22nd Chefchaouen International Chess Festival
The 22nd Chefchaouen International Chess Festival 2026 takes place from October 18–25, 2026, in Chefchaouen, Morocco. The festival combines a nine-round FIDE-rated Classical Open, an 11-round FIDE-rated Blitz Marathon, a Grand Simultaneous, and a program of chess and cultural activities across the famous Blue City.
The main Classical Open uses an accelerated Swiss system with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Participation is limited to 120 players, and every competitor in the Classical Open must have a valid FIDE ID.
The organizer advertises 120,000 MAD in cash and symbolic prizes – approximately $13,000. The detailed published cash awards total 117,500 MAD – approximately $12,720, while additional prizes include trophies, chessboards with clocks, medals, and gifts.
📌 Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Festival Dates | October 18–25, 2026 |
| ♟️ Playing Dates | October 18–24, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Chefchaouen, Morocco |
| 🏛️ Venue | Youth Center / Maison des Jeunes – Rue de la Marche Verte, Chefchaouen, Morocco |
| 🏢 Organizer | Association Alwan Fannia d’Échecs |
| ♟️ Main Format | Classical – accelerated Swiss system |
| 🔢 Classical Rounds | 9 |
| ⚡ Blitz Rounds | 11 |
| ⏱️ Classical Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move from move 1 |
| ⚡ Blitz Time Control | 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated |
| ⌛ Default Time | 30 minutes |
| 👥 Capacity | Maximum 120 players |
| 💰 Cash & Symbolic Prizes | 120,000 MAD – approximately $13,000 |
| 👤 Festival Director | Mouad Ben Amine Alami |
| ⚖️ Chief Arbiter | IA Laurent Freyd |
| 🆔 FIDE Event Code – Classical | 480387 |
| 🌐 Official Website | https://alwanfannia.net/en/festival/2026/ |
| 🔗 FIDE Tournament Record | https://ratings.fide.com/tournament_information.phtml?event=480387 |
| 📄 FIDE Calendar | https://calendar.fide.com/calendar.php?id=17665 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The main International Classical Chess Open consists of nine rounds under current FIDE Laws of Chess.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| System | Accelerated Swiss |
| Rounds | 9 |
| Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| Increment | From move 1 |
| Rating | FIDE Standard |
| Default Time | 30 minutes |
| Initial Seeding | FIDE Elo list published in early October 2026 |
| FIDE ID | Mandatory for every player |
A player arriving more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start loses the game.
If a player forfeits without informing the organizer, that player will not be paired for the following round. Two absences result in general forfeiture from the tournament.
An unjustified absence from the final round also prevents the player from participating in the next edition of the festival.
🌓 Half-Point Byes
Each player may request a maximum of two half-point byes during Rounds 1–5.
A bye request must:
- Be submitted in writing
- Be submitted before the start of the preceding round
- Receive organizer approval
Each approved bye gives the player 0.5 points.
🔢 Tie-Breaks
The following tie-break order applies:
| Priority | Tie-Break |
|---|---|
| 1 | Buchholz Cut 1 |
| 2 | Buchholz |
| 3 | Number of wins |
| 4 | Direct encounter |
| 5 | Initial ranking |
🏆 Prize Fund
The organizer advertises a total of 120,000 MAD in cash and symbolic prizes – approximately $13,000 across the festival.
The individually published cash awards total 117,500 MAD – approximately $12,720. Additional symbolic awards include trophies, chessboards with clocks, medals, and gifts.
