Start your spring chess season with the 51st Open Utrecht Chess Championship (OKU) on May 15-17, 2026 in Utrecht, Netherlands. This long-running weekend open brings together a large field across three rating-based groups and keeps the pace high with two rounds per day. You compete for a published cash prize fund of €4,125 while you enjoy a professional playing setting in the Papendorp area of Utrecht.
OKU offers a focused classical format that rewards consistent play across the weekend. The organizers run the event with KNSB rating processing and a single, clearly defined time control for all groups. If you want a well-structured open with meaningful prizes in every section, OKU delivers a strong competitive weekend in one of the Netherlands’ most accessible chess hubs.
🗓️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 15-17, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Utrecht, Netherlands |
| ♟️ Format | Classical weekend open (two rounds per day) |
| ⭐ Rating | KNSB rated |
| 📂 Sections | Group A, Group B, Group C |
| ⏱️ Time control | 110 minutes for all moves + 10-second increment per move |
| 💳 Entry fee | €30 (Group A); €25 (Group B/C); €15 (FM); free (IM/GM) |
| 💰 Prize fund | €4,125 (total cash prizes) |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | The event runs during Ascension weekend and attracts a large field each year |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Section | Place | Cash prize |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | 1st | €1,200 |
| Group A | 2nd | €700 |
| Group A | 3rd | €400 |
| Group A | 4th | €300 |
| Group A | 5th | €200 |
| Group A | 6th | €100 |
| Group B | 1st | €250 |
| Group B | 2nd | €200 |
| Group B | 3rd | €150 |
| Group B | 4th | €100 |
| Group B | 5th | €75 |
| Group C | 1st | €150 |
| Group C | 2nd | €125 |
| Group C | 3rd | €100 |
| Group C | 4th | €75 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a classical time control of 110 minutes for all moves with a 10-second increment per move. The event submits results for KNSB rating processing.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | FIDE/KNSB rating 1900+ | The organizer may deviate from group rules in exceptional cases. |
| Group B | FIDE/KNSB rating 1700–1950 | The organizer may deviate from group rules in exceptional cases. |
| Group C | FIDE/KNSB rating below 1750 | The organizer may deviate from group rules in exceptional cases. |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | Tournament rounds (2 rounds); event starts 10:00 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | Tournament rounds (2 rounds) |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | Tournament rounds (2 rounds); event concludes 18:30 |
📝 Registration
Check the official tournament website for the current registration procedure and any required player details. Entry fees: €30 (Group A); €25 (Group B/C); €15 (FM); free (IM/GM).
👥 Organizer
SV Paul Keres organizes the Open Kampioenschap van Utrecht (OKU) as an annual weekend tournament in Utrecht and schedules the event across three days with two rounds per day. The organization team publishes official updates and practical information through the tournament website and handles participant communication directly.
-
Email: oku@paulkeres.nl
-
Phone: 0624395397
-
Website: https://oku.paulkeres.nl/
🏨 Venue
International School Utrecht, Van Deventerlaan 1, 3528 AG Utrecht, Netherlands
The tournament takes place at an international school campus in the Papendorp area of Utrecht. The venue sits in the southern part of the city with straightforward access from major highways and public transport connections via Utrecht Central Station.
🚗 How to Get There
Utrecht Central Station offers multiple public transport options to reach the Papendorp area, followed by a short walk to the venue. Drivers can approach Utrecht via the A2 or A12 motorways and use nearby parking options, including P+R facilities in the Papendorp area.
Bring your best weekend form to Utrecht and chase a cash finish in your group at OKU 2026.
Organizer
SV Paul Keres is a Dutch chess club based in Utrecht, Netherlands. Today, it brings together students and long-time club players across the city. The club runs league teams, training, and weekly club nights.
SV Paul Keres organizes the Open Kampioenschap van Utrecht (OKU), including the 51st Open Utrecht Chess Championship. Moreover, the weekend event features three rating groups and KNSB rating processing. As a result, players get consistent pairings and a single classical time control.
In addition, SV Paul Keres supports player development through internal competitions, PK Academy initiatives, and masterclasses. At the same time, the club emphasizes fair play and a welcoming tournament atmosphere in Utrecht. Consequently, many players return for both club play and major open events.
