European Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship 2025
Organizers from the European Chess Union (ECU) will host the European Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship 2025 from August 4 to August 8 in Thessaloniki, Greece. They will welcome young chess talents from across Europe to the prestigious Porto Palace Hotel, where participants will compete and showcase their skills on an exceptional platform.
📍 Venue & Atmosphere
The championship will be held in the Conference Hall of the 5-star Porto Palace Hotel, providing a comfortable and professional environment for participants. Thessaloniki, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, offers an ideal backdrop for this international youth competition.
♟️ Tournament Format
The event comprises two separate championships:
- 24th European Youth Rapid Championship:
- Dates: August 5–6, 2025
- Format: 9-round Swiss system
- Time Control: 15 minutes plus 10 seconds increment per move
- Categories: Open and Girls sections for U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18
- 24th European Youth Blitz Championship:
- Date: August 7, 2025
- Format: 9 double rounds (two games per round), Swiss system
- Time Control: 3 minutes plus 2 seconds increment per move
- Categories: Open and Girls sections for U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18
Additionally, a Chess Solving Competition will take place on August 6, 2025.
🏆 Prizes & Titles
The top three players in each category will receive trophies, medals, and gift prizes. Winners will earn the titles of European Youth Rapid Champion and European Youth Blitz Champion in their respective age and gender categories.
📝 Registration & Accommodation
- Registration Deadline: July 20, 2025
- Accommodation: Participants are required to stay at the official hotel, the Porto Palace Hotel. The registration-accommodation package includes full board, transportation from and to Thessaloniki International Airport on arrival and departure days, and all taxes.
- Single Room: €650 per person
- Double Room: €430 per person
- Triple Room (one child U12): €390 per person
Each National Federation can register an unlimited number of players who meet the age requirements. Registrations and bookings must be made through the appointed local organizer via email at atchess100@gmail.com
📅 Schedule Overview
- August 4: Arrival of participants and Technical Meeting at 21:00
- August 5: Opening Ceremony at 10:30; Rapid Rounds 1–5
- August 6: Chess Solving Competition at 10:00; Rapid Rounds 6–9
- August 7: Blitz Rounds 1–9; Awarding Ceremony at 21:00
- August 8: Departure of participants
🌐 Additional Information
For detailed information, including regulations and registration forms, please visit the official tournament website
Join us in Thessaloniki this August for a celebration of youth chess excellence at the European Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship 2025!
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Conference Hall of the 5-star Porto Palace Hotel
Organizer - European Chess Union
Tournament system - SWISS
Organizer
Established on August 30, 1985, the European Chess Union (ECU) serves as the official governing body for chess in Europe. With its headquarters in Hünenberg See, Switzerland, the ECU unites 54 national chess federations, coordinating a wide array of tournaments and initiatives to promote the game throughout the continent.
♟️ Mission and Activities
The ECU’s primary objectives include:
- Organizing prestigious events such as the European Individual Championships, European Team Championships, European Club Cups, and European Youth Championships.
- Promoting chess education and development across member federations.
- Collaborating with the World Chess Federation (FIDE) to align European chess activities with global standards.
👥 Leadership
The ECU is led by a dedicated board elected for four-year terms. The current leadership includes:
- President: Zurab Azmaiparashvili
- Deputy President: Dana Reizniece-Ozola
- Secretary General: Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou
- Treasurer: Ion-Serban Dobronauteanu
For a complete list of board members and their roles, please visit the official ECU website.