🥇 Classical Open – Overall Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | 20,000 MAD – approx. $2,170 |
| 🥈 2nd | 16,000 MAD – approx. $1,740 |
| 🥉 3rd | 12,000 MAD – approx. $1,300 |
| 4th | 9,000 MAD – approx. $980 |
| 5th | 7,000 MAD – approx. $760 |
| 6th | 5,000 MAD – approx. $550 |
| 7th | 4,000 MAD – approx. $440 |
| 8th | 3,000 MAD – approx. $330 |
| 9th | 2,000 MAD – approx. $220 |
| 10th | 1,000 MAD – approx. $110 |
🇲🇦 Classical Open – Moroccan Players
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Moroccan | 4,000 MAD – approx. $440 |
| 2nd Moroccan | 3,000 MAD – approx. $330 |
| 3rd Moroccan | 2,000 MAD – approx. $220 |
👩 Classical Open – Women’s Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Woman | 2,500 MAD – approx. $280 |
| 2nd Woman | 1,500 MAD – approx. $170 |
| 3rd Woman | 1,000 MAD – approx. $110 |
📍 Classical Open – Local Players
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Local | 2,500 MAD – approx. $280 |
| 2nd Local | 1,500 MAD – approx. $170 |
| 3rd Local | 1,000 MAD – approx. $110 |
| 1st Local Woman | Chessboard + chess clock |
🧒 Classical Open – Age Prizes
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st U14 | Chessboard + chess clock |
| 1st Veteran Over 50 | Trophy |
| 1st Veteran Over 65 | Trophy |
⚡ Blitz Marathon – Overall Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | 4,000 MAD – approx. $440 |
| 🥈 2nd | 3,000 MAD – approx. $330 |
| 🥉 3rd | 2,000 MAD – approx. $220 |
| 4th | 1,500 MAD – approx. $170 |
| 5th | 1,000 MAD – approx. $110 |
| 6th | 800 MAD – approx. $90 |
| 7th | 600 MAD – approx. $70 |
| 8th | 500 MAD – approx. $60 |
🇲🇦 Blitz – Moroccan Players
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Moroccan | 1,500 MAD – approx. $170 |
| 2nd Moroccan | 1,000 MAD – approx. $110 |
| 3rd Moroccan | 800 MAD – approx. $90 |
⭐ Blitz – Additional Prizes
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Woman | 1,000 MAD – approx. $110 |
| 1st Local | 1,000 MAD – approx. $110 |
| 2nd Local | 800 MAD – approx. $90 |
| 3rd Local | Chessboard + chess clock |
| 1st U14 | Chessboard + chess clock |
| 1st Veteran Over 50 | Trophy |
| 1st Veteran Over 65 | Trophy |
♟️ Grand Simultaneous
| Result | Award |
|---|---|
| Players who win | Medals and gifts |
| Players who draw | Gifts |
Prize Conditions
Cash prizes are not shared in case of a tie.
Prizes are also not cumulative. If a player qualifies for several awards, that player receives only the highest applicable prize.
The organizer applies the following priority:
Overall Ranking → Moroccan → Woman → Age Category → Local
♟️ Sections / Groups
The festival combines three principal chess activities.
♚ International Classical Chess Open
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Rounds | 9 |
| System | Accelerated Swiss |
| Time Control | 90 min + 30 sec./move |
| Rating | FIDE Standard |
| Capacity | Maximum 120 players |
| FIDE ID | Mandatory |
| FIDE Event Code | 480387 |
⚡ International Blitz Marathon
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 22, 2026 |
| Start | 5:00 PM |
| Rounds | 11 |
| System | Accelerated Swiss |
| Time Control | 3 min + 2 sec./move |
| Rating | FIDE rated |
The same general tournament rules and tie-break system apply to the Blitz Marathon. However, the Chief Arbiter’s decisions in the Blitz are final.
♟️ Grand Simultaneous
The Grand Simultaneous takes place on Tuesday, October 20 at 5:00 PM at historic Uta Hamam Square.
Participation is open to players of all ages.
📅 Schedule
All times are local time in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
The official festival dates are October 18–25. The currently published activity program runs from October 18 through October 24.
| When | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sun, Oct 18 · 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Welcome of participants |
| Sun, Oct 18 · 2:00 PM | Pairing of Round 1 |
| Sun, Oct 18 · 5:00 PM | Round 1 |
| Mon, Oct 19 · 9:00 AM | Round 2 |
| Mon, Oct 19 · 5:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Tue, Oct 20 · 9:00 AM | Round 4 |
| Tue, Oct 20 · 5:00 PM | Grand Simultaneous – Uta Hamam Square |
| Wed, Oct 21 · 9:00 AM | Round 5 |
| Wed, Oct 21 · 5:00 PM | Round 6 |
| Thu, Oct 22 · 9:00 AM | Round 7 |
| Thu, Oct 22 · 5:00 PM | Blitz Marathon – 11 rounds |
| Fri, Oct 23 · 10:00 AM | G. Bertola Lecture – Hotel Parador |
| Fri, Oct 23 · 5:00 PM | Round 8 |
| Sat, Oct 24 · 9:00 AM | Round 9 – Final Round |
| Sat, Oct 24 · 5:00 PM | Award Ceremony – Historic Kasbah |
🖼️ Festival Exhibition
A photo and festival-poster exhibition is scheduled daily from October 18–24 at 5:00 PM at the Youth Center.
📝 Registration
Registration for the 22nd Chefchaouen International Chess Festival 2026 is handled directly through the organizer.
The participation-request window runs from July 15 through September 10, 2026.
