5th Csomós János Memorial 2026
Marking a warm spring fixture in Hungary’s chess calendar, the 5th Csomós János Memorial 2026 takes place 13-17 May 2026 in Gyula, Hungary, inside the conference hall of Hőforrás Hotel. The event blends friendly hospitality with serious classical chess, offering a smooth five-day rhythm suitable for club players, families, and visiting competitors.
Run as a FIDE-rated Open split into two rating-based groups, the Memorial features 7 rounds at 90′ + 30″ from move 1, a generous 60-minute default time, and clear tie-breaks. On-site registration, complimentary refreshments, and local spa perks help make the experience both practical and enjoyable in Gyula’s well-known thermal resort setting.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 13-17 May 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Hőforrás Hotel – Conference Room (Building “E”, 2nd floor; lift) |
| 🏠 Address | Rábai Miklós u. 2, 5700 Gyula, Hungary |
| ♟️ Format | Open FIDE event • 7-round Swiss • Two groups (A & B) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move, from move 1 |
| 🕰️ Default Time | 60 minutes (forfeit thereafter) |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE-rated; FIDE Laws apply |
| 👤 Chief Arbiter | Gábor Somogyi (NA) |
| 🪪 Licence | Hungarian Playing Licence (HPL) required (including foreign players) |
| 🎒 Player Perks | Free coffee, water, soft drinks, sweet & salty cakes during rounds; 50% discount to Gyula Castle Bath for participants (event dates) |
🏆 Prize Fund
Group A (guaranteed with ≥30 players; net amounts)
| Place | HUF |
|---|---|
| 1st | 70,000 + Trophy |
| 2nd | 50,000 |
| 3rd | 35,000 |
| 4th | 25,000 |
| 5th | 10,000 |
Specials: Highest Woman • Highest Youth • Highest Senior 65+ — 1 home-made sausage each. (Prizes non-divisible; if entries exceed expectations, amounts may be increased.)
Group B (guaranteed with ≥40 players; net amounts)
| Place | HUF |
|---|---|
| 1st | 40,000 + Trophy |
| 2nd | 30,000 |
| 3rd | 25,000 |
| 4th | 20,000 |
| 5th | 15,000 |
| 6th | 10,000 |
Rating subclasses (best result): 0-1699 • 1700-1799 • 1800-1899 – 1 home-made sausage each. Plus Highest Woman • Highest Youth • Highest Senior 65+ – 1 home-made sausage each. (Prizes non-cumulative; non-divisible.)
Festival Specials (all participants)
Largest Elo gain without a money prize: 1 valuable chess book
Prize draw (among non-prizewinners present at ceremony): 1 valuable chess book
(One player can win only one prize overall.)
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Cadence: 90′ + 30″ from move 1; notation required to the end of the game.
Default (forfeit) time: 60 minutes after round start.
Tie-break order: Points → Buchholz → Sonneborn–Berger → TPR.
Device/anti-cheating rules and arbiter instructions apply throughout the playing hall.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Group | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A | Mainly >1900 Elo (players 1700-1899 may enter with an extra fee) | Unrated players must play in Group B |
| B | Mainly <1899 Elo (players 1900-1950 may enter with an extra fee) | Unrated players play here |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| 13 May 2026 | 10:00-13:45 | Obligatory on-site registration |
| 13 May 2026 | 14:00 | Opening ceremony |
| 13 May 2026 | 14:30 | Round 1 |
| 14 May 2026 | 09:00 | Round 2 |
| 14 May 2026 | 15:00 | Round 3 |
| 15 May 2026 | 09:00 | Round 4 |
| 16 May 2026 | 09:00 | Round 5 |
| 16 May 2026 | 15:00 | Round 6 |
| 17 May 2026 | 09:00 | Round 7 |
| 17 May 2026 | After last game | Closing ceremony |
📝 Registration
Deadline: 12 May 2026 (email entry; acceptance/rejection confirmed by organiser).
How to enter: send name, Elo, federation, desired group by email.
Entry fees:
Group A: ≥2100 Elo – 6,000 HUF • 1900-2099 – 8,000 HUF • 1700-1899 – 12,000 HUF
Group B: 0-1899 – 8,000 HUF • 1900-1950 – 12,000 HUF
Licences: Hungarian Playing Licence (HPL) required for all players (including foreign players).
One-prize rule: prizes are non-cumulative; a player can receive only their highest applicable prize.
Useful contacts:
Email (entries & queries): somogyigabi@gmail.com
👥 Organizer
The Memorial is organised by a local team led by Katalin Morva and Gábor Somogyi, together with the Békési TE Chess Department, focusing on clear regulations, fair play, and a welcoming tournament atmosphere.
Email: somogyigabi@gmail.com
Chief Arbiter: Gábor Somogyi (NA)
🏨 Venue
Hőforrás Hotel – Conference Room (Building “E”, 2nd floor; lift)
Rábai Miklós u. 2, 5700 Gyula, Hungary
A comfortable spa-hotel setting with free on-site parking, conference facilities suitable for classical chess, and easy access to Gyula’s thermal and wellness amenities.
🛎️ Accommodation
Booking (Hőforrás Hotel): +36-66-463-722 ext. 110 (weekdays 08:00–15:30) • ertekesites@hhgy.hu
Meals: Hotel beach & barbecue buffets; nearby Restaurant Tölgyfa (~100 m) serves lunch 11:00–14:00 (take-away on request).
Player perk: 50% discount to Gyula Castle Bath for participants during the event dates.
🚗 How to Get There
By car: Navigate to Hőforrás Hotel, Rábai Miklós u. 2, 5700 Gyula; free parking available in front of the hotel.
Local: The venue is within Gyula’s spa area; allow time to complete on-site registration 10:00-13:45 on 13 May.
Set your spring chess goals in motion with seven focused classical rounds and a friendly spa-town atmosphere at the 5th Csomós János Memorial 2026 in Gyula.