52nd International Dortmund Chess Days
The 52nd International Dortmund Chess Days—Sparkassen Chess Trophy 2025—is set to captivate chess enthusiasts from August 2 to August 10, 2025, at the Kulturzentrum Alte Schmiede in Dortmund, Germany. This prestigious event offers a substantial prize fund of €20,000 and features a diverse array of tournaments catering to players of all levels.
🏆 Tournament Overview
Dates: August 2–10, 2025
Venue: Kulturzentrum Alte Schmiede, Dortmund, Germany
Prize Fund: €20,000
Organizer: Initiative Pro Schach e.V.
Official Website: sparkassen-chess-trophy.de
♟️ Tournament Categories
A-Open (9 Rounds, Swiss System)
Open to players with a DWZ/ELO rating of 1951 or higher, the A-Open is the tournament’s premier event. Participants will compete over nine rounds, with the opportunity to earn GM and IM norms. The prize fund for this category is €16,010, distributed as follows:
- 1st Place: €4,000
- 2nd Place: €2,400
- 3rd Place: €1,600
- 4th to 10th Places: Ranging from €1,120 to €160
Special prizes are also available for women, seniors, and youth players.
B-Open (8 Rounds, Swiss System)
Designed for players with a rating up to 2050, the B-Open offers a competitive platform over eight rounds. This category provides a unique opportunity for amateur players to showcase their skills.
International Women’s Tournament
Running concurrently with the Open tournaments, the International Women’s Tournament features top German players Elisabeth Pähtz and Dinara Wagner, alongside 15-year-old Chinese prodigy Lu Miaoyi. The tournament will be conducted over six rounds, promising high-level competition and excitement.
🗓️ Detailed Schedule
Friday, August 1, 2025
- 16:30–18:00: Registration for Open A and B
Saturday, August 2, 2025
- 08:30–09:15: Registration for Open A and B
- 10:30: Round 1 (B-Open)
- 15:00: Round 1 (A-Open)
Sunday, August 3 – Saturday, August 9, 2025
- Daily Rounds:
- 10:30: B-Open
- 15:00: A-Open
- Saturday, August 9, 2025:
- 15:15: B-Open Award Ceremony
Sunday, August 10, 2025
- 10:30: Final Round (A-Open)
- 17:00: A-Open Award Ceremony
🌟 Notable Participants
- GM Dmitrij Kollars: Renowned for his victory over former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik in 2023, Kollars returns to compete in the A-Open.
- Nico Zwirs: The Dutch Grandmaster and 2024 A-Open champion aims to defend his title in this edition.
- Elisabeth Pähtz: Germany’s first female Grandmaster, Pähtz brings her extensive experience to the International Women’s Tournament.
- Dinara Wagner: Currently Germany’s top-ranked female player, Wagner adds significant strength to the women’s field.
- Lu Miaoyi: At just 15 years old, the Chinese prodigy and women’s grandmaster is set to make her Dortmund debut.
📍 Venue & Accommodations
The Kulturzentrum Alte Schmiede, a historic cultural center in Dortmund, provides an ideal setting for the tournament. Participants and spectators can enjoy comfortable accommodations at the nearby IntercityHotel Dortmund.
📢 Registration & Additional Information
Registration is now open. To secure your spot, complete the online registration form and transfer the entry fee to the provided account. Early registration is recommended to guarantee participation.
For more details, including tournament regulations and updates, visit the official website.
Experience the thrill of competitive chess at the 52nd International Dortmund Chess Days—where tradition meets excellence.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Kulturzentrum Alte Schmiede, Dortmund, Germany
Prize Fund - €20,000
Organizer - Initiative Pro Schach e.V.
Time control - 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game
Number of rounds - 9
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
Initiative Pro Schach e.V. (IPS e.V.) is a non-profit chess organization based in Lünen, Germany, established in 2019. It serves as the official organizer of the International Dortmund Chess Days, including the Sparkassen Chess Trophy, one of Europe’s most prestigious chess festivals.
🎯 Mission and Vision
IPS e.V. aims to promote chess culture across all levels—from elite grandmasters to grassroots enthusiasts. By revitalizing the Dortmund Chess Days, the organization has transformed the event into an inclusive festival that celebrates both competitive excellence and community engagement.
🧑💼 Leadership and Team
The association is led by a dedicated team of chess professionals and enthusiasts:
- Christian Jochmann – Managing Director, known for his long-standing commitment to chess in Dortmund.
- Andreas Jagodzinsky – Tournament Director, with a background in law and extensive experience in chess administration.
- Patrick Zelbel – Press Officer and International Master, responsible for public relations and media outreach.
- Sebastian Hensel – Technical Director, overseeing event logistics and technology.
Additionally, former World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik serves as an ambassador, lending prestige and insight to the organization’s initiatives.
♟️ Key Initiatives
Since taking over the Dortmund Chess Days in 2020, IPS e.V. has introduced several innovations:
- Expanded Tournament Formats: Incorporating both A-Open and B-Open tournaments to accommodate players of varying skill levels.
- International Women’s Tournament: Featuring top female players, promoting gender diversity in chess.
- Youth Engagement: Organizing events like the Sportland NRW Cup to nurture young talent.
- Digital Outreach: Enhancing online presence through live broadcasts and social media engagement.
Through its dedicated efforts, Initiative Pro Schach e.V. continues to elevate the profile of chess in Germany and beyond, fostering a vibrant community for players and fans alike.