💵 Registration Fees
| Player Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Festival Entry | 400 MAD – approx. $50 |
| GM / WGM / IM / WIM | Free |
| Invited Players | Free |
| FM / WFM / CM / WCM | 400 MAD refundable deposit – approx. $50 |
| Local Players | 200 MAD refundable deposit – approx. $30 |
The standard 400 MAD festival entry covers both the Classical Open and the Blitz Marathon.
The deposits for eligible titled and local players are returned upon participation.
⏰ Registration Timeline
| Date | Registration Stage |
|---|---|
| Jul 15–Sep 10 | Participation requests accepted |
| Sep 15 | First registered-player list prepared |
| Sep 22 | Payment deadline for players on first list |
| Sep 25 | Waiting-list acceptance notifications |
| Oct 3 | Payment deadline for accepted waiting-list players |
| Oct 12 | Final participant list established |
✅ Registration Procedure
Players should:
- Submit the official registration form between July 15 and September 10 with their FIDE ID, full name, year of birth, and city or club.
- Alternatively, send the registration request directly to the organizer by email.
- Wait for an acknowledgement within seven days confirming acceptance or placement on the waiting list.
- If accepted, transfer the applicable fee to the association account.
- Send a photograph or copy of the payment receipt to the organizer.
Payments are non-refundable if a player later withdraws.
Participation is limited to 120 players.
🌐 Official Registration
https://alwanfannia.net/en/festival/2026/
📧 Registration Contact
Email: alwanfannia1977@gmail.com
Phone: +212 664 491 324
👤 Organizer
| Contact Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer Name | Association Alwan Fannia d’Échecs |
| Contact Person | Mouad Ben Amine Alami |
| alwanfannia1977@gmail.com | |
| Phone Number | +212 664 491 324 |
📍 Venue
Youth Center / Maison des Jeunes – Rue de la Marche Verte, Chefchaouen, Morocco
The official 2026 festival page identifies the Youth Center in Chefchaouen as the main playing venue for the 22nd edition.
The festival also uses several historic Chefchaouen locations for additional activities:
- Uta Hamam Square – Grand Simultaneous
- Hotel Parador – G. Bertola Lecture
- Historic Kasbah – Award Ceremony
This is a change from several earlier editions of the tournament, which used the Mohammed VI Complex.
🚗 How to Get There
Chefchaouen is located in northern Morocco in the Rif Mountains. The final journey to the city is normally made by road.
| Route | Approximate Distance / Time |
|---|---|
| 🚗 From Tétouan | 64.9 km · approximately 1 hr 26 min |
| 🚗 From Tangier | 112.4 km · approximately 2 hr 11 min |
| 🚗 From Fez | 194 km · approximately 3 hr 24 min |
| 📍 Main Venue | Youth Center / Maison des Jeunes, Rue de la Marche Verte, Chefchaouen |
Players arriving internationally can continue to Chefchaouen by road from the main transport hubs in northern Morocco.
ℹ️ Other Information
🆔 FIDE ID
Every Classical Open participant must have a valid FIDE ID.
The tournament’s initial ranking will use the FIDE Elo list published in early October 2026.
📵 Electronic Devices
Mobile phones and other communication devices are prohibited inside the playing hall.
A player found with an unauthorized device during a game loses the game.
✍️ Scoresheets
Continuous algebraic notation is compulsory.
After the game, players must:
- Sign the scoresheet
- Submit the original scoresheet to the arbiter
- Return the pieces to their starting positions
🎫 Festival Badge
Players must wear their official festival badge.
A first violation receives a warning. A repeated violation carries a 100 MAD fine – approximately $20 and may ultimately result in loss of the game.
👔 Dress Code
Appropriate clothing is required inside the tournament hall and during the closing ceremony.
📸 Photography
Spectators may use photography, including flash, only during the first 15 minutes of each round.
🚭 Playing Hall Conduct
Players must maintain silence in the playing hall.
Analysis is not permitted inside the playing hall, and players may not leave the playing area without the arbiter’s permission.
Smoking is prohibited.
⚖️ Appeals
A five-member Appeals Committee will be established before the tournament.
An appeal must:
- Be submitted in writing
- Be filed no later than one hour after the round
- Include a 300 MAD deposit – approximately $40
The deposit is returned if the appeal is upheld.
