8th Yerevan Open International Chess Tournament
The 8th Yerevan Open International Chess Tournament will take place from December 4–10, 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia. Held under the high patronage of Yerevan Municipality, the tournament is organized by the Yerevan Chess Federation and includes Tournament A, Tournament B, and a separate Blitz tournament.
Tournament A is mainly intended for players rated 2101 and above, although the organizer may admit a limited number of lower-rated players. Tournament B is open to players rated 2100 and below, while eligible unrated players with I or II chess rank may also participate. The Blitz tournament is open to all participants of Tournaments A and B, as well as all FIDE-rated players.
All three tournaments are played as 9-round Swiss tournaments. The total monetary prize fund is 12,000,000 AMD / approx. $33,160, with additional prizes provided by Chessify and ChessMood.
♟️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | 8th Yerevan Open International Chess Tournament |
| Dates | December 4–10, 2026 |
| Country | Armenia |
| City | Yerevan |
| Venue | Tigran Petrosyan Chess House |
| Address | 50 Khanjyan Street, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia |
| Tournaments | Tournament A, Tournament B, Blitz |
| System | 9-round Swiss |
| FIDE ID | Required for all participants |
| Prize Fund | 12,000,000 AMD / approx. $33,160 |
| Organizer | Yerevan Chess Federation |
| Sponsors | Chessify LLC, ChessMood |
| Registration Deadline | November 26, 2026 |
| Official Website | https://yerevanchessfed.com/ |
| Official Regulations | https://yerevanchessfed.com/redactor-files/8th%20Yerevan%20Open%20-%20Regulations.PDF |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Tournament A and Tournament B use the same classical time control, while the Blitz tournament is played separately with blitz time control.
| Tournament | Format | Rounds | Time Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tournament A | Classical | 9 | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| Tournament B | Classical | 9 | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| Blitz | Blitz | 9 | 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move |
Pairings in all tournaments are made using Swiss-Manager based on ratings. All players must have a FIDE ID.
Tie-Breaks
In case of a tie, the following tie-breaks apply:
- Cut Buchholz-1
- Buchholz
- Direct encounter
- Most black
- Greater number of victories
A player cannot receive more than one prize and will be awarded the higher prize.
🏆 Prize Fund
The total prize fund of the three tournaments is 12,000,000 AMD / approx. $33,160. All prizes are subject to taxation in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.
Tournament A – Main Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | 2,000,000 AMD (~$5,530) |
| 2nd | 1,400,000 AMD (~$3,870) |
| 3rd | 1,000,000 AMD (~$2,770) |
| 4th | 750,000 AMD (~$2,080) |
| 5th | 550,000 AMD (~$1,520) |
| 6th–10th | 250,000 AMD (~$700) each |
| 11th–15th | 180,000 AMD (~$500) each |
| 16th–20th | 120,000 AMD (~$340) each |
| 21st–25th | 80,000 AMD (~$230) each |
Tournament A – Additional Category Prizes
| Category | 1st Place | 2nd Place |
|---|---|---|
| U2300 | 150,000 AMD (~$420) | 110,000 AMD (~$310) |
| U2200 | 90,000 AMD (~$250) | — |
| Women | 200,000 AMD (~$560) | 100,000 AMD (~$280) |
Tournament B – Main Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | 350,000 AMD (~$970) |
| 2nd | 250,000 AMD (~$700) |
| 3rd | 200,000 AMD (~$560) |
| 4th | 150,000 AMD (~$420) |
| 5th | 100,000 AMD (~$280) |
| 6th | 70,000 AMD (~$200) |
| 7th | 60,000 AMD (~$170) |
| 8th | 50,000 AMD (~$140) |
| 9th | 50,000 AMD (~$140) |
| 10th | 50,000 AMD (~$140) |
Tournament B – Additional Category Prizes
| Category | 1st Place |
|---|---|
| Women | 65,000 AMD (~$180) |
| U12 | 45,000 AMD (~$130) |
| U10 | 35,000 AMD (~$100) |
| U8 | 25,000 AMD (~$70) |
Blitz Tournament – Main Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | 300,000 AMD (~$830) |
| 2nd | 200,000 AMD (~$560) |
| 3rd | 130,000 AMD (~$360) |
| 4th | 90,000 AMD (~$250) |
| 5th | 70,000 AMD (~$200) |
| 6th | 50,000 AMD (~$140) |
| 7th | 40,000 AMD (~$120) |
Blitz Tournament – Additional Category Prizes
| Category | 1st Place |
|---|---|
| Women | 35,000 AMD (~$100) |
| U14 | 40,000 AMD (~$120) |
| U12 | 25,000 AMD (~$70) |
| U10 | 20,000 AMD (~$60) |
Chessify Prizes (Tournament A)
Chessify prizes are presented in US dollars and are independent from the monetary prizes.
