The 4th Bad Grönenbach Chess Festival 2026 will take place on 19 September 2026 at the Sebastian-Kneipp-Mittelschule school gym in Bad Grönenbach, Germany. The event brings young players, experienced competitors, and local chess fans together for a friendly one-day rapid chess festival.

This is a chess tournament in Bad Grönenbach, Germany, in 2026. The program includes a main rapid tournament and a separate Starter Tournament for young beginners.

Moreover, the festival adds a warm community atmosphere beyond the chessboard. Players and visitors can also enjoy grilled food and refreshments during the event day.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The Main Tournament uses a rapid time control of 15 minutes plus 5 seconds increment per move. Therefore, players get a practical rapid format with enough time for calculation and endgame technique.

The Main Tournament follows a 7-round Swiss system. In addition, the Starter Tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system with 15 minutes per player and game. As a result, beginners also receive a full playing experience in a separate and age-appropriate section.

🏆 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The confirmed cash prize fund is €540, approximately US$630.

The Main Tournament also includes trophies for the winners of the U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18 categories. In addition, the organizers will award further non-cash prizes for all players under 18.

The Starter Tournament offers trophies for the top three players and additional non-cash prizes for all participants. Players cannot receive multiple prizes.

👥 Sections / Groups

Main Tournament

The Main Tournament is open to players who want a rated rapid event with seven Swiss-system rounds. It suits juniors, adults, club players, and experienced competitors.

Starter Tournament

The Starter Tournament is reserved for U12 players born in 2014 or later who do not have a DWZ rating. This section gives new young players a friendly way to enjoy tournament chess.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Players should register by email before the deadline when possible. However, on-site registration remains available until 9:30 a.m. on the tournament day.

🏛️ Organizer

Schachfreunde Bad Grönenbach e. V. organizes the Bad Grönenbach Chess Festival as a community chess event for juniors, adults, and beginners. The club combines competitive rapid chess with a welcoming festival format and a strong focus on youth participation.

Email: peter_schiegg@web.de
Phone: +49 8334 9876901

📍 Venue

Sebastian-Kneipp-Mittelschule Bad Grönenbach, Schulturnhalle
Kemptener Straße 7, 87730 Bad Grönenbach, Germany

The tournament takes place in the school gym of Sebastian-Kneipp-Mittelschule Bad Grönenbach. Since the event starts in the morning, players should arrive early and complete all registration steps before the 9:30 a.m. deadline.

🧭 How to Get There

Players can use Kemptener Straße 7, 87730 Bad Grönenbach, Germany, for navigation. Drivers should plan parking in advance, while visitors arriving by public transport can travel to Bad Grönenbach and continue locally to the venue.

The 4th Bad Grönenbach Chess Festival 2026 offers rapid chess, youth-friendly sections, and a relaxed community setting in Bad Grönenbach.