Chess players can look forward to the BC Open 2026 from February 14-16, 2026 in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. This 6-round Swiss classical tournament – organized by Lulu Island Chess – targets a broad spectrum of players and offers both CFC and FIDE-rated sections, plus a blitz side event. The event combines competitive chess with a generous prize fund and convenient venue amenities, making it a strong choice for players seeking serious games early in the year.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Organizers guarantee a total cash prize pool of US$6,200.

General prizes by section:

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Organizers run the main event as a standard 6-round Swiss. Time control for each classical game is 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move. The Blitz side event follows 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move control. Organizers forfeit games if a player defaults more than 60 minutes after round start. They apply tie-breaks in the following order: 1) direct encounter; 2) individual cumulative score; 3) cumulative score of opponents.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Players register through the online form on the organizer’s website. Entry fees vary by registration date: Super Early Bird (before Dec 1) costs US$110; Early Bird (before Jan 5) — US$125; Regular — US$140. Blitz entry costs US$30 (before Feb 1) or US$35 after. The first 5 titled players (GM/IM/WGM/WIM) registering before Jan 1 get free entry. Players holding CM/WCM/FM/WFM titles may receive 50% discount with a promo code (request via email). Players who wish to “play up” to a higher section within 150 rating points pay an additional US$50 fee. The organizers require valid CFC membership for all participants.

Blitz entrants pay a separate fee. The organizer allows refunds: full refund on or before January 4, 2026; 50% refund until January 31, 2026; no refund after that date.

👥 Organizer

Lulu Island Chess organizes the BC Open 2026 and frequently runs high-quality tournaments and coaching services across the Lower Mainland. The club aims to strengthen the local chess community and provide competitive yet accessible events.
Email: ryanleong@luluislandchess.com
Website: https://www.luluislandchess.com

🏨 Venue

The tournament takes place in the Grand Ballroom of Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, located at 7311 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC, Canada. The hotel offers on-site paid parking and comfortable accommodation options.

🛎️ Accommodation

The Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport offers a special tournament rate for participants. The rate includes overnight parking, high-speed Internet, free local calls, and free airport transfer during designated hours. Players must call the hotel at 604-278-5555 (or toll-free 1-800-663-2878) and quote “BC Open Chess Tournament.” The rate applies for single or double occupancy (maximum 2 adults + 2 children under 15); extra persons may incur additional charges. Players must guarantee their reservation with a credit card and pay for room, taxes, and incidentals.

🚗 How to Get There

Richmond lies near Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Players can reach the venue by airport shuttle or taxi from the airport. The hotel provides paid on-site parking for private car arrivals.

We encourage every chess player to join BC Open 2026 for serious classical games, vibrant competition, and a welcoming chess community around Vancouver.