35th International Chess Holiday 2026 – 28th Memorial of Prof. Jaroslav Pelikán will take place from July 25 – August 8, 2026, in Prague, Czech Republic. This is a chess tournament holiday in Prague, Czech Republic, in 2026.

The event offers two one-week chess holiday terms at Hotel Don Giovanni. Moreover, it combines chess tournaments, accommodation, cultural trips, and social activities under one roof.

In addition, the program includes all-play-all serious tournaments, rapid chess, blitz chess, and a holiday program for accompanying guests. Therefore, the event can suit chess players, families, groups, juniors, and non-playing companions.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Serious Tournaments

Players in the serious tournament groups receive 90 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment from move 1. Therefore, these groups offer a full classical chess rhythm.

The organizers form 10-player all-play-all groups. In addition, they divide players according to rating level, which helps create balanced tournament groups.

Rapid and Blitz Events

The Rapid R tournament is designed for chess players who want more holiday time. Players receive 30 minutes per player, and games take place mainly in the morning.

The blitz tournament takes place on the Saturday morning at the end of each term. Each player receives 5 minutes for the whole game.

Tournament Structure

The event does not use one large Swiss tournament. Instead, it uses closed groups and separate rapid groups. As a result, participants get a more personal chess holiday format.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The total listed prize fund is 80,000 CZK, approx. €3,300 / $3,880. Moreover, every chess player receives either a cash prize or a souvenir prize.

The main listed cash prizes apply to the Master, Master Candidate, and Rapid A events. In addition, the wider prize system supports the holiday-style structure of the tournament.

Main Listed Prizes

🏆 Sections / Groups

Serious Tournament Groups

The organizer may make exceptions when forming groups. Therefore, players should provide accurate rating information during registration.

Holiday Rapid Group

The Rapid R group gives players a lighter schedule. As a result, participants can play chess and still join more Prague and Bohemia activities.

📅 Schedule

Event Terms

Arrival and departure take place on Saturdays. The main chess and holiday program runs from Sunday to Friday during each term.

Serious Tournament Schedule

Rapid Tournament Schedule

Blitz Tournament

📝 Registration

Registration Details

Players should send the completed entry form to the organizer. After that, the organizer confirms participation and provides payment instructions.

In addition, players should state their preferred tournament group, rating information, accommodation choice, meal requests, and optional trips. This helps the organizer prepare the correct group and package.

Cancellation Conditions

Players may change the week free of charge up to 3 days before arrival. Moreover, rebooking to another participant is also possible free of charge.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

The International Chess Holiday Prague organizes the event in memory of Prof. Jaroslav Pelikán. As a result, the tournament keeps a strong chess, family, and cultural identity.

Moreover, the format is unusual because players live, play, and join holiday activities in one hotel-based program. This makes the event practical for families, chess groups, and accompanying guests.

Email: jindra.kollerova@mybox.cz
Phone: +420 326 902 827

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Don Giovanni Hotel Prague – Vinohradská 157a, Praha 3, Prague, Czech Republic

Venue Notes

All chess tournaments take place at Don Giovanni Hotel Prague. Therefore, players can stay and play in the same building.

The hotel has air-conditioned halls with daylight. In addition, it sits close to metro and tram connections, about 10–15 minutes from Wenceslas Square and the Old Town.

🏨 Accommodation

One-Week Package Prices

Prices are calculated in Czech crowns and converted to euros according to the exchange rate used by the organizer.

Package Includes

Extra Costs

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Prague

Prague has strong international transport connections by air, rail, bus, and car. Therefore, players can reach the city through Prague Airport, main railway connections, or European road routes.

The organizer lists transfer options from the airport and railway station to the hotel. In addition, players can use Prague’s public transport network because the hotel is close to metro and tram access.

Local Planning

Players should arrive on the Saturday of their selected term. The program then starts on Sunday morning with the opening ceremony and first rounds.

Because all chess events take place at the hotel, daily travel remains simple. As a result, participants can focus on games, preparation, and the holiday program.

ℹ️ Other Information

Holiday Program

The package includes selected cultural activities for non-chess players and chess holidaymakers. The program includes the Pilsner Urquell museum experience and an all-day trip to West Bohemia with Valeč Chateau and Chyše Chateau.

Non-playing guests also have additional museum visits in Prague. Moreover, all guests can join the Friday evening farewell party on a cruise boat with dinner and music.

Optional Trips

Practical Notes

The event welcomes chess players, families, chess groups, children’s groups with responsible guides, and non-playing holiday guests. In addition, the organizer prepares final instructions in July.

Finally, the 35th International Chess Holiday 2026 offers classical chess, rapid chess, blitz chess, hotel accommodation, Prague cultural activities, and a distinctive family-friendly chess holiday atmosphere.