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| Main – 1st | $500 |
| Main – 2nd | $400 |
| Main – 3rd | $300 |
| Main – 4th | $200 |
| Main – 5th | $100 |
| U2300 – 1st | $300 |
| Women – 1st | $300 |
| U18 – 1st | $300 |
| U16 – 1st | $300 |
| U14 – 1st | $300 |
Chessify website: https://www.chessify.me/
ChessMood Prizes – Tournament A
| Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 1 year | 6 months | 3 months |
| Women | 6 months | — | — |
| U16 | 3 months | — | — |
| U14 | 3 months | — | — |
| 64th Place | 1 month | — | — |
ChessMood Prizes – Tournament B
| Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 6 months | 3 months | 1 month |
| Women | 3 months | — | — |
| U14 | 1 month | — | — |
| U12 | 1 month | — | — |
| U10 | 1 month | — | — |
| 64th Place | 1 month | — | — |
ChessMood website: https://www.chessmood.com/
Players who finish 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the tournaments will also receive trophies and diplomas.
🧩 Sections / Groups
The event consists of three tournaments with different eligibility conditions.
| Tournament | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Tournament A | Open to players with FIDE rating 2101 and above |
| Tournament B | Open to players with FIDE rating 2100 and below |
| Blitz Tournament | Open to participants of Tournaments A and B, as well as all FIDE-rated players |
FIDE-unrated players with I and II chess rank may also participate in Tournament B.
The organizer reserves the right to allow a limited number of players rated below 2100 to play in Tournament A.
📅 Schedule
The tournament schedule runs from December 4 to December 10, 2026.
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | December 4 | 15:00 |
| Round 2 | December 5 | 10:30 |
| Round 3 | December 5 | 16:00 |
| Round 4 | December 6 | 10:30 |
| Blitz Tournament | December 6 | 18:30 |
| Round 5 | December 7 | 15:00 |
| Round 6 | December 8 | 10:30 |
| Round 7 | December 8 | 16:00 |
| Round 8 | December 9 | 15:00 |
| Round 9 | December 10 | 10:30 |
| Closing Ceremony | December 10 | 18:30 |
📝 Registration
Entry fees depend on the tournament, rating, title, and the date of registration.
Tournament A Entry Fees
| FIDE Standard Rating | Until Nov 26, 2026 | Nov 27–30, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2100 | 70,000 AMD (~$200) | 80,000 AMD (~$230) |
| 2101–2200 | 50,000 AMD (~$140) | 60,000 AMD (~$170) |
| 2201–2300 | 40,000 AMD (~$120) | 50,000 AMD (~$140) |
| 2301–2400 | 30,000 AMD (~$90) | 40,000 AMD (~$120) |
Entry is free for:
- GMs
- Players with FIDE rating 2400+
- IMs with FIDE rating 2300+
Tournament B Entry Fees
| FIDE Standard Rating / Title | Until Nov 26, 2026 | Nov 27–30, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 and above | 15,000 AMD (~$50) | 20,000 AMD (~$60) |
| Under 2000 | 20,000 AMD (~$60) | 25,000 AMD (~$70) |
| Under 1800 | 25,000 AMD (~$70) | 30,000 AMD (~$90) |
| I Rank | 30,000 AMD (~$90) | 35,000 AMD (~$100) |
| II Rank | 40,000 AMD (~$120) | 45,000 AMD (~$130) |
Blitz Tournament Entry Fees
| FIDE Blitz Rating / Title | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| GM / IM | Free |
| 2101 and above | 4,000 AMD (~$20) |
| Under 2100 | 7,000 AMD (~$20) |
Registration Notes
- All participants must pay an additional 5,000 AMD Yerevan Chess Federation fee.
- Players born between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013 receive a 10% discount for Tournaments A and B.
- Players born after December 31, 2013 receive a 20% discount for Tournaments A and B.
- In case of cancellation, 80% of the entry fee will be refunded.
Registration Deadline
The published registration deadline for Tournament A and Tournament B is November 26, 2026.
However, the regulations also list late-registration fees for November 27–30, 2026. Players planning to register after November 26 should confirm acceptance directly with the organizer.
👤 Organizer
Organizer Name: Yerevan Chess Federation
Contact Person: IM/IA Norayr Kalantaryan – Tournament Director
Email: info@yerevanchessfed.com
Phone: +374 93 000 963
📍 Venue
Tigran Petrosyan Chess House – 50 Khanjyan Street, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
The tournament venue is one of Armenia’s best-known chess centers and regularly hosts major national and international competitions.
All three tournaments are scheduled to be played at the same venue.
