Chess Congress Druskininkai 2026
Returning to Lithuania’s premier spa town, the Chess Congress Druskininkai 2026 features three events across the first January weekend: the evening Malsena Blitz on Friday, 2 January 2026, the youth Aquapark Open (U8/U10/U12) on Saturday-Sunday, 3-4 January 2026, and the two-day Druskininkai Rapid Open (Adults & U14/U16/U18) also on 3-4 January 2026. Tournaments are hosted in and around central Druskininkai with a convenient main venue and partner hotels, creating an easy, family-friendly chess break at the start of the new year.
Players can expect crisp organization, clear schedules, and classical rapid/blitz formats: 3+2 for the Blitz and 15+10 for the rapid events. Attractive prize funds span overall, rating, age, and special-category awards, while discounted entry conditions support titled players and juniors. A formal Closing Ceremony rounds off the festival on Monday, 5 January 2026 (afternoon).
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 2-5 January 2026 (tournament days 2-4 Jan; closing 5 Jan) |
| 📍 Location | Druskininkai, Lithuania (main venue for Blitz: Hotel Europa Royale Druskininkai, Vilniaus al. 7) |
| ♟️ Format | Multi-event festival: 1) Malsena Blitz • 2) Aquapark Open (U8/U10/U12) • 3) Druskininkai Rapid Open (Adults & U14/U16/U18) |
| ⭐ Rating | Rapid/Blitz events played under FIDE Laws (festival regulations apply per section) |
| ⏱️ Time Controls | Blitz 3’+2″ • Rapid 15’+10″ |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open festival with youth age groups and adult/open categories |
| 🧾 Notes | Titled players (GM/WGM/IM/WIM) free in Aquapark Open; section-specific entry fees and deadlines apply |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Event / Category | Prizes |
|---|---|
| Malsena Blitz | Total ≥ €1,000; 1st €200 (with 80+ players). Age prizes: U10 / U12 / U14 – 1st €100 each (with 20+ players in the age group). |
| Druskininkai Rapid Open (Adults & U14/U16/U18) | Overall: 1st €250 • 2nd €150 • 3rd €100 • 4th €70 • 5th €50 (with 100+ players). Special prizes: Women €50 • Senior U60 €50 • U1600 €50 • U1900 €50, plus additional special awards. |
| Aquapark Open (U8/U10/U12) | Cups/medals for podiums: I place (Cup); I–III overall and I–III among girls in each age group. |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Blitz: 9-round Swiss, 3 minutes + 2 seconds from move 1.
Rapid (youth and adult tournaments): 9-round Swiss, 15 minutes + 10 seconds from move 1.
Pairings via Swiss-Manager (or equivalent); tie-breaks and default-time policies per on-site regulations and notices.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Event | Sections / Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Aquapark Open (Rapid) | Aqua08 (U8): born 2018 and younger • Aqua10 (U10): born 2016–2017 • Aqua12 (U12): born 2014–2015 |
| Druskininkai Rapid Open | Adults (Open) and juniors: Aqua14 (2012–2013) • Aqua16 (2010–2011) • Aqua18 (2008–2009) |
| Malsena Blitz | Open to children and adults (festival opening blitz) |
📅 Schedule
Malsena Blitz — Friday, 2 January 2026
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, 2 Jan 2026 | 18:00 | Arrival / Check-in at venue |
| Fri, 2 Jan 2026 | 19:00 | Rounds 1–9 & Awards (evening blitz) |
Aquapark Open (U8/U10/U12) — Saturday–Sunday, 3–4 January 2026
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, 3 Jan 2026 | 09:00 | Arrival / Check-in |
| Sat, 3 Jan 2026 | 10:00 | Rounds begin (Day 1) |
| Sun, 4 Jan 2026 | — | Rounds continue (Day 2) & Awards |
Druskininkai Rapid Open (Adults & U14/U16/U18) — Saturday–Sunday, 3–4 January 2026
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, 3 Jan 2026 | 09:00 | Arrival / Check-in |
| Sat, 3 Jan 2026 | 10:00 | Rounds begin (Day 1) |
| Sun, 4 Jan 2026 | — | Rounds continue (Day 2) & Awards |
Closing Ceremony
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, 5 Jan 2026 | 14:00 | Official Closing Ceremony |
📝 Registration
How to enter: https://forms.gle/BJRS1VJrNR7asBcJ7
Entry fees:
Malsena Blitz: €10 (pay on 2 Jan or in advance).
Aquapark Open (U8/U10/U12): €20 if registered by 15 Dec 2025, €25 after. GM/WGM/IM/WIM – free.
Druskininkai Rapid Open: fee published on site/notice; pay as instructed.
Payment options: bank transfer before 30 Dec 2025 to IBAN LT647044060006885752, Company code 302324139, beneficiary Sports and art club “Juoda balta”; or cash before 2 Jan 2026 on site.
Applications & reservations: via the Google Form above or by email.
Notes: Cash prizes are paid by bank transfer to winners after required details are provided to the Lithuanian Chess Federation. Participation implies consent for event photo/video media.
👥 Organizer
Sports and Art Club “Juoda balta” (“Black White”) — an experienced Lithuanian organizer running rapid/blitz festivals, youth events, and open tournaments with regional partners and sponsors. The club coordinates all sections, halls, arbiters, and award ceremonies, and arranges festival discounts with local attractions (Aquapark, Snow Arena, Health Resort).
Email: juodabalta.klubas@gmail.com
Email (alt): jonas.sidabras@gmail.com
Phone: +37068682025
Website: http://www.juodabalta.org
Festival partners: Druskininkai Aquapark, Snow Arena, Druskininkų Gydyklos (health resort) – special participant rates available.
🏨 Venue
Hotel Europa Royale Druskininkai
Vilniaus al. 7, Druskininkai, Lithuania
Primary festival venue for the Malsena Blitz with central location, spacious halls, lift/step-free access, on-site wellness facilities, and proximity to cafés and services. Other sections play in designated halls announced by the organizer in Druskininkai.
🛎️ Accommodation
| Property | Address | Notes / Price (per room, with breakfast) |
|---|---|---|
| Europa Royale**** (historic building) | Vilniaus al. 7 | Single €80 • Double €110 (includes hotel pool complex; availability typically for 2-night bookings 2–4 Jan). Extra bed with breakfast €30 (up to 14 years €19). |
| Europa Royale**** (new building) | Vilniaus al. 7 | Double €125 • Suite (4-person) €200; same booking conditions as above. |
| Dainava (**) | Maironio 22 | Single €40 • Double €55 • Triple €76 (reservation by email; advance payment). |
| Meals (festival rates) | — | Lunch €9 • Dinner €9 (pre-order/advance possible). |
| City tax | — | Druskininkai city fee: €2 per person per night. |
Room reservations are confirmed upon organizer’s email confirmation; availability may prioritize 2-night bookings (typically 2–4 Jan).
🚗 How to Get There
By air/train/bus: fly to Vilnius or Kaunas, then intercity bus to Druskininkai; local taxis connect stations to hotels/venue.
By car: Druskininkai is well signposted via regional roads; hotel parking available near the venue.
Local attractions with participant discounts: Druskininkai Aquapark, Snow Arena, Druskininkų Gydyklos (health resort).
Enjoy a compact, well-organized festival in a beautiful spa town—Chess Congress Druskininkai 2026 offers quality rapid and blitz chess, generous awards, and convenient winter accommodation for players and families.