International Chess Open Graz 2026 returns to Graz, Austria at the distinctive NOVAPARK Flugzeughotel Graz from 14–20 February 2026. The festival features A/B/C Opens (9 rounds), a Seniors 50+ Open (7 rounds), and a Weekend Open (5 rounds) — all professionally organized with clear regulations, sizable prizes, and an on-site social program.

📌 Event Details

Personal attendance registration is mandatory on Sat 14 Feb, 12:00–15:00 in the playing hall — otherwise players will not be paired.

💰 Prize Fund

Total Prize Fund: €12,000 (prizes are single, not split; presence at awards required; guaranteed from 150 participants).

Main Prizes by Tournament

Special Prizes (selection):
— A-Open: Best Woman €100 · Best Senior €100 · Best Youth €100 · Elo 2150–2299 €100 · Under 2150 €100 · Best Austrian €400
— B-Open: Best Woman €50 · Best Senior €50 · Best Youth (U14) €50 · Elo <1800 €50
— C-Open: Best Woman €30 · Best Senior €30 · Best Youth (U14) €30
— Seniors: Best Woman €50 · Elo <2000 €50 · Over 65: 1st €200, 2nd €100
— Weekend: Best Woman €50 · Best Senior €50 · Best Youth (U18) €50 · Elo <2000 €50

🧩 Sections / Eligibility

Rating & Lists: A-Open is FIDE-rated; B/C/S/W are internationally and nationally Elo-rated. Starting lists use FIDE rating.

⏱️ Time Control & Tiebreaks

• Time Control (all sections): 90′ + 15′ from move 40 + 30″/move from move 1
• Tiebreaks (order): Direct Encounter → Buchholz-1 (refined) → Buchholz → Sonneborn-Berger
• Half-point byes / Fair-play / Anti-Cheating: as per tournament regulations

📅 Schedule (all local time)

Saturday · 14 Feb
— 12:00–15:00 Registration (attendance control)
— 15:30 Opening & Pairings
— 16:00 Round 1 — A/B/C · Seniors · Weekend

Sunday · 15 Feb
— 09:30 Round 2 — A/B/C · Seniors · Weekend
— 16:00 Round 2 Seniors · Round 3 — A/B/C/Weekend

Monday · 16 Feb
— 09:30 Round 4 Weekend
— 16:00 Round 3 Seniors · Round 4 A/B/C · Round 5 Weekend
— ~21:00 Weekend Awards

Tuesday · 17 Feb
— 09:30 Round 5 A/B/C
— 16:00 Round 4 Seniors · Round 6 A/B/C

Wednesday · 18 Feb
— 16:00 Round 5 Seniors · Round 7 A/B/C

Thursday · 19 Feb
— 16:00 Round 6 Seniors · Round 8 A/B/C

Friday · 20 Feb
— 09:30 Round 7 Seniors · Round 9 A/B/C
— ~15:30 Festival Awards

📝 Registration & Entry Fees

Email registration: registration@chessgraz.com
Bank transfer deadline: 10 Feb 2026 (otherwise +€15 late fee; personal registration/payment possible)
Account: CHESS OPEN GRAZ — IBAN AT83 2081 5000 2364 5690 · BIC STSPAT2GXXX

Base Entry Fees (per player)

Surcharges:
— A-Open entry 1950–2049: +€45
— B-Open entry <1700: +€20
Late payment (after 10 Feb): +€15

* Seniors: year of birth 1961 or earlier · ** Youth: year of birth 2008 or younger.

🏢 Organizer

Styrian Chess Federation (Steir. Schachverband)
Address: Karmeliterplatz 2/1, 8010 Graz
Tournament Director: IO Andrea Schmidbauer
Email: office@chessgraz.com · Registration: registration@chessgraz.com
Phone: +43 (0)699 1111 999 1

🏟️ Venue

NOVAPARK Flugzeughotel Graz, Fischeraustraße 22, 8051 Graz
— Distinctive aviation-themed hotel with large halls, suitable for parallel sections
— Comfortable analysis spaces; on-site amenities and easy access to city services

🛏️ Accommodation

The NOVAPARK hotel and nearby Graz accommodation provide a range of options across budgets. Early booking is recommended due to festival demand and parallel sections.

🚉 How to Get There

• By Air: Graz Airport (GRZ) with city connections by train/bus/taxi
• By Rail: Graz Hauptbahnhof; short taxi or local transit to NOVAPARK
• By Car: Convenient approach from A9/A2; venue parking available nearby

Graz combines the elegance of an old cultural hub with the vibrancy of modern chess. Whether in the flagship A-Open, the ambitious B/C groups, or the community-friendly Seniors and Weekend events, the 2026 edition offers every participant the chance to play serious, rewarding chess in an unforgettable setting.