3rd International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament 2026
The 3rd International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament 2026 takes place from October 7–11, 2026, in Chennai, India. Eight Square Chess Academy organizes the event at the Hall of Chess inside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium complex.
The tournament offers nine rounds of FIDE-rated standard chess under the Swiss system. Moreover, each player receives 90 minutes for the game and a 30-second increment after every move from move one.
The organizer announces a total prize fund of ₹500,001, approximately $5,230. In addition, the tournament offers overall, rating-category, women’s, veteran, Divyang, unrated, and youth awards.
📌 Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Tournament | 3rd International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament 2026 |
| 📅 Dates | October 7–11, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| 🏟️ Venue | Hall of Chess, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – Sydenhams Road, Periyamet, Chennai 600003, Tamil Nadu, India |
| 🏛️ Organizer | Eight Square Chess Academy |
| ♟️ Format | FIDE-rated standard Swiss tournament |
| 🔢 Rounds | 9 |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE standard rated |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one |
| ⏳ Default Time | 15 minutes |
| 👤 Tournament Director | Sivaranjani S |
| ⚖️ Chief Arbiter | IA Arasu B |
| 🆔 FIDE Event ID | 485051 |
| 🆔 AICF Event Code | 485051/TN/2026 |
| 🆔 TNSCA Approval Number | RO-22/CHE/26-27 |
| ♟️ Chess-Results | https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1464667.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The organizer runs the tournament over nine Swiss-system rounds. Therefore, players meet opponents with similar scores as the competition progresses.
Each player receives 90 minutes for the game. Moreover, the clock adds 30 seconds after every move from move one.
The latest FIDE Laws of Chess apply throughout the event. Meanwhile, Swiss-Manager handles the pairings, standings, and tournament administration.
| Tournament Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| ♟️ Pairing System | Swiss system |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move |
| ⭐ Rating Calculation | FIDE standard rating |
| ⏳ Default Time | 15 minutes |
| 🧮 Pairing Software | Swiss-Manager |
| 📖 Rules | Latest FIDE Laws of Chess |
Players must reach their boards within 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time. Otherwise, the arbiter may record a loss.
🏆 Prize Fund
The organizer announces total prize money of ₹500,001, approximately $5,230. The prize structure includes overall awards, rating-group prizes, special categories, and youth awards.
Overall Open Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Place | ₹50,001 and trophy / approx. $530 |
| 🥈 2nd Place | ₹35,000 and trophy / approx. $370 |
| 🥉 3rd Place | ₹25,000 and trophy / approx. $270 |
| 4th Place | ₹15,000 / approx. $160 |
| 5th Place | ₹12,500 / approx. $140 |
| 6th Place | ₹10,000 / approx. $110 |
| 7th Place | ₹8,000 / approx. $90 |
| 8th Place | ₹7,000 / approx. $80 |
| 9th Place | ₹7,000 / approx. $80 |
| 10th Place | ₹6,000 / approx. $70 |
| 11th–15th Places | ₹4,000 each / approx. $50 each |
| 16th–22nd Places | ₹3,000 each / approx. $40 each |
| 23rd–26th Places | ₹3,000 each / approx. $40 each |
| 27th–30th Places | ₹2,500 each / approx. $30 each |
Rating-Category Prizes
The organizer offers the same prize structure in each of the following four rating categories:
- 1701–1800
- 1601–1700
- 1501–1600
- 1400–1500
| Place | Prize in Each Rating Category |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Place | ₹12,500 and trophy / approx. $140 |
| 🥈 2nd Place | ₹9,000 / approx. $100 |
| 🥉 3rd Place | ₹7,000 / approx. $80 |
| 4th Place | ₹4,000 / approx. $50 |
| 5th Place | ₹3,500 / approx. $40 |
| 6th Place | ₹3,000 / approx. $40 |
| 7th–10th Places | ₹2,500 each / approx. $30 each |
Unrated Player Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Place | ₹12,000 and trophy / approx. $130 |
| 🥈 2nd Place | ₹9,000 / approx. $100 |
| 🥉 3rd Place | ₹7,000 / approx. $80 |
| 4th Place | ₹4,000 / approx. $50 |
| 5th Place | ₹3,500 / approx. $40 |
| 6th Place | ₹3,000 / approx. $40 |
| 7th–10th Places | ₹2,500 each / approx. $30 each |
Women’s, Veteran, and Divyang Awards
The organizer applies the following structure separately to each special category:
- Best Female Player aged 16 or older
- Best Veteran Player aged 55 or older
- Divyang Players with 40% or higher certified disability
| Place | Award in Each Category |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Place | ₹3,000 and trophy / approx. $40 |
| 🥈 2nd Place | ₹2,500 and trophy / approx. $30 |
| 3rd–10th Places | Trophy |
Youth Awards
The tournament offers separate awards for boys and girls in every youth category.
| Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 🧒 U7 Boys and Girls | Born in 2019 or later |
| 🧒 U9 Boys and Girls | Born in 2017 or later |
| 🧒 U11 Boys and Girls | Born in 2015 or later |
| 🧒 U13 Boys and Girls | Born in 2013 or later |
| 🧒 U15 Boys and Girls | Born in 2011 or later |
| Place | Award |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Place in Each Boys’ and Girls’ Category | Chess clock and trophy |
| 2nd–10th Places in Each Boys’ and Girls’ Category | Trophy |
The organizer uses Buchholz to break tied scores. Furthermore, the regulations state that tied players do not share prizes.
♟️ Sections / Groups
The tournament uses one open playing section. However, the organizer maintains several separate prize classifications within the same competition.
| Classification | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Open Classification | All eligible registered players |
| 📊 1701–1800 | Players within the published rating band |
| 📊 1601–1700 | Players within the published rating band |
| 📊 1501–1600 | Players within the published rating band |
| 📊 1400–1500 | Players within the published rating band |
| ♟️ Unrated | Players without a published rating |
| 👩 Female 16+ | Female players aged 16 or older |
| 👴 Veteran 55+ | Players aged 55 or older |
| ♿ Divyang | Players with at least 40% certified disability |
| 🧒 Youth Categories | U7, U9, U11, U13, and U15 boys and girls |
All players compete in the same nine-round Swiss tournament. Consequently, these categories determine prizes rather than separate pairings.
📅 Schedule
All times follow local time in Chennai.
| Activity | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Players’ Meeting | Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 10:30 |
| Round 1 | Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 11:00 |
| Round 2 | Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 15:30 |
| Round 3 | Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 09:30 |
| Round 4 | Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 15:00 |
| Round 5 | Friday, October 9, 2026 | 09:30 |
| Round 6 | Friday, October 9, 2026 | 15:00 |
| Round 7 | Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 09:30 |
| Round 8 | Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 15:00 |
| Round 9 | Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 09:30 |
| Prize Distribution | Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 14:30 |
The first four playing days each include two rounds. Therefore, participants should prepare for a demanding schedule and plan their meals and travel accordingly.
The final round begins at 09:30 on Sunday. Afterwards, the organizer conducts the prize distribution ceremony at 14:30.
📝 Registration
The standard entry fee costs ₹2,500, approximately $30. However, the organizer grants free entry to GM, IM, WGM, and WIM titleholders.
| Registration Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 💰 Entry Fee | ₹2,500 / approx. $30 |
| 🎖️ GM, IM, WGM, and WIM Titleholders | Free entry |
| 📅 Registration Deadline | October 4, 2026 |
| 🕕 Closing Time | 18:00 |
Online Payment Platforms
Players may pay the entry fee through any of the following platforms:
| Registration Platform | Website |
|---|---|
| Easy Pay Chess | https://www.easypaychess.com |
| Chess Entry | https://www.chessentry.in |
| Sign in Chess | https://www.signinchess.com |
| Chess Fee | https://www.chessfee.com |
| Book My Fee | https://www.bookmyfee.com |
| Circle Chess | https://www.circlechess.com |
| Chessmii | https://www.chessmii.com |
Bank Transfer
Players may also transfer the entry fee directly to the organizer’s bank account.
