4th Gerold-Menze Memorial Rapid Tournament 2026 takes place on September 5, 2026, in Bremen, Germany. The event offers a one-day rapid chess tournament with A-Open and B-Open sections at Bürgerhaus Oslebshausen.

This is a chess tournament in Bremen, Germany, in 2026. Players can join a FIDE-rated rapid chess tournament in the A-Open, while the B-Open gives lower-rated players a separate rapid section.

SK Bremen-West e.V. runs the tournament at its Bremen venue. In addition, food and drinks will be available on site, so players can stay close to the playing hall throughout the day.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The 4th Gerold-Menze Memorial Rapid Tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system. Each player receives 12 minutes for the game, plus a 5-second increment per move.

The tournament follows FIDE rules and uses Appendix A.5. In addition, the A-Open requires a FIDE ID and counts for FIDE Rapid rating.

The B-Open welcomes players with a maximum DWZ rating of 1250. Therefore, newer and lower-rated players get a more suitable field for competitive games.

Tie-breaks follow this order: Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, and direct encounter.

💰 Prize Fund

The confirmed main cash prizes total €330, approximately $390. In addition, the organizer may award non-cash prizes in selected categories.

A-Open Prizes

B-Open Prizes

Special Awards

The rapid tournament also offers non-cash prizes for youth players, women players, players born in 1966 or earlier, and selected rating categories.

Category prizes usually require at least five participants in the relevant group. Meanwhile, the main prizes apply from 50 participants in the A-Open and from 20 participants in the B-Open.

Prizes are not cumulative.

🧩 Sections / Groups

The rapid tournament has a combined limit of 120 players across both sections. As a result, early registration is recommended.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Players should include their full name, date of birth, DWZ or Elo rating, and club when registering. In addition, A-Open players should include their FIDE ID.

The lower entry fees apply only with advance registration and bank transfer received by August 31, 2026. After that date, or with payment at the venue, the entry fee increases by €5.

🏛️ Organizer

SK Bremen-West e.V. runs the 4th Gerold-Menze Memorial Rapid Tournament in Bremen with support from chess friends from Findorff and Bremen-Ost. The event gives rapid players a structured Saturday competition with rated games, cash prizes, and category awards.

Email: skbremenwestturniere@web.de
Phone: +49 176 23686522

📍 Venue

Bürgerhaus Oslebshausen, Am Nonnenberg 40, 28239 Bremen, Germany

The tournament takes place at Bürgerhaus Oslebshausen in Bremen. Players should use the full Am Nonnenberg 40 address for navigation and arrive before the registration window closes.

🚆 How to Get There

Bürgerhaus Oslebshausen is located in Bremen’s Oslebshausen district. Players can reach the venue by local transport, taxi, bike, or car from other parts of Bremen.

Because the tournament starts in the morning, participants should allow enough time for travel, parking, registration, and preparation before Round 1.

ℹ️ Other Information

Food and drinks will be available at the venue. Therefore, players can stay at the site between rounds.

A Shogi tournament will also take place at Bürgerhaus Oslebshausen during the chess event. Spectators are welcome, but they should avoid disturbing the players.

By registering, players agree that their names and results may appear in tournament communication. They also allow event photos to appear in tournament reporting.

The 4th Gerold-Menze Memorial Rapid Tournament 2026 offers a clear and lively rapid chess day for players in Bremen.