8th International Irena Warakomska Memorial
Welcome to the 9th edition of the Irena Warakomska Memorial, one of Poland’s most cherished and competitive international chess events. Hosted in the scenic town of Suwałki, this tournament attracts hundreds of chess enthusiasts across Europe each summer. With four rating-based sections, a total prize fund of 90,000 PLN, and high-level organization, the event promises a professional and memorable chess experience for every participant.
📅 Event Dates and Venue
- Dates: July 31 – August 7, 2025
- Venue: Velvet Hotel***, ul. Kościuszki 128, 16-400 Suwałki, Poland
This beautiful venue in the heart of Suwałki ensures comfort, accessibility, and convenience—perfect for both serious chess competition and relaxation between rounds.
⏱️ Time Control
All tournaments follow the FIDE-rated Swiss system format with 9 rounds.
- Open A, B: 90 minutes for 40 moves + 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with 30 seconds increment from move one
- Open C: 90 minutes per game + 30 seconds increment
- Open D: 60 minutes per game + 30 seconds increment
- Default time: 30 minutes
🗓️ Tournament Schedule
| Date | Open A / B / C | Open D |
|---|---|---|
| July 30, Wed | Arrival / Registration (16:00–21:00) | Arrival / Registration (16:00–21:00) |
| July 31, Thu | Opening: 14:45 Round 1: 15:00 | Opening: 08:45 Round 1: 09:00 |
| Aug 1, Fri | Round 2: 15:00 | Round 2: 09:00 |
| Aug 2, Sat | Round 3: 09:00 Round 4: 15:30 | Round 3: 09:00 Round 4: 15:30 |
| Aug 3, Sun | Free Day Simul w/ GM | – |
| Aug 4, Mon | Round 6: 15:00 | Round 5: 09:00 Round 6: 15:00 |
| Aug 5, Tue | Round 7: 15:00 | Round 7: 09:00 |
| Aug 6, Wed | Round 8: 15:00 | Round 8: 09:00 |
| Aug 7, Thu | Round 9: 09:00 Closing Ceremony: 15:00 | Round 9: 09:00 Closing Ceremony: 15:00 |
🧮 Tournament Sections
- Open A: FIDE rating above 2100
- Open B: FIDE rating 1601–2100
- Open C: FIDE rating below 1600 or unrated
- Open D: Players under 12 years old
(Only GM and WGM may request exceptions.)
💰 Prize Fund and Awards
The total prize fund for 2025 is 90,000 PLN, distributed as follows:
🏆 Main Prizes
| Group | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | Up to 16th Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open A | 11,000 PLN | 7,500 PLN | 5,500 PLN | Yes |
| Open B | 3,500 PLN | 2,500 PLN | 1,500 PLN | Yes |
| Open C | 2,000 PLN | 1,500 PLN | 1,000 PLN | Yes |
| Open D | Non-monetary prizes | – | – | Yes |
Additional prizes include special awards for:
- Top Women
- Juniors U18 / U14
- Seniors 60+
- Best per rating range
Vouchers for Media Expert stores supplement many prizes. Players can win up to two prizes, with prioritization rules applied if tied.
📝 Registration and Fees
- Deadline: July 5, 2025
- Registration Email: memorialsuwalki@gmail.com
- Online: via [ChessManager]
- Entry Fees (before July 5):
- Open A: 270 PLN
- Open B: 220 PLN
- Open C: 170 PLN
- Open D: 90 PLN
- GM/WGM: Free
After July 5, all fees increase by 50%. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Payment Details:
- Bank: Bank Spółdzielczy Suwałki
- IBAN: PL38 9359 0002 0022 1333 2000 0001
- SWIFT: POLUPLPR
- Title: Name, Tournament Group
🛏️ Travel and Accommodation
Venue: Velvet Hotel***, ul. Kościuszki 128, Suwałki, Poland
Rooms (with breakfast / full-board):
- Single: 240 PLN / 320 PLN
- Double: 190 PLN / 270 PLN
- Triple: 150 PLN / 230 PLN
Book your stay early—availability is limited! Accommodation payment must be made before July 5, 2025 to the organizer’s account.
Suwałki is easily accessible by train or car from major Polish cities like Warsaw and Białystok. The picturesque location near lakes and forests makes it a perfect summer chess getaway.
🧑⚖️ Tournament Officials
- Tournament Director: Anna Warakomska
- Chief Arbiter: IA Maciej Cybulski
🏛️ Organizer: Irena Warakomska Association
The Irena Warakomska Association has passionately organized this memorial tournament in honor of its namesake since its inception. With a mission to promote chess among youth and provide equal opportunities across rating levels, the association is a key chess ambassador in the Podlaskie region.
Contact Information:
- 📧 Email: memorialsuwalki@gmail.com
- ☎️ Phone: +48 501 453 853 (for inquiries)
- 📍 Address: Stowarzyszenie im. Ireny Warakomskiej, ul. Gałaja 99, 16-400 Suwałki, Poland
🎯 Why You Should Participate
The Irena Warakomska Memorial combines top-tier competition with heartfelt community spirit. You’ll experience world-class playing conditions, generous prizes, and the warmth of a dedicated chess community. Whether you’re chasing rating gains, playing for glory, or exploring the stunning beauty of northeastern Poland, this event will exceed expectations.
Join us in Suwałki this summer and play your part in a growing legacy of excellence and remembrance.
For more information about this tournament, please visit the official website.
You may find other similar exciting tournaments at mychess.events.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Velvet Hotel***, ul. Kościuszki 128, 16-400 Suwałki, Poland
Prize Fund - 90,000 PLN
Organizer - Irena Warakomska Association
Organizer Phone - +48 501 453 853
Organizer email - memorialsuwalki@gmail.com
Tournament Director - Anna Warakomska
Chief Arbiter - IA Maciej Cybulski
Time control - Open A, B: 90 minutes for 40 moves + 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with 30 seconds increment from move one Open C: 90 minutes per game + 30 seconds increment Open D: 60 minutes per game + 30 seconds increment
Number of rounds - 9
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
The Irena Warakomska Association was established to honor the memory and legacy of Irena Warakomska—an exceptional figure in Polish chess and a passionate advocate for youth development in the sport. Through her lifelong dedication to chess education, organizing tournaments, and fostering local talent, she left an enduring impact on the chess community in Poland. The association proudly continues her vision by promoting chess culture, organizing prestigious events, and supporting young players in their journey from local to international stages.
One of the association’s flagship events is the Irena Warakomska Memorial, an annual FIDE-rated tournament held in Suwałki. Beyond hosting one of the most professionally managed tournaments in the region, the association also collaborates with schools, clubs, and cultural organizations to make chess more accessible to all. With a firm belief in the unifying and educational power of chess, the Irena Warakomska Association plays a vital role in the Podlaskie Voivodeship’s chess landscape.