| Bank Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Account Name | Eight Square Chess Academy |
| Account Number | 50200115818991 |
| Bank Name | HDFC Bank |
| Branch | Cenotaph Road |
| IFSC Code | HDFC0001216 |
After payment, players must email their payment proof and player details to:
Player Registration Requirements
| Player Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indian Players | Active AICF player registration |
| 🏛️ Tamil Nadu Players | Active AICF and TNSCA player registrations |
| 🏙️ Chennai District Players | Chennai District Chess Association registration |
| 🌍 Foreign Players | Valid FIDE ID |
Federation Registration Fees
| Registration | Fee |
|---|---|
| AICF Registration for 2026–2027 | ₹300 / approx. $10 |
| TNSCA Registration for 2026–2027 | ₹150 / approx. $10 |
| Chennai District Registration for 2026–2027 | ₹75 / approx. $10 |
AICF Player Registration:
http://aicf.in/online-player-registration/
TNSCA Registration:
https://registration.tamilchess.com/
Registration Contacts
Arun Seshadhri S R: +91 93459 91867
Sivaranjani S: +91 96267 64649 / +91 91504 42252
Email: chessacademy32@gmail.com
🏛️ Organizer
| Contact Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Organizer Name | Eight Square Chess Academy |
| 👤 Contact Person | Sivaranjani S |
| ✉️ Email | chessacademy32@gmail.com |
| 📞 Phone Number | +91 96267 64649 / +91 91504 42252 |
📍 Venue
Hall of Chess, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – Sydenhams Road, Periyamet, Chennai 600003, Tamil Nadu, India.
The Hall of Chess forms part of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium sports complex near Chennai Central. Moreover, the central location gives players access to metro, suburban railway, long-distance railway, bus, taxi, and rideshare connections.
The tournament will use DGT electronic boards on the top boards. Therefore, spectators can follow selected games live during the event.
🚇 How to Get There
Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Metro provides the most convenient metro connection. In particular, the station lists Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium near Exit B5.
| Travel Option | Recommended Route |
|---|---|
| 🚇 By Metro | Travel to Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Metro. Afterwards, use the exit toward Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and continue to the Hall of Chess. |
| ✈️ From Chennai International Airport | Take the Blue Line directly from Chennai International Airport Metro toward Central Metro. After arrival, continue toward Exit B5 and the stadium complex. |
| 🚆 From Dr. M.G.R. Chennai Central Railway Station | Continue to the nearby Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium complex on foot, by auto-rickshaw, or by taxi. |
| 🚆 From Chennai Egmore Railway Station | Take the Green Line from Egmore Metro to Central Metro. Alternatively, use an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or rideshare service. |
| 🚌 By Local Bus | Use a city bus serving Chennai Central, Park Town, or Periamet. Afterwards, continue toward Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. |
| 🚕 By Taxi or Rideshare | Ask the driver to travel to the Hall of Chess at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Sydenhams Road, Chennai. |
| 🚗 By Car | Drive toward Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Periamet. Finally, follow the venue’s current access and parking instructions. |
Arrival Advice
The players’ meeting begins at 10:30 on October 7, while Round 1 starts at 11:00. Therefore, players should allow enough time for Chennai traffic, venue access, and attendance confirmation.
In addition, participants should check current Chennai Metro and railway schedules before travelling.
ℹ️ Other Information
Tie-Breaks
The organizer uses the Buchholz tie-break system. Moreover, tied players do not share cash prizes.
Protests and Appeals
A player must submit a protest in writing within 15 minutes of the relevant incident. In addition, the player must pay a protest fee of ₹1,000, approximately $20.
The appeals committee returns the fee when it upholds the appeal. However, the committee’s final decision binds every affected player.
Wristwatches
AICF regulations prohibit players from wearing wristwatches during FIDE-rated games. Therefore, participants should remove all watches before entering the playing area.
Withdrawals
Players may withdraw at any stage. However, they must inform the Chief Arbiter in writing.
Prize Collection
Prize winners must collect their own awards at the venue during the prize distribution ceremony. Moreover, the organizer will not release prizes on the following day or allow another person to collect them.
