44th Memoriał Zamenhofa
The annual chess event honouring Ludwik Zamenhof returns to Białystok for its 44th edition, to be held 27–31 December 2025 at the Chorten Arena. Multiple rating bands, fully FIDE-rated classical games, rich prizes, and a strong tradition make this festival a key year-end competition in Poland.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 27 – 31 December 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Chorten Arena, ul. Słoneczna 1, 15-243 Białystok, Poland |
| ♟️ Format | Swiss system, 9 rounds for major sections; several groups (Open A, B, C, D, E) |
| 💵 Entry Fee | Varies by section (Open A: PLN 320; Open B: PLN 270; Open C: PLN 220; Open D/E: PLN 170) |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Standard rating for all open groups |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all players. Section eligibility by rating: |
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Open A: ELO ≥ 2100
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Open B: ELO 1700-2150
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Open C: ELO < 1800 or no ELO
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Open D: Born 2007 or later & PZSzach rating ≤ 1800
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Open E: Born 2016 or later
🔧 Additional | Late registrations allowed until capacity reached; increased fee after deadline; foreign players must have FIDE ID
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / Age eligibility |
|---|---|
| Open A | ELO ≥ 2100 |
| Open B | ELO 1700-2150 |
| Open C | ELO < 1800 or unrated |
| Open D | Born 2007 or younger + rating PZSzach ≤ 1800 |
| Open E | Born 2016 or younger |
Organiser may admit players outside the rating band by payment of increased fee.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
| Section | Time control |
|---|---|
| Open A & B | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1 |
| Open C | 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1 |
| Open D & E | 15 minutes + 15 seconds increment from move 1 |
All sections: Swiss pairing, 9 rounds; sit-out/forfeit rules apply; full tie-breaks apply (Buchholz cut-1, Buchholz, SB, direct encounter, wins, wins with Black).
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, 27 Dec | 09:15 | Opening ceremony |
| Sat, 27 Dec | 09:30 | Round 1 |
| Sat, 27 Dec | 16:00 | Round 2 |
| Sun, 28 Dec | 09:30 | Round 3 |
| Sun, 28 Dec | 16:00 | Round 4 |
| Mon, 29 Dec | 09:30 | Round 5 |
| Mon, 29 Dec | 16:00 | Round 6 |
| Tue, 30 Dec | 09:30 | Round 7 |
| Tue, 30 Dec | 16:00 | Round 8 |
| Wed, 31 Dec | 09:00 | Round 9 |
| Wed, 31 Dec | 13:00 | Prize-giving ceremony |
📝 Registration
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Deadline for standard fee: 18 December 2025
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After 18 December, players may still register if places available, with 50% increased fee.
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Payment to: MUKS Stoczek 45 Białystok – Bank Pekao SA o/Białystok – IBAN PL 13 1240 5211 1111 0000 4927 1898
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Foreign players must provide FIDE ID (FIN) before registration accepted.
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By registering, participants accept all regulations and rules of the tournament.
🏆 Prize Fund (Main sections)
| Section | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open A | PLN 12,000 | PLN 8,000 | PLN 6,000 | PLN 4,000 | PLN 2,000 |
| Open B | PLN 6,000 | PLN 4,000 | PLN 3,000 | PLN 2,000 | PLN 1,000 |
| Open C | PLN 3,000 | PLN 2,000 | PLN 1,500 | PLN 1,000 | PLN 600 |
| Open D & E | PLN 1,500 | PLN 1,000 | PLN 800 | — | — |
Special prizes for females, veterans, juniors in each section (e.g., female 1st Open A: PLN 1,200)
Team competition: Coaches/trainers registering 10+ players gain points and prizes (1st – PLN 1,000).
Best Esperantist: PLN 500 (tribute to Zamenhof).
👥 Organiser
Organised by MUKS Stoczek 45 Białystok
Venue partner: Chorten Arena, Białystok
Chief Arbiter: Leszek Zega
Contact details: info@stoczek45.pl • +48 722 334 038
🏨 Venue
Chorten Arena, Słoneczna 1, 15-243 Białystok, Poland
Map and parking information provided via tournament site.
🛎️ Accommodation & Catering
Recommended hotels with negotiated rates:
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Dwór Czarneckiego, Porosły-Kolonia 54A, 16-070 Choroszcz (single 220 PLN/day, double 280 PLN)
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Sosnowe Zacisze, Kleosin ul. Leśna 20 (single 200 PLN, double 260 PLN)
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Hotel Podlasie & Restauracja Lipcowy Ogród, Białystok ul. 42 Pułku Piechoty 6 (from 140 PLN/person with breakfast)
Also dormitory options at university dorms. Food service available on-site (lunch package ~45 PLN).
🚗 How to Get There
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Nearest airports: Białystok (local), Warsaw (major hub)
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By train/bus: Białystok main station → local taxi/bus to Chorten Arena
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Parking: Provided at arena; map link provided by organisers
Other
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Esperantist special prize in evening ceremony
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Coaches/trainers competition for club ranking
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Electronic devices policy: phone/smart-watch carried by player → automatic loss; no deposit offered
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Players under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult for entire duration
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Registration implies consent to use of photos/videos of participants on web/social media
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Players are responsible for their own health, insurance not provided by organiser
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Prize monies up to PLN 2,000 are tax-exempt in Poland; higher amounts subject to 10% withholding
Play serious chess, engage in tradition, and enjoy a festive atmosphere in Białystok — the 44th Memoriał Ludwika Zamenhofa 2025 awaits!
