors from around the world. Organized by the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association under the guidance of the All India Chess Federation, the event continues its tradition of excellence with a classic 10-round Swiss competition.
Hosted at Hotel Ramada Egmore—situated close to two major railway stations—the tournament combines world-class playing conditions, a generous prize fund of Rs. 20,00,000, and precise technical standards. Players will compete for top honors, category prizes, and the prestigious Dr. N. Mahalingam Trophy, making this one of the key events in the Asian chess calendar.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 2-9 January 2026 (Fri–Fri) |
| 📍 Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India (Hotel Ramada Egmore, Gandhi Irwin Rd, Egmore, 600008) |
| ♟️ Format | 10-round Swiss system |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE/AICF registered event |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30-second increment from move 1 |
| 📏 Default Time | 15 minutes |
| 🎯 Eligibility | All players with a valid FIDE ID; Indian players must hold a valid AICF registration (2025–2026) |
| 🎖️ Titles | GMs/WGMs/IMs/WIMs receive free entry |
| 📚 Laws | FIDE Laws of Chess |
| 🚫 Restrictions | All electronic devices and wristwatches are prohibited inside the hall |
| 🔍 Tie-Breaks | Buchholz Cut 1 • Buchholz • Sonneborn-Berger • Direct encounter • Total wins • Wins with black |
🏆 Prize Fund
Total Prize Fund: Rs. 20,00,000
Main Prizes
| Rank | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rs. 4,00,000 |
| 2 | Rs. 3,00,000 |
| 3 | Rs. 1,80,000 |
| 4 | Rs. 1,25,000 |
| 5 | Rs. 1,00,000 |
| 6 | Rs. 85,000 |
| 7 | Rs. 70,000 |
| 8 | Rs. 60,000 |
| 9 | Rs. 55,000 |
| 10 | Rs. 50,000 |
| 11–15 | Rs. 25,000 each |
| 16–20 | Rs. 20,000 each |
| 21–30 | Rs. 15,000 each |
| 31–40 | Rs. 10,000 each |
Category Prizes
| Rating Group | Prizes |
|---|---|
| 2300–2399 | 10,000 / 8,000 / 7,000 |
| 2200–2299 | 10,000 / 8,000 / 7,000 |
| 2100–2199 | 10,000 / 8,000 / 7,000 |
| 2000–2099 | 10,000 / 8,000 / 7,000 |
Players may win only one prize (whichever is higher).
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
• 10-round Swiss system.
• 90 minutes per player + 30 seconds per move from move 1.
• 15-minute default time applies.
• Draws cannot be agreed before each player has made 30 moves.
• All electronic items and wrist watches are strictly banned from the hall.
• Computer pairings (Swiss system) under FIDE regulations.
• Appeals must be submitted in writing within one hour of game completion with a fee of Rs. 3000 (refundable if upheld).
📂 Sections / Groups
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Open Tournament | Single Grandmaster Open (FIDE-rated, 10 rounds) |
📅 Schedule
Event Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 2 | 08:00 | Arrival |
| Fri, Jan 2 | 14:00 | Technical Meeting |
| Fri, Jan 2 | 14:30 | Inaugural Ceremony |
Round Schedule
| Date | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 2 | 15:00 | Round 1 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 10:00 | Round 2 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 16:00 | Round 3 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 10:00 | Round 4 |
| Mon, Jan 5 | 10:00 | Round 5 |
| Mon, Jan 5 | 16:00 | Round 6 |
| Tue, Jan 6 | 10:00 | Round 7 |
| Wed, Jan 7 | 10:00 | Round 8 |
| Thu, Jan 8 | 10:00 | Round 9 |
| Fri, Jan 9 | 10:00 | Round 10 |
| Fri, Jan 9 | 17:00 | Closing Ceremony |
| Fri, Jan 9 | 19:00 | Departure |
📝 Registration
• Last date for entries: 27 December 2025
• Entry fees:
• GMs, IMs, WGMs, WIMs, players rated 2400+: Free
• All other rated players (without lodging): Rs. 10,000
• Registration portals:
• General portal: https://registration.tamilchess.com/
• Tamil Nadu players: https://registration.tamilchess.com/online-entry/
• Other states/federations: https://registration.tamilchess.com/other-payment/
• Google Form (after payment, for non-Tamil Nadu players): https://forms.gle/JiDH3tFFfcmsGYT76
• AICF registration (mandatory for Indian players): https://prs.aicf.in/players
• TNSCA player registration (Tamil Nadu players): https://registration.tamilchess.com/
👥 Organizer
The tournament is organized by the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association, under the guidance of the All India Chess Federation, ensuring a professionally run international chess event.
Contacts:
• Tamil Nadu State Chess Association — Phone: +91 44 2538 4477 — Email: https://mailto:tnchesstmt@gmail.com
• Tournament Director: P. Stephen Balasamy
• Organising Secretary: B. Murugavel
• Technical Director: R. Anantharam
• Tournament Coordinator: S. Paul Arokia Raj – +91 98404 58484 – Email: https://mailto:chesspaul64@gmail.com
• Website: http://www.tamilchess.com/
🏨 Venue
The event will take place at Hotel Ramada Egmore, Gandhi Irwin Road, Ansari Estate, Egmore, Chennai 600008. The venue is located 5 minutes from Egmore Railway Station and 10 minutes from Chennai Central Station, offering excellent accessibility.
🛎️ Accommodation
For Titled Players
• GMs – Free hotel accommodation on double-sharing basis
• IMs/WGMs/WIMs – Free hotel accommodation on triple-sharing basis
For Other Players
Participants and accompanying persons requiring rooms may contact:
• V. Dhanasekaran – +91 98417 48583 / +91 98847 48583 – Email: https://mailto:danasekar2@gmail.com
• Ms. Dineshwari – +91 63824 64633
Nearby Hotels
• Lakshmi Lodge – 16 Kennet Lane, Egmore – +91 44 4214 8725
• Hotel Pandian – 15 Kennet Lane, Egmore – +91 44 2819 2727
• Vestin Park Hotel – 39 Red Cross Road, Egmore – +91 44 2852 7171
🚗 How to Get There
Chennai is well connected through Chennai Airport (about 1 hour from the venue). Egmore Railway Station is just 5 minutes away, while Chennai Central is approximately 10 minutes by car, ensuring convenient transport for all participants.
Compete for top honors in one of India’s most prestigious chess tournaments and experience the vibrant chess culture of Chennai!