DGT Live Boards
The organizer will broadcast games from the top boards through DGT Live. Consequently, players and spectators can follow selected games online.
Certificates
Every participant receives an electronic certificate after the tournament.
Pairings and Results
Chess-Results publishes the starting list, pairings, standings, and results:
https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1464667.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0
Finally, players should review Chess-Results and the organizer’s latest messages before travelling.
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $5,230
Organizer
♟️ About Eight Square Chess Academy
Eight Square Chess Academy is a chess tournament organization based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The academy delivers large national and international rating events. Moreover, it welcomes titled players, experienced competitors, juniors, women, veterans, and developing players from across India.
The organization began appearing prominently in Chennai’s rated tournament program during 2025. Since then, it has expanded its calendar with classical, rapid, blitz, and rating-restricted competitions. Therefore, players can enter several formats under official AICF, TNSCA, CDCA, and FIDE regulations.
International Arbiter Sivaranjani S serves as Secretary of Eight Square Chess Academy. She also directs the academy’s major events and manages participant communication. Meanwhile, International Arbiter Arun Seshadhri S R supports tournament administration, arbitration, registration enquiries, and technical operations.
🏆 International Tournaments and Competitive Activity
Eight Square Chess Academy organizes substantial FIDE-rated classical tournaments at the Hall of Chess in Chennai. Its events usually use nine Swiss-system rounds. In addition, the academy provides published schedules, tournament regulations, official pairings, rating submissions, and extensive prize structures.
The academy organized its first international rating-restricted open in November 2025. That tournament attracted 638 players from India and several overseas federations. Moreover, the organizer offered ₹500,000 in prizes and awards across many competitive categories.
In 2026, Eight Square Chess Academy expanded its program significantly. Its calendar included international classical opens, rapid tournaments, blitz events, and competitions for players below specified rating limits. Therefore, participants could choose events that matched their preferred time control and competitive level.
The academy’s rating-restricted tournaments give developing players meaningful prize opportunities. For example, the July 2026 event offered cash awards, laptops, televisions, trophies, and category prizes. Furthermore, the organizer provided awards for women, juniors, veterans, and players within different rating bands.
Eight Square Chess Academy also organizes open competitions without a low rating ceiling. These events attract titled players and strong competitors alongside ambitious juniors. Consequently, developing players can gain experience against opponents from different regions and playing backgrounds.
♟️ Tournament Management and Player Services
The academy uses the Hall of Chess at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for many of its major tournaments. This established Chennai venue can accommodate large playing fields. Moreover, the central location provides convenient access to railway, metro, bus, taxi, and accommodation services.
Qualified arbiters manage the playing rules, pairings, results, appeals, and rating procedures. Meanwhile, the organizing team handles entries, payment confirmation, player enquiries, and event documentation. As a result, participants receive practical information before each tournament begins.
The academy accepts registrations through several Indian chess-entry platforms. In addition, players may contact the organizing team directly about payments, eligibility, federation registration, accommodation, or tournament rules. The organizer also publishes player lists and results through Chess-Results.
Selected events use DGT electronic boards for leading games. Therefore, spectators can follow important boards online. The academy also works with photographers and chess-media platforms to share results, reports, and tournament highlights.
🌟 Player Development and Inclusive Competition
Eight Square Chess Academy creates opportunities for several generations of players. Its prize structures often include separate awards for young players, women, veterans, unrated participants, and lower-rated competitors. Consequently, players can pursue realistic goals beyond the main overall standings.
Junior categories form a visible part of the academy’s events. Recent tournaments have included awards for boys and girls from U7 through U15. Moreover, young participants compete within large rated fields and gain valuable experience under formal tournament conditions.
The organization also encourages wider national participation. Its events attract players from Tamil Nadu and many other Indian states. In addition, some editions have welcomed competitors from Canada, South Korea, and the United States. This diversity strengthens the competitive and social value of each tournament.
Through classical opens, rapid tournaments, blitz competitions, rating-restricted events, and extensive category prizes, Eight Square Chess Academy has developed an active tournament program. Above all, the organization provides frequent FIDE-rated opportunities in one of India’s leading chess cities.
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