47th Open International Chess Tournament of Ghent
Explore the 47th Open International Chess Tournament of Ghent, a FIDE-rated summer event running July 18-22, 2026 in Ghent, Belgium. The tournament brings classical chess to the KGSRL clubhouse in the city center, giving visiting players a focused playing environment close to major sights. You play a Swiss-system event under FIDE Standard rating conditions with a long time control designed for serious competition. The central Ghent setting makes it easy to combine tournament play with the atmosphere of a historic European city.
Schaakhuis Caïssa hosts the event at Abrahamstraat 46, a practical base for players who prefer straightforward access and a dedicated chess venue. You reach the site easily from the heart of Ghent, and you find nearby parking options and tram connections within walking distance. The organizer runs the tournament under the Koninklijke Gentse Schaakkring Ruy Lopez (KGSRL) banner and publishes official information via its club platforms. If you want a mid-summer classical tournament in Belgium’s chess community, this event offers a clear, compact five-day schedule.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | July 18-22, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Ghent, Belgium |
| ♟️ Format | Swiss system |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE-rated (Standard) |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes with 30-second increment from move 1 |
| 👥 Capacity | 350 players |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament runs a Swiss system and rates games under FIDE Standard conditions. The organizer uses a classical time control of 90 minutes with a 30-second increment from move 1. Players who do not yet have a FIDE ID should contact their federation’s rating officer to obtain one. The organizer can grant two 1/2-point absences until Round 5.
📂 Sections / Groups
The organizer lists the event as a single FIDE-rated Open tournament.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|
| July 18, 2026 | Saturday | Tournament day |
| July 19, 2026 | Sunday | Tournament day |
| July 20, 2026 | Monday | Tournament day |
| July 21, 2026 | Tuesday | Tournament day |
| July 22, 2026 | Wednesday | Tournament day |
📝 Registration
The organizer publishes official information for this edition through its Gent Open pages and club platforms. Use the official contact emails below for registration questions and participant support. Players who need a FIDE ID should arrange it through their federation before the tournament starts.
👥 Organizer
Koninklijke Gentse Schaakkring Ruy Lopez (KGSRL) runs the Gent Open and hosts play at its Schaakhuis Caïssa venue in central Ghent. The club supports local and international chess activity and provides official tournament communication through its websites and email contacts.
Email: info@kgsrl.be
Website: https://www.kgsrl.be
🏨 Venue
Schaakhuis Caïssa – KGSRL, Abrahamstraat 46, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
The club sits in the center of Ghent, close to the medieval Gravensteen castle. Parkings Ramen and Vrijdagsmarkt are within walking distance. Tram lines 1 and 4 stop nearby.
🚗 How to Get There
You can reach Schaakhuis Caïssa from central Ghent with local public transport, and tram lines 1 and 4 have stops nearby. If you arrive by car, you can use Parkings Ramen or Vrijdagsmarkt and walk to the venue from there.
Play your best chess in Ghent and enjoy a concentrated week of classical competition in one of Belgium’s most historic city centers.
Organizer
The Koninklijke Gentse Schaakkring Ruy Lopez (KGSRL), established in 1912, stands as one of Belgium’s most prestigious and historic chess clubs. Located in the heart of Ghent, KGSRL has cultivated a vibrant chess community for over a century, fostering talent across all age groups. The club offers a dynamic environment where both seasoned players and newcomers can engage in regular competitions, training sessions, and social events, all aimed at promoting the strategic depth and cultural richness of chess.
KGSRL is renowned for organizing the annual Gent Open, a major international tournament that attracts players from around the globe. Beyond this flagship event, the club hosts various tournaments and activities throughout the year, contributing significantly to the local and national chess scenes. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, KGSRL continues to be a cornerstone of chess in Belgium, nurturing the game’s growth and inspiring the next generation of players.