The Czech Open 2025 celebrates its 36th edition as one of Europe’s largest international chess festivals. Held in the city of Pardubice, this event combines classical, rapid, blitz, and team chess tournaments with a wide range of board games, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere. Players of all levels—from beginners to grandmasters—gather in a professional and welcoming environment to compete, socialize, and enjoy the summer chess tradition in the Czech Republic.

📅 Festival Schedule

July 17 – August 3, 2025 — Overall festival duration
July 23 – August 2, 2025 — Main chess tournaments
August 3, 2025 — Closing ceremony and departures

Organizers schedule side events, exhibitions, and activities throughout the entire duration, offering players daily competitive and leisure options.

⏱️ Time Control & Tournament Formats

Grandmaster Open Tournament

• Eligibility: Players rated 2100 and above
• Format: 9-round Swiss system
• Time control: 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with 30-second increment from move one
• Title norms: GM and IM norms possible

Main Open and Rating Events

• Format: 9-round Swiss system
• Time control: Same as Grandmaster Tournament
• Additional events include rapid and blitz tournaments, junior competitions, team events, and amateur opens

All events follow FIDE rules, and games contribute to FIDE and national ratings where applicable.

🏆 Prize Fund & Awards

Grandmaster Open Prize Fund: CZK 250,000

• 1st Place: CZK 70,000
• 2nd Place: CZK 50,000
• 3rd Place: CZK 40,000
• Remaining prizes down to 10th place

Rating Tournament Prize Fund: CZK 40,000

• 1st Place: CZK 12,000
• 2nd–8th places: Prizes ranging from CZK 10,000 to CZK 1,000

Organizers also provide category prizes and special awards for juniors, seniors, women, and local players. In the case of tied scores, the Hort system and Buchholz tiebreaks determine prize distribution.

📝 Registration & Participation

Players must submit their applications by June 30, 2025. Registrations submitted after the deadline require a late fee of EUR 13. All players must hold a valid FIDE ID to participate in rated events. Participants of CZECH OPEN 2025 Chess Festival may register online or by email using official entry forms.

💳 Payment Details

Players can pay entry fees in cash (EUR or CZK) at the venue during registration.
Fees vary by rating group and accommodation status:

Grandmaster Tournament Starting Fees

• GM / IM / WGM / WIM: Free or reduced fees depending on rating
• FIDE 2300–2450: Approx. EUR 62–83
• FIDE 2100–2299: Approx. EUR 104–125
• FIDE below 2100: Approx. EUR 187–208

Discounts

• Seniors 65+ and female players receive a 25% discount
• Discounts do not apply to late registration fees and cannot be combined

🏨 Venue Information

Venue: IDEON Congress Centre
Address: Jiráskova 1963, Pardubice, Czech Republic

The IDEON Centre offers top-class facilities, air-conditioned halls, analysis rooms, and ample space for simultaneous games and spectators.

✈️ Travel & Accommodation

Nearest Airport: Pardubice Airport (PED)
Train Station: Pardubice Main Railway Station, well connected to Prague and other cities
Accommodation: Hotels, hostels, and student dormitories available near the venue

Organizers recommend early hotel bookings due to the popularity of the festival and the high summer travel season.

👥 Organizer & Contact Information

Organizer: AVE CHESS z.s.
Address: Příčná 1892/4, Prague, Czech Republic
Phone: +420 466 535 200
Mobile: +420 608 203 007
Email: [email protected]

Participants can reach the organizing team via phone or email for questions about registration, accommodation, or logistics.

👨‍⚖️ Tournament Officials

Festival Director: International Organizer Jan Mazuch
Chief Arbiter: To be announced before the event begins

The Czech Open organizing committee guarantees high-quality arbitration and professional event management throughout the festival.

Join the Czech Open 2025 for a celebration of chess, competition, and culture in the heart of Europe. Experience the thrill of classical chess, meet international opponents, and enjoy the vibrant summer atmosphere of Pardubice.