Chess competition returns to Québec with the 49e Championnat Ouvert de la Mauricie (COM 2026) from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, 2026 in Trois-Rivières, Canada. This long-running open weekend uses a 5-round Swiss format and welcomes a wide range of players through multiple class sections. The organizer guarantees a strong prize pool and runs the tournament in a comfortable hotel setting with dedicated playing halls and an analysis room.

The event rates all sections for FQÉ, and it also rates the top section for CFC and FIDE. Players can target overall prizes and class prizes inside each section while they play with a modern increment time control. Clear on-site registration times, practical bye options, and firm fair-play rules make this tournament a reliable choice for a serious March weekend.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Section A (Elite) prizes (total $3,625)

Section B (U2000) prizes (total $3,175)

Section C (U1700) prizes (total $2,725)

Section D (U1400) prizes (total $2,475)

Prize rules:

• The tournament awards prizes by section and class as listed above.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament runs a 5-round Swiss system across all sections.

Time control:

• 40 moves in 90 minutes

• Add 30 minutes to finish

• Add 30 seconds per move

Rules and procedures:

• Section A follows FIDE rules, and the other sections follow FQÉ rules.

• The tournament applies a 30-minute late-arrival limit after the arbiter starts the clocks.

• Players must keep electronic devices fully powered off inside a player’s bag; a violation results in immediate loss of the game.

Byes:

• Players may request a half-point bye for Rounds 1 and 2 if they request it before the end of registration on Friday at 19:00.

• Players may request a zero-point bye for Rounds 3–5 in writing to the chief arbiter no later than five hours after the start of the previous round.

Equipment:

• The organizer provides boards and pieces.

• Players should bring a programmable clock that supports the tournament time control.

• Players may rent a clock for $4 per round with a photo ID.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Players can register online through the FQE Boutique or register by mail.

Online registration:

• Website: https://www.fqechecs.qc.ca

Registration by mail:

• Championnat Ouvert de la Mauricie (COM)

• Attn.: Richard Duguay

• 19-3815 Bvld. du Chanoine-Moreau

• Trois-Rivières, QC G8Y 1R4

• Canada

Entry fees (by section and date):

Discounts and conditions:

• (W)GM, (W)FM, and (W)IM receive free registration.

• National Masters receive half price before February 15, 2026, and full price after that date.

• Juniors and cadets receive a $10 discount.

Refunds:

• Players must request cancellation by email.

• The organizer charges a $15 administration fee for refunds.

• The organizer offers no refunds after Sunday, March 15, 2026.

👥 Organizer

The Club d’échecs de Trois-Rivières runs the Championnat Ouvert de la Mauricie and delivers this established Québec weekend open with structured sections, clear rules, and guaranteed prizes.

Email: info@comauricie.org
Phone: (819) 840-5572
Website: https://www.comauricie.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comauricie.org/

🏨 Venue

The tournament takes place at the Travelodge by Wyndham, 3600 Boulevard Gene-H.-Kruger, Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 4M3, Canada. The hotel venue keeps playing space, relaxation, and analysis areas in one location for a smooth three-day schedule.

🛎️ Accommodation

Travelodge by Wyndham (host hotel)

Booking:

• Phone: 1-819-379-3232

• Booking note: Specify the 2026 chess tournament when you book.

• Organizer support (if you cannot book a room): (819) 840-5572

🚗 How to Get There

You can reach Trois-Rivières by car and travel to 3600 Boulevard Gene-H.-Kruger for the Travelodge by Wyndham. Local taxis can also take you to the hotel.

Taxi service: 819 378-5444

Join this classic Québec weekend open, play five rated rounds, and compete for guaranteed prizes across every section.

🧾 Other

• Players must write results on the official results sheet; the winner reports the result, and White reports the result in a draw. The arbiter may score both players with a loss when players fail to report results.

• The organizer provides boards and pieces, and players may use personal boards or pieces only with the opponent’s permission.