16th Strasbourg Summer Festival – Open A will take place on July 8-12, 2026 in Strasbourg, France. This summer classical event brings stronger club players, experienced competitors, and ambitious juniors to the city center for five days of serious over-the-board chess.

This is a chess tournament in Strasbourg, France, in 2026. The event uses a seven-round Swiss format, a classical time control, and a central playing hall at Place Kléber. Therefore, it offers both competitive chess and a practical setting for players who want a well-organized summer event.

In addition, the festival runs alongside Open B under one shared general schedule. As a result, the atmosphere feels active and lively throughout the week. Moreover, the central location makes daily planning easier for both local players and visiting competitors.

🏁 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a classical time control of 90 minutes for the full game with a 30-second increment from move one. Pairings follow the Swiss system. Consequently, players can expect a full competitive program across seven rounds.

Moreover, players may take one half-point bye during the event. Therefore, the schedule gives some flexibility to competitors who want extra rest, family time, or a short break during the festival.

🏆 Prize Fund

The festival announces a total prize fund of EUR 4,000 for Opens A and B combined if total registrations across both tournaments reach 150 players. That equals approximately USD 4,350. However, the published information does not separate that figure into an Open A-only prize table.

Therefore, players should read this prize figure as a festival-wide total rather than as a standalone guaranteed amount for Open A alone.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The organizers may also adjust places between the two opens in order to keep both fields close to 80 players each. As a result, the section structure stays competitive while still giving the festival team enough flexibility to balance the overall entry list.

📅 Schedule

The schedule gives players a clear rhythm across five days. In addition, Friday afternoon stays free, so competitors can rest, prepare, or enjoy Strasbourg before the final rounds. Consequently, the event combines serious chess with a more comfortable festival pace.

📝 Registration

Early registration matters because the full festival accepts only 160 players. Moreover, Open A usually stops at 80 participants. Therefore, players who register late may find fewer places available once the field starts to fill.

👤 Organizer

The festival team in Strasbourg runs this event with a clear two-open structure and a shared playing schedule. In addition, the contact process stays simple and direct, which helps players manage entry questions quickly. Because of that, the event feels practical and well coordinated.

• Phone: +33 6 01 35 88 71
• Email: echecs.strasbourg@orange.fr

📍 Venue

Grande Salle de l’Aubette, Place Kléber, 67000 Strasbourg, France

The tournament takes place in the Grande Salle de l’Aubette on Place Kléber, one of the best-known central locations in Strasbourg. Therefore, players benefit from a strong city-center setting with easy access to cafés, shops, and the wider historic district. In addition, the central venue makes the festival more convenient for daily travel and short breaks between rounds.

🚗 How to Get There

The venue sits directly on Place Kléber in central Strasbourg, so arrival planning stays straightforward for both local players and visitors. Therefore, players can use the full address for direct navigation before check-in. Moreover, the city-center location makes it practical to reach the hall on foot or through the local transport network.

16th Strasbourg Summer Festival – Open A offers a strong classical format, a central venue, and a well-balanced summer schedule for players who want serious chess in Strasbourg.