🌐 Official Resources
Official 2026 Festival Page:
https://alwanfannia.net/en/festival/2026/
Festival Archive:
https://alwanfannia.net/en/festival/
FIDE Tournament Record:
https://ratings.fide.com/tournament_information.phtml?event=480387
FIDE Calendar:
https://calendar.fide.com/calendar.php?id=17665
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $13,000
Organizer
♟️ About Association Alwan Fannia d’Échecs
Association Alwan Fannia d’Échecs is a historic chess organization based in Chefchaouen, Morocco. Founded in March 1977, the association has promoted chess in northern Morocco for almost five decades. Its activities combine competitive chess, junior development, international tournaments, cultural exchange, and community programs. Moreover, the organization uses chess to strengthen Chefchaouen’s identity as both a cultural destination and an international meeting point.
The association welcomes players of different ages and playing strengths. Its program includes team competitions, individual championships, international festivals, blitz tournaments, inter-school events, chess training, simultaneous exhibitions, and cultural activities. In addition, Association Alwan Fannia regularly works with public institutions, local partners, chess organizations, and visiting international players.
Today, Mouad Ben El Amin Alami serves as President and leads the association’s development, partnerships, and tournament programs. Under his leadership, the organization continues to expand the international profile of chess in Chefchaouen. At the same time, it maintains the competitive traditions that made Alwan Fannia one of the historically successful chess organizations in Morocco.
🏆 Chess History and Achievements
Association Alwan Fannia built an outstanding competitive record during its early decades. Most notably, the club won six consecutive Moroccan Team Championship titles between 1978 and 1985.
The association also won the Trophée du Trône twice, in 1983 and 1984. Furthermore, Mohamed Moubarak Rian won two Moroccan individual titles while representing the organization, in 1982 and 1985.
Alwan Fannia also produced two International Masters, Mohamed Moubarak Rian and Kacem Rian. Therefore, the association has contributed not only to tournament organization but also to the development of strong Moroccan players.
Its organizational history is equally significant. In 1981, Alwan Fannia hosted the final of the Moroccan Team Championship. Then, in 1984, it organized the national individual championship final in Chefchaouen. FIDE President Florencio Campomanes visited the city during that championship.
The association later organized the final of the Trophée du Trône in 2000 and participated in international exchanges involving clubs from Morocco, Algeria, Spain, Portugal, and Great Britain.
🌍 Chefchaouen International Chess Festival
The flagship event of Association Alwan Fannia is the Chefchaouen International Chess Festival. The tournament series traces its roots to the first Chefchaouen Cup in 1983 and has developed into an established international chess festival.
Over the years, the event has attracted grandmasters, international masters, club players, juniors, and guests from numerous countries. Previous winners include Hicham Hamdouchi, Laurent Fressinet, Sébastien Mazé, Erwin l’Ami, Anton Demchenko, Alexandr Fier, Sergei Tiviakov, Oleg Korneev, and other internationally recognized players.
The association organized the 21st edition in 2025, when Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri appeared as a special guest and gave a large simultaneous exhibition.
In 2026, the organization presents the 22nd Chefchaouen International Chess Festival from October 18–25. The program includes a nine-round FIDE-rated classical open, an 11-round blitz marathon, and a large simultaneous exhibition. Moreover, the festival offers 120,000 MAD in prizes and accepts up to 120 participants.
🎓 Youth Chess and Community Development
Youth development remains one of the association’s principal objectives. Alwan Fannia provides activities designed to introduce children and young players to chess while helping more experienced juniors progress toward competitive play.
The organization runs training activities, inter-school competitions, tournaments, and community chess initiatives. Furthermore, its international festival creates opportunities for young Moroccan players to meet and compete alongside experienced players from other countries.
The association also connects chess with the cultural identity of Chefchaouen. Its events promote the city’s heritage, hospitality, historic medina, and distinctive artistic traditions. Consequently, visiting players receive both a competitive chess experience and an introduction to one of Morocco’s most recognizable destinations.
📜 More Than Four Decades of Tournament Activity
The association maintains an extensive historical archive covering its competitive activities from the early 1980s to the present day. Its current database contains more than 170 documented tournament and team results from competitions held in Chefchaouen and other cities.
These records include national championships, team competitions, Trophée du Trône events, international festivals, rapid and blitz tournaments, and appearances by Alwan Fannia players in major competitions abroad.
The organization has also hosted more than ten grandmasters during its history. Therefore, its international activity extends well beyond a single annual tournament and reflects decades of connections between Moroccan chess and the wider international chess community.
Nearly fifty years after its foundation, Association Alwan Fannia d’Échecs continues to combine its historic competitive legacy with youth development, tournament organization, international exchange, and promotion of Chefchaouen through chess.
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