2nd Bangkok Summer International Chess Open will take place from July 28 – August 2, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand. This is a chess tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2026.

Moreover, the event brings a full international chess program to the Royal Benja Hotel in central Bangkok. Players can join standard chess, blitz chess, super rapid chess, youth rapid groups, and duo blitz.

In addition, all tournament categories are FIDE-rated. Therefore, players can enjoy a serious rated chess festival with several playing formats in one of Asia’s most popular travel cities.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Standard Events

The Standard Open and Standard Challenger both use 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1. Therefore, players receive a full classical-style tournament rhythm across nine rounds.

The Standard Open welcomes players of all rating ranges. Meanwhile, the Standard Challenger is for players rated below 2000 and unrated players.

Rapid and Blitz Events

The Blitz and Duo Blitz events use 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move. In addition, both events use a 9-round format.

The Super Rapid and Youth Rapid events use 10 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move. These events use 7 rounds.

Byes and Sign-In

Players in the Standard Open and Standard Challenger may request up to two half-point byes from Rounds 1 to 7. However, they must submit each bye request before the pairing of the relevant round.

Also, players must confirm their presence at the registration desk at least 30 minutes before their first round. Therefore, early arrival is important on the opening day.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The full cash prize distribution has not yet been announced. However, the listed first prizes already confirm at least 105,000 THB, approx. $3,250, across the main prize categories.

The final prize fund will be higher once the organizer publishes the remaining prize details. In addition, several sections include category prizes beyond the first-place awards.

Known First Prizes

Additional Prize Categories

Youth Rapid winners receive trophies and medals. Moreover, players may request PDF e-certificates after the event.

🏆 Sections / Groups

Standard Events

The Standard Open is the strongest main section. Therefore, it suits titled players, experienced competitors, and ambitious players who want a full open field.

The Standard Challenger gives club players and unrated players a separate standard tournament. As a result, many participants can choose a more suitable competitive level.

Fast Chess Events

The fast chess events add variety to the festival. Moreover, they give players extra chances to compete outside the standard tournaments.

Youth Rapid Categories

The youth groups give younger players a clear age-based structure. In addition, the 10+2 time control keeps the event practical for children and families.

📅 Schedule

Opening Day

Main Standard Rounds

Side Events

The standard schedule includes double-round days. Therefore, players should plan meals, rest, and preparation carefully on July 28, July 30, and July 31.

📝 Registration

Entry Fees: Standard Open

Entry Fees: Standard Challenger

Entry Fees: Side Events

Registration Notes

The early bird deadline is June 15, 2026. Therefore, players should register before that date to secure the lower fees.

Players who book the Royal Benja Hotel through the organizer receive a 500 THB discount for the Standard Open or Standard Challenger. In addition, Thai Federation players receive an extra 500 THB discount for those standard sections.

Players residing outside Thailand may submit their travel itinerary and then pay by cash or credit card on arrival. As a result, they can keep the early bird fee when they follow the organizer’s payment process.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

Big Rook Chess Academy organizes the 2nd Bangkok Summer International Chess Open in cooperation with the Thailand Chess Association. As a result, the event combines local chess academy organization with national chess support.

Moreover, the tournament continues the Bangkok Summer International Chess Open series with a larger venue and a wider program. The festival structure gives players standard chess, rapid chess, blitz chess, youth events, and team blitz in one Bangkok chess week.

Email: bigrookchess@gmail.com
Phone: +66 98 987 9242

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Royal Benja Hotel, Benjarong Ballroom – 39 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 5, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place in the Benjarong Ballroom at the Royal Benja Hotel. Therefore, players can use the hotel as the main reference point for arrival, accommodation, and daily tournament planning.

The hotel is located on Sukhumvit Soi 5 in central Bangkok. In addition, it gives players access to shopping, dining, public transport, and major city areas during the tournament week.

🏨 Accommodation

Official Hotel

Royal Benja Hotel is the official hotel for the tournament. Players who book through the organizer receive a 500 THB entry discount for the Standard Open or Standard Challenger section.

Hotel packages include breakfast. Moreover, players who book through the organizer receive a surprise souvenir package.

Hotel Packages

Hotel Notes

All hotel bookings must be paid in advance. A 50% refund is available only within 7 days of booking, while bookings become non-refundable after that period.

The organizer can also request other room types or different dates, subject to availability. Therefore, players with special accommodation needs should contact the organizer early.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Bangkok

Bangkok has two major international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport. Therefore, international players can reach the city through many regional and long-haul flight connections.

From the airport, players can continue to Sukhumvit by taxi, airport rail links, public transport, or rideshare services. In addition, those staying at the Royal Benja Hotel can use the hotel address on Sukhumvit Soi 5 for local navigation.

Local Planning

The hotel is within practical reach of the BTS Skytrain network. As a result, players can move around Bangkok more easily during free time.

The first tournament day starts early, with sign-in at 07:30 and Round 1 at 09:30. Therefore, players should arrive in Bangkok early enough to avoid opening-day travel stress.

ℹ️ Other Information

Titled Player Conditions

Entry fees for the Standard Open are waived for GM, IM, WGM, WIM, and players rated 2400+. In addition, the organizer offers complimentary Royal Benja Hotel accommodation for six GMs in shared deluxe rooms with breakfast for five nights.

GM players who receive this accommodation support must pay a 3,000 THB hotel reservation deposit. The organizer returns the deposit after check-in.

Player Rules

All categories are FIDE-rated and use FIDE Laws of Chess. Players must dress appropriately and follow arbiter instructions throughout the event.

The organizer may publish photos and other event media. In addition, the arbiter’s decisions are final.

Refund Policy

Entry fees may be considered for refund only when the cancellation arrives during the early bird period. After that period, cancellations are not eligible for refund.

Refunds are processed after the event ends. Moreover, transfer fees and related costs may be deducted.

Finally, the 2nd Bangkok Summer International Chess Open offers a full rated chess festival with standard games, rapid chess, blitz events, youth categories, hotel packages, and a central Bangkok playing venue.