5th International Chess Open Isola del Sole 2026 brings a full classical chess week to Grado, Italy, from June 21 to June 28, 2026. The tournament takes place at the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology of the Upper Adriatic, close to the sea and the historic center of Grado.

The festival offers three FIDE-rated sections: Master, Challengers, and Amateurs. Master and Challengers run over 9 rounds, while the Amateurs section uses a 7-round schedule. In addition, the program includes the Trofeo Città di Grado blitz tournament on June 24.

Grado gives players a strong summer tournament setting with sea, sun, culture, and chess in one place. Moreover, the organizer provides accommodation support through local apartment partners and promotes travel through nearby Trieste Airport.

🏁 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

All classical sections use 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment from move 1. Therefore, players get a full standard chess format across the festival.

The Master and Challengers sections use 9 Swiss rounds. Meanwhile, the Amateurs section uses 7 Swiss rounds, which gives lower-rated players a lighter schedule while keeping the same classical time control.

The technical tie-break order is REP, Buchholz Cut 1, and Average Rating of Opponents. In addition, players may request a half-point bye, except in the final two rounds.

The late-arrival tolerance is 45 minutes. After that limit, a player loses by forfeit. Also, no electronic devices are allowed in the playing room.

💰 Prize Fund

The tournament offers €3,030 in confirmed cash prizes, approx. USD 3,560, plus category vouchers from Le Due Torri.

Master Prize Breakdown

Challengers Prize Breakdown

Amateurs Prize Breakdown

Category Vouchers

The main trophy remains with the organizer, while the winner’s name is added to the trophy plate.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The organizer may grant wild cards in the Master and Challengers sections. Therefore, players close to a rating limit should contact the organizer before registering.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Players should include their full name and chosen section in the bank-transfer reference. In addition, they should contact the organizer by email after payment if they need confirmation.

The current official website and federation listing show €89 as the entry fee. However, the 2026 PDF flyer lists a different Amateurs fee, so Amateurs players should confirm the exact amount with the organizer before payment.

👤 Organizer

Laboratorio Scacchi and the Comitato Organizzatore Grado organize the 5th International Chess Open Isola del Sole 2026. The event continues the Grado international open tradition and brings classical chess to one of Italy’s most attractive seaside towns.

Email: scacchigrado@gmail.com

📍 Venue

National Museum of Underwater Archaeology of the Upper Adriatic, Via dei Provveditori 14, 34073 Grado (GO), Italy

The playing venue is the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology of the Upper Adriatic. It is located in Grado and adds a distinctive cultural setting to the tournament. The museum is dedicated to underwater archaeology and the maritime history of the Upper Adriatic.

🛏️ Accommodation

The organizer recommends apartment booking support through Agenzia Marina. Players who contact the agency through the tournament information can receive a 10% discount on apartment accommodation.

Players should book accommodation early because Grado is a popular summer destination, especially near the beach and historic center.

🚗 How to Get There

Grado is located on the Adriatic coast in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Players can reach the town by car, bus, or a combination of train and local transfer.

Trieste Airport is the closest major airport option for many visitors. The organizer also promotes a shuttle from Trieste Airport for €10 round trip, which can make arrival easier for players traveling by air.

Players can also use regional rail connections to nearby towns and then continue to Grado by bus or taxi. Because the tournament takes place in late June, visitors should plan travel and accommodation in advance.

ℹ️ Other

The tournament does not allow electronic devices in the playing room. Players should therefore keep phones, smartwatches, and similar devices outside the playing area or follow the arbiter’s instructions before each round.

The festival also includes the Trofeo Città di Grado Blitz on June 24 at 18:00. The blitz tournament uses a 3 minutes + 2 seconds time control and gives players an extra competitive event during the classical week.

5th International Chess Open Isola del Sole 2026 combines classical chess, a seaside setting, and a cultural venue in Grado for a memorable summer tournament week.