Chess.com Botwinnik Open 2026
The Chess.com Botwinnik Open 2026, held from 2-4 January 2026 in Zoetermeer (Netherlands), brings together up to 300 players for a major FIDE-rated classical weekend event. Organized by Schaakvereniging Botwinnik in partnership with Chess.com, this three-group open tournament offers six classical rounds with 90+30 time control, plus additional four-player round-robins running alongside the main event.
With a total prize fund exceeding €5,000 across the open groups, plus extra category prizes, youth prizes, women’s prizes, and numerous Chess.com-sponsored gifts, the Botwinnik Open has quickly become one of the strongest and fastest-growing early-January tournaments in the Netherlands.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 2-4 January 2026 (Fri–Sun) |
| 📍 Location | Motion Beweeg College, Van Doornenplantsoen 1, 2722 ZA Zoetermeer |
| ♟️ Format | 6-round Swiss system (Open groups) + Four-player round-robins |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE-rated & KNSB-rated |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move |
| 👥 Max Participants | 300 players |
| 📂 Groups | A (≥2000), B (1750–2049), C (<1800) |
| 🏅 Extra Sections | Vierkampen (one round per day) |
| ⚠️ Rating Basis | KNSB rating used first; FIDE rating or rapid rating if needed |
| 💵 Entry Fees | 30 € (Open groups) • 20 € (Vierkampen) • IM/GMs free |
| 📌 Additional | Non-KNSB members pay +12.50 € (annual rating membership) |
🏆 Prize Fund
Open Groups (Total Prize Pool: 5,000+ €)
| Place | A Group | B Group | C Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 800 € | 500 € | 300 € |
| 2 | 600 € | 375 € | 225 € |
| 3 | 400 € | 250 € | 150 € |
| 4 | 320 € | 200 € | 120 € |
| 5 | 240 € | 150 € | 90 € |
Additional Prizes
• Rating prizes
• Youth prizes
• Women’s prizes
• Chess.com-sponsored material prizes
• Prizes guaranteed with 200+ participants in open groups
• Minimum 75% of total entry fees returned as prize money
Vierkamp Prizes
• Winner: 40 €
• Runner-up: 20 €
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
• All open groups: 6 rounds, 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move.
• Vierkamp: 1 round per day.
• One ½-point bye allowed only in Round 1 of open groups.
• All other byes count as a loss.
• Re-pairing occurs after 30 minutes for players without an opponent.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| A Group | Rating ≥2000 |
| B Group | Rating 1750–2049 |
| C Group | Rating <1800 |
| Vierkampen | Four-player round-robins (one game per day) |
📅 Schedule
Friday, 2 January 2026
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 2 | 12:45–13:00 | Opening |
| Fri, Jan 2 | 13:00–17:00 | Round 1 |
| Fri, Jan 2 | 18:30–22:30 | Round 2 + Vierkamp |
Saturday, 3 January 2026
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jan 3 | 13:00–17:00 | Round 3 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 18:30–22:30 | Round 4 + Vierkamp |
Sunday, 4 January 2026
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Sun, Jan 4 | 09:00–13:00 | Round 5 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 14:00–18:00 | Round 6 + Vierkamp |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 18:30 | Prize ceremony |
📝 Registration
• Entry fees:
• Open groups: 30 €
• Vierkampen: 20 €
• IMs/GMs: Free
• Non-KNSB members: +12.50 € (annual membership)
• Payment details:
• IBAN: NL03 INGB 0002 5547 52
• Holder: S.V. Botwinnik
• Description: Full name
• Registration becomes final after payment is received.
👥 Organizer
The event is organized by Schaakvereniging Botwinnik, in partnership with Chess.com.
Contacts:
• Website: https://svbotwinnik.nl/
• Email: info@svbotwinnik.nl
• Tournament Coordinator (day-of emergencies):
• Max Kanbier – 06 34 31 33 83 – maxkanbier@gmail.com
🏨 Venue
The tournament takes place at Motion Beweeg College,
Van Doornenplantsoen 1, 2722 ZA Zoetermeer.
The venue is easily accessible and offers ample playing space.
🛎️ Accommodation
The organizers do not provide official hotel packages, but Zoetermeer and nearby The Hague offer numerous accommodation options for all budgets.
🚗 How to Get There
Zoetermeer is well-connected with trains, trams, and buses. Driving access is convenient via A12. Public transport from The Hague and Rotterdam offers fast travel options to the venue.
A strong, friendly, and competitive classical open awaits you in Zoetermeer-kick off your 2026 chess year with inspiring games and great tournament atmosphere!
🧾 Other
• Prizes guaranteed with 200+ players in open groups
• Minimum 75% of total entry fees redistributed as prize fund
• Chess.com provides additional sponsored material prizes