🚆 How to Get There
The Tigran Petrosyan Chess House is located on Khanjyan Street in central Yerevan. Participants staying in the city center can usually reach the venue by taxi, public transport, ride-hailing service, or on foot depending on their hotel location.
International players usually arrive through Zvartnots International Airport (EVN). From the airport, central Yerevan can be reached by taxi or other local transportation.
Because some tournament days include two rounds, participants should choose accommodation with travel time in mind, especially for December 5 and December 8.
ℹ️ Other Information
Important Playing Rules
The default time for the tournament is 30 minutes from the start of the round.
Electronic devices are not allowed in the playing hall. Players are also not allowed to agree to a draw before the 30th move.
Prize winners must attend the closing ceremony. Otherwise, 20% of the prize money will be withheld.
FIDE & Tournament Conditions
All participants must have a FIDE ID.
The classical tournaments are FIDE-rated, and the Blitz tournament will also be submitted to FIDE for rating calculations.
High Patronage & Sponsors
The tournament is held under the high patronage of Yerevan Municipality.
The official sponsors are:
- Chessify LLC
- ChessMood
Visa Information
International players should check Armenia’s visa requirements before travelling:
Official Regulations
Full official regulations:
https://yerevanchessfed.com/redactor-files/8th%20Yerevan%20Open%20-%20Regulations.PDF
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $33,160
Organizer
♟️ About Yerevan Chess Federation
Yerevan Chess Federation is the city chess federation responsible for supporting the development and promotion of chess throughout Yerevan, Armenia. Reorganized in 2014, the federation brings together chess schools, trainers, arbiters, tournament organizers, young players, and established competitors from across the capital’s administrative districts.
The federation coordinates a broad programme of competitive and educational chess. Its activities include international tournaments, city championships, youth competitions, qualification events, school tournaments, rapid and blitz competitions, memorial events, training programmes, and projects designed to make chess accessible to wider sections of the community.
Artur Davtyan serves as President of Yerevan Chess Federation. The leadership team also includes Vice Presidents Norayr Kalantaryan and Grandmaster Rafael Vaganian, together with presidency members Artak Manukyan and Norayr Hovhannisyan. They work with chess-school administrators, trainers, arbiters, municipal institutions, and the Armenian Chess Federation to support chess activity throughout Yerevan.
🏆 Tournaments and Chess Events
Yerevan Chess Federation organizes and supports a varied programme of classical, rapid, and blitz tournaments. Its events range from introductory qualification competitions to major international tournaments featuring grandmasters, international masters, ambitious juniors, and experienced club players.
One of its principal recurring events is the Yerevan Open International Chess Tournament. The competition includes internationally rated classical sections for different rating levels, together with a separate blitz tournament. Its multi-section format gives strong professionals and developing players opportunities to compete during the same international chess festival.
The federation also organizes the Rafael Vaganian Cup in cooperation with Yerevan Municipality. Named after the celebrated Armenian grandmaster and former World Championship candidate, the event has featured round-robin rapid and blitz competitions with leading Armenian players.
Other federation activities have included the Arsen Yegiazaryan Memorial, city rapid and blitz championships, school team championships, professional-sector competitions, simultaneous exhibitions, and memorial tournaments. Published regulations, official registration, qualified arbitration, rating administration, pairings, results, and event photography form part of its tournament operations.
Through these competitions, Yerevan Chess Federation provides opportunities for players to gain international ratings, improve national chess categories, compete for city titles, and gain experience against opponents from Armenia and abroad.
🎓 Chess Schools and Youth Development
Youth chess is central to the federation’s work. Yerevan Chess Federation coordinates with a large network of chess schools operating in the city’s administrative districts. These institutions provide structured instruction for beginners, developing juniors, and talented young competitors preparing for regional, national, and international events.
The federation maintains an extensive programme of qualification tournaments through participating chess schools. Players can progress through Armenia’s chess-category system by competing in organised events appropriate to their level. School championships and preliminary, semifinal, and final competitions provide additional pathways into serious tournament chess.
Young players can also participate in Yerevan youth and girls’ championships, team competitions, rapid and blitz events, training camps, and national qualification stages. This structure allows children to move from introductory lessons to official rated competition while receiving support from professional trainers and experienced arbiters.
The federation also promotes chess beyond specialist sports schools. Its activities have included cooperation with general-education schools, municipal authorities, public institutions, community organisations, and professional groups. These initiatives use chess to develop concentration, logical thinking, patience, independent decision-making, and sporting discipline.
By combining international tournament organization, citywide chess education, structured qualification events, and youth development, Yerevan Chess Federation plays a major role in maintaining Yerevan’s position as one of the most active chess cities in Armenia.
Hotels Near the Venue
Find nearby accommodation for this tournament location.
