19th Annual Grand Pacific Open runs on April 3-6, 2026 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and it brings players to one of Western Canada’s flagship spring events. The tournament delivers a strong competitive field, a classic over-the-board atmosphere, and a guaranteed prize fund in a central harbourfront setting.
The event offers a 6-round Swiss with a Premier section that counts for both FIDE and CFC ratings, plus three CFC-rated under sections that keep every score group meaningful through the final round. Players can chase overall prizes, section titles, and class awards while they enjoy downtown Victoria within easy walking distance of major attractions and waterfront access.
🗓️ Event Details
| 📅 Dates | April 3-6, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| ♟️ Format | 6-round Swiss |
| ⭐ Rating | Premier: FIDE and CFC rated; other sections: CFC rated |
| 📂 Sections | Premier, U2000, U1600, U1300 |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes + 30-second increment (from move 1) |
| 💳 Entry fee | $105 if registered and paid on or before February 20, 2026; $115 if registered and paid on or before March 30, 2026 |
| 💰 Prize fund | $8,000 (guaranteed) |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | The organizers accept no onsite registration and provide all equipment. |
🏆 Prize Fund
Premier Section
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $1,500 + trophy |
| 2nd | $1,000 |
| 3rd | $700 |
Premier Class Prizes (U2100)
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $250 + trophy |
| 2nd | $200 |
| 3rd | $150 |
U2000 Section
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $600 + trophy |
| 2nd | $450 |
| 3rd | $300 |
U2000 Class Prizes (U1800)
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $200 + trophy |
| 2nd | $150 |
| 3rd | $125 |
U1600 Section
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $500 + trophy |
| 2nd | $400 |
| 3rd | $250 |
U1300 Section
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $200 + trophy |
| 2nd | $150 |
| 3rd | $125 |
The event seeds the top British Columbia resident in the Premier section into the BC Closed Championship.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament runs a 6-round Swiss system. The Premier section counts for FIDE and CFC ratings, and the U-sections count for CFC rating. The event uses a 90-minute base time with a 30-second increment from move 1.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Premier | Open | FIDE and CFC rated; includes U2100 class prizes |
| U2000 | Under 2000 | CFC rated; includes U1800 class prizes |
| U1600 | Under 1600 | CFC rated |
| U1300 | Under 1300 | CFC rated; includes U1100 trophy award |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | 6:00 PM | Round 1 |
| April 4, 2026 | Saturday | 11:00 AM | Round 2 |
| April 4, 2026 | Saturday | 5:00 PM | Round 3 |
| April 5, 2026 | Sunday | 11:00 AM | Round 4 |
| April 5, 2026 | Sunday | 5:00 PM | Round 5 |
| April 6, 2026 | Monday | 10:00 AM | Round 6 |
📝 Registration
The organizers require online registration or email registration and they offer no onsite registration. Players secure the $105 entry fee when they register and pay by February 20, 2026, and they secure the $115 entry fee when they register and pay by March 30, 2026.
👥 Organizer
The Grand Pacific Open organizing team runs this long-standing Victoria tournament over Easter weekend and provides a fully equipped playing hall for every section, from the Premier race to the under sections and class awards.
Email: victoriachessclub@gmail.com
Website: http://grandpacificopen.pbworks.com/w/page/15387541/FrontPage
🏨 Venue
Hotel Grand Pacific offers a harbourfront downtown setting beside Victoria’s Inner Harbour, and it places players within an easy walk of restaurants, shopping, and key waterfront connections. The hotel gives the tournament a comfortable, professional environment that suits a multi-day classical event.
Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 1X3, Canada
🛎️ Accommodation
Hotel Grand Pacific holds a room block for tournament players until March 2, 2026. Players can book by phone or email.
Phone: 1-800-663-7550
Phone: 1-250-386-0450
Website: https://www.hotelgrandpacific.com/
🚗 How to Get There
Players can fly into Victoria International Airport (YYJ) and reach downtown Victoria by car, taxi, or shuttle options. Drivers can also arrive via BC Ferries through Swartz Bay and continue to downtown Victoria.
Players who travel by sea can use the Victoria waterfront terminals and reach the venue with a short downtown trip on foot, by taxi, or by local transit.
Make your Easter weekend count with a classical schedule, a guaranteed prize fund, and a true harbourfront tournament atmosphere in Victoria.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $8000
Organizer
Victoria Chess Club is a long-running chess community based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It supports over-the-board play for local players and visiting competitors. Today, the club is closely associated with major weekend tournaments in the region.
The club is best known for organizing the Grand Pacific Open in Victoria. In addition, it supports other rated events and local competitions that serve a wide range of playing strengths. Moreover, its tournament work focuses on clear sections, consistent conditions, and reliable administration.
Furthermore, the club’s activities help sustain an active chess calendar on Vancouver Island. As a result, players can find both serious competition and a stable community for regular over-the-board chess.