All India Open Motilalji Firodia Classical FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026
All India Open Motilalji Firodia Classical FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026 takes place from May 27-31, 2026 in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India. This is a chess tournament in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India, in 2026. The event brings players together for a major over-the-board chess tournament with nine rounds, one main open section, and a full classical chess tournament time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Laxmi Narayan Mangal Karyalay on Tilak Road hosts the competition, and the tournament offers a confirmed cash prize fund of about USD 5,900.
Moreover, this chess tournament in Ahilyanagar stands out for its wide prize structure, large number of category awards, and strong local support in Maharashtra. In addition, the All India Open Motilalji Firodia Classical FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026 is recognized by AICF and MCA, which gives players an appealing FIDE rated chess tournament option in western India. As a result, this chess event in Ahilyanagar suits titled players, ambitious juniors, club competitors, women, veterans, and unrated players who want a substantial five-day event.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 27-31, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round Swiss tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated |
| 📂 Sections | 1 section |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes + 30-second increment from move 1 |
| 💳 Entry fee | INR 2,100 until March 31, 2026; INR 2,500 from April 1 to May 25, 2026 |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 5,900 (approx.) |
| 👤 Eligibility | Open to all eligible players meeting registration requirements |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Free entry for GM, IM, WGM, and WIM players |
🏆 Prize Fund
The total confirmed cash prize fund is INR 501,000.
| Prize category | Cash prizes |
|---|---|
| Main prizes | 1st INR 100,000; 2nd INR 60,000; 3rd INR 40,000; 4th INR 20,000; 5th INR 11,500; 6th INR 8,000; 7th INR 5,000; 8th INR 4,000; 9th INR 3,000; 10th INR 2,500 |
| Below 1800 | 1st INR 18,500; 2nd INR 10,000; 3rd INR 6,000; 4th INR 3,500; 5th INR 2,500 |
| Below 1600 | 1st INR 15,000; 2nd INR 10,000; 3rd INR 6,000; 4th INR 3,500; 5th INR 2,500 |
| Above 55 | 1st INR 5,000; 2nd INR 4,000; 3rd INR 3,500; 4th INR 3,000; 5th INR 2,500 |
| Under 15 | 1st INR 5,000; 2nd INR 4,000; 3rd INR 3,500; 4th INR 3,000; 5th INR 2,500 |
| Under 13 | 1st INR 5,000; 2nd INR 4,000; 3rd INR 3,500; 4th INR 3,000; 5th INR 2,500 |
| Under 11 | 1st INR 4,000; 2nd INR 3,000; 3rd INR 2,500; 4th INR 2,500; 5th INR 2,500 |
| Under 9 | 1st INR 4,000; 2nd INR 3,000; 3rd INR 2,500; 4th INR 2,500; 5th INR 2,500 |
| Under 7 | 1st INR 4,000; 2nd INR 3,000; 3rd INR 2,500; 4th INR 2,500; 5th INR 2,500 |
| Best Nagar District | 1st INR 5,000; 2nd INR 4,000; 3rd INR 3,500; 4th INR 3,000; 5th INR 2,500 |
| Best Nagar Taluka | 1st INR 5,000; 2nd INR 4,000; 3rd INR 3,500; 4th INR 3,000; 5th INR 2,500 |
| Best woman | 1st INR 5,000; 2nd INR 4,000; 3rd INR 3,500; 4th INR 3,000; 5th INR 2,500 |
| Unrated | 1st INR 5,000; 2nd INR 4,000; 3rd INR 3,500; 4th INR 3,000; 5th INR 2,500 |
In addition, the tournament awards five attractive trophies in each listed prize group. The first 100 boards will also receive wooden chess sets.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system. Each player receives 90 minutes for the full game plus a 30-second increment from move one. Therefore, the event follows a full classical chess tournament structure from the opening round to the last game.
Moreover, the event is recognized by AICF and MCA. The published rules also note that further operational details will be announced in the tournament hall. In addition, players are expected to arrive on May 27, 2026 at 10:30 AM, and all participants must attend the opening function on the same day at 11:30 AM.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament is played as one main open section. However, the prize structure includes a wide range of rating, age, women’s, local, veteran, and unrated categories.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | 10:30 AM | Arrival |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | 11:30 AM | Opening function |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Rounds begin | |
| May 31, 2026 | Sunday | 2:30 PM | Prize distribution |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Submit the entry form and complete the deposit |
| Entry fee | INR 2,100 until March 31, 2026; INR 2,500 from April 1 to May 25, 2026 |
| Free entry | GM, IM, WGM, WIM |
| Deadline | Deposits accepted until May 25, 2026 |
| Payment | Bank deposit |
| Food package | INR 1,600 for 9 limited meals, 5 breakfasts, and 10 teas |
| Membership | AICF registration is compulsory |
| MCA requirement | MCA registration is compulsory for Maharashtra players |
| Spot entry | No spot entry |
👥 Organizer
Ahmednagar District Chess Circle organizes this major classical event in Ahilyanagar with support from Shantikumarji Firodia Memorial Foundation. In addition, the organizing team handles registration, food and dormitory coordination, and tournament operations throughout the five-day program.
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Phone: +91 9326092501
🏨 Venue
Laxmi Narayan Mangal Karyalay, Tilak Road, Ahilyanagar 414001, Maharashtra, India
The tournament takes place at Laxmi Narayan Mangal Karyalay in Ahilyanagar. Moreover, the venue gives players one central playing site for the full event. This setup keeps the schedule practical for a long classical tournament.
🛎️ Accommodation
A common hall dormitory and food package are available at the venue. In addition, the published food package includes 9 limited meals, 5 breakfasts, and 10 teas for INR 1,600.
The organizer also lists nearby hotel options in Ahilyanagar, including Iris Premier, Hotel Sanket, Hotel Parijat, and Hotel Raj Palace.
🧾 Other
The organizing committee reserves the right to accept or reject any entry without assigning a reason. Moreover, all players must attend the prize distribution on May 31, 2026 at 2:30 PM.
Take part in a major Maharashtra classical event and enjoy five days of competitive FIDE-rated chess in Ahilyanagar.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $5,900
Organizer
Ahmednagar District Chess Circle is a district-level chess organizer based in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India. It plays a central role in the local chess community and works closely with state and national chess structures. Moreover, the organization has earned visibility through regular rated events and broader chess development in the district.
The circle organizes FIDE-rated tournaments, district events, arbiter programs, and large open competitions in Ahmednagar. In addition, it has been publicly linked to major classical chess tournaments such as the Shantikumarji Firodia events and other rating competitions that attract players from across India. Its activity also extends to seminar hosting and recognized tournament administration.
Over the years, the organization has built a stable reputation as a practical tournament organizer with strong continuity. Furthermore, its leadership has remained visible in Maharashtra chess, which reinforces its place in the state’s competitive ecosystem. As a result, Ahmednagar District Chess Circle continues to support both grassroots participation and higher-level open chess tournament play.
