The Bratislava Chess Summer 2025 returns as the largest summer chess festival in Slovakia, welcoming players of all ages and levels to the capital city from August 4 to August 8, 2025. Organized by Doprastav Bratislava Chess Club in collaboration with the Rača City District and Hotel Bivio, the festival offers a week of rich chess activity including classical, blitz, bullet, Fischer Random, and children’s tournaments. With multiple sections across various venues, inclusive entry conditions, and thoughtful amenities, the event creates a vibrant and family-friendly chess experience in the heart of Bratislava.
📅 Event Dates and Structure
Festival Duration: August 4 – August 8, 2025
Main Events: Tournaments A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Total Rounds: Up to 14 (varies by section)
Main Venues: Nemecký kultúrny dom (Barónka 3), Hotel Bivio (Alstrova 153), Stará jedáleň (Pekná cesta 4A)
🕰️ Time Controls and Sections
♞ Tournament A – Open Doprastav 2025 (Memorial of Ernest Nový)
Format: 9-round Swiss, FIDE-rated
Eligibility: Players rated 1600+
Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move
Venue: Nemecký kultúrny dom
♘ Tournament B – Bivio Cup
Format: 14 rounds (7 double-round matches)
Eligibility: Players rated 1400–1699
Time Control: 40 minutes + 30 seconds per move
Venue: Hotel Bivio
♙ Tournament C – Račiansky Cup
Format: 14 rounds (7 double-round matches)
Eligibility: Children born 2010 or later, FIDE rating under 1400
Time Control: 25 minutes per player
Venue: Stará jedáleň
♖ Tournament D – Bullet Chess Championship
Date: August 5, 2025
Time Control: 2 minutes + 1 second per move
Rounds: 11
Venue: Nemecký kultúrny dom
♜ Tournament E – Freestyle 960 (Fischer Random)
Date: August 6, 2025
Time Control: 5 minutes + 2 seconds per move
Rounds: 8
Venue: Nemecký kultúrny dom
♗ Tournament F – Bughouse Championship
Date: August 7, 2025
Time Control: 3 minutes per player
Rounds: 7 double rounds
Venue: Nemecký kultúrny dom
♕ Tournament G – Blitz FIDE-rated
Date: August 8, 2025
Time Control: 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move
Rounds: 11
Venue: Nemecký kultúrny dom
🏆 Prize Fund and Awards
♞ Tournament A – Open Doprastav 2025
General Prizes
• 1st Place: €300 and a trophy
• 2nd Place: €200 and a medal
• 3rd Place: €100 and a medal
Rating Prizes
• Best player rated up to 1800: €50
• Best player rated up to 2000: €50
Special Awards
• Best junior (U18): Book prize and medal
• Best senior (65+): Book prize and medal
♘ Tournament B – Bivio Cup
General Prizes
• Top 3 finishers: Book prizes and medals
Special Awards
• Best player under 10: Book prize
• Best senior (65+): Book prize
♙ Tournament C – Račiansky Cup (Children’s Section)
General Prizes
• Top 3 finishers: Book prizes, medals, and collectible stones
Participation Awards
• All participants: Participation medals
Tournaments D–G
Prize fund ranges from €20 to €150, including cash, cups, and medals
📝 Registration and Participation
Registration Deadline: June 30, 2025
Late Entry Fee: Additional €10 after the deadline
Entry Fees
Tournament A: €55 standard / €95 with lunch; Seniors: €30–€70
Tournament B: €50 standard / €90 with lunch; Seniors: €30–€70
Tournament C: €95 (includes lunch); Chess camp: €80 / Full-day program: €175
Side Events (D–G): €5 to €10, payable in cash on-site
Family Discount: 25% off for each family member in multiple sections
💳 Payment and Services
Organizers accept payment by bank transfer or on-site in cash.
Packages with meals are available, including daily refreshments (fruit, snacks, water, coffee).
The children’s program includes lunch supervision, activities, and certified instructors.
📍 Venue Information
Nemecký kultúrny dom – Barónka 3, Bratislava (2 hours free parking)
Hotel Bivio – Alstrova 153, Bratislava (free parking and 20% discount for players)
Stará jedáleň – Pekná cesta 4A, Bratislava (free courtyard parking)
All venues feature comfortable halls, access to refreshments, and public transportation.
✈️ Travel and Accommodation
Airports: Bratislava Airport (BTS) or Vienna Airport (VIE), both with direct shuttle or bus access
Public Transport: Venues are easily reachable by tram, bus, or metro
Accommodation Options:
Hotel Bivio (tournament partner hotel)
Dimael Hostel & Apartments
U Teodora Apartments
Hostel Alex
Organizers recommend early booking to secure tournament-rate accommodations.
🧑💼 Organizer and Contact Details
Organizer: Doprastav Bratislava Chess Club
Partners: Rača City District, Hotel Bivio
Tournament Director: Martin Hunčár
Email: huncar.martin@gmail.com
Phone: +421 903 440 480
Chief Arbiters: Michal Vrba, FA Olexandra Strelbitská, Karol Paluska, Matúš Červeň
🎉 Join the summer chess celebration in Bratislava and enjoy an unforgettable festival of strategic play, community, and fun at the Bratislava Chess Summer 2025!
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Nemecký kultúrny dom
Prize Fund - ~€1,150 EUR
Organizer - Doprastav Bratislava Chess Club
Organizer Phone - +421 903 440 480
Organizer email - huncar.martin@gmail.com
Chief Arbiter - Michal Vrba
Rating - FIDE