International Open Chess Tournament “Mikis Theodorakis”
The International Open Chess Tournament “Mikis Theodorakis”, April 3-9, 2026, in Chania, Greece brings classical chess to Crete with a strong international feel and a distinctive cultural identity. The event runs a 9-round Swiss and welcomes a wide rating range through a practical two-group structure that helps players compete in balanced fields.
Chania’s Old Town and Venetian Harbor setting adds real character to every round, while the tournament’s €4,700 cash prize fund raises the competitive stakes across both groups. The schedule supports serious play with a classical time control, and the event also allows FIDE title norms, which makes it attractive for ambitious performers and traveling chess players.
🗓️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | April 3-9, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Chania, Crete, Greece |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round Swiss system |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE ELO (standard) |
| 📂 Sections | Group A, Group B |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes for 40 moves + 15 minutes + 30 seconds per move from move 1 |
| 💳 Entry fee | Group A: €0–€60 based on FIDE ELO; Group B: €50 |
| 💰 Prize fund | €4,700 |
| 👤 Eligibility | Group A: up to 1700 ELO; Group B: under 1700 ELO |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Tournament Directors: Giorgos Naoum, Kostas Tsarouhas |
🏆 Prize Fund
A Group (Overall)
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €1,000 |
| 2nd | €600 |
| 3rd | €400 |
| 4th | €250 |
| 5th | €250 |
A Group (Women)
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Woman | €300 |
| 2nd Woman | €200 |
| 3rd Woman | €100 |
B Group (Overall)
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €300 |
| 2nd | €200 |
| 3rd | €100 |
Combined Special Prizes (with the International Chess Tournament Pafos – Cyprus)
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st by total points across both tournaments | €500 |
| 2nd by total points across both tournaments | €300 |
| 3rd by total points across both tournaments | €200 |
The event awards several non-cash special prizes (cups, medals, gifts) across age and category groups, including youth and veteran distinctions.
The tournament applies the Hort system for tied prize places: organizers split 50% of the tied prizes equally and distribute the remaining 50% by tie-break order. If a player wins two special category prizes, the player takes the larger prize.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament runs a 9-round Swiss system with two groups. The organizers use the following time control for games: 90 minutes for 40 moves + 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move from move 1.
The tournament uses these tie-breaks in order:
Head-to-head result (when applicable)
Buchholz
Median Buchholz
Sonneborn-Berger
Arrive within one hour of the scheduled start time, or you forfeit the game. Request a half-point bye through Round 5 and notify the chief arbiter before pairings for the next round.
The event allows FIDE title norms.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Up to 1700 ELO | Players rated 1650–1700 may switch groups with an additional €30 plus the Group A fee |
| Group B | Under 1700 ELO | Veteran-category players may choose either group |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | 11:00 | Registration confirmations deadline |
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | 15:00 | Pairings for Round 1 |
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | 16:00 | Opening Ceremony |
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | 16:30 | Round 1 |
| April 4, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 | Round 2 |
| April 4, 2026 | Saturday | 17:00 | Round 3 |
| April 5, 2026 | Sunday | 16:30 | Round 4 |
| April 6, 2026 | Monday | 10:00 | Round 5 |
| April 6, 2026 | Monday | 17:00 | Round 6 |
| April 7, 2026 | Tuesday | 16:30 | Round 7 |
| April 8, 2026 | Wednesday | 16:30 | Round 8 |
| April 9, 2026 | Thursday | 10:00 | Round 9 |
| April 9, 2026 | Thursday | 16:30 | Closing Ceremony |
📝 Registration
Complete the registration form and submit it by email:
https://mikis.chaniachess.gr/registration-form/
Pay the entry fee by bank transfer and write the player’s name with the payment. Send a scanned copy of the bank deposit document by email. Players cover all bank transfer fees.
Entry fees:
Group A: Free for players with ELO above 2350 and titled players (GM, WGM, IM)
Group A: €40 for ELO 2300–2350
Group A: €50 for ELO 2200–2299
Group A: €50 for veteran players over 60
Group A: €60 for all other players
Group B: €50 for all players
Players rated 1650–1700 may switch groups with an additional €30 plus the Group A fee
Entry fee deposit details:
Bank: Bank of Chania
Account number: 204710001
IBAN: GR08 0690 0010 0000 0020 4710 001
Account owner: APO “MIKHS THODORAKIS”
Pay by March 10, 2026 to avoid a €5 surcharge. Add €5 to the applicable entry fee for payments after March 10, 2026.
👥 Organizer
Chania Chess Academy and A.P.O. “MIKHS THEODORAKIS” organize the tournament in cooperation with the Region of Chania, the Municipality of Chania, and the Greek Chess Federation. The organizers position the event as an international chess and cultural week in Chania, with a full classical schedule and prize incentives across both groups.
Email: chaniachessacademy@gmail.com
Phone: +30 6957630383
Website: https://mikis.chaniachess.gr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaniachess/
🏨 Venue
Center for Mediterranean Architecture – The Great Arsenal, Grand Arsenal, Michail Afentoulief, Chania 731 32, Greece
The tournament takes place at the Center for Mediterranean Architecture – The Great Arsenal, a landmark cultural venue in Chania’s Old Town near the Venetian Harbor that regularly hosts public events and exhibitions.
🛎️ Accommodation
The organizer offers limited hospitality for GM and WGM (apply a minus-100 ELO adjustment for women when assessing rating thresholds). The organizer uses a strict priority list.
| Category | Rating threshold | Stay | Room | Meal plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GM / WGM | 2600+ | 8 days (7 nights) | Single | Full board |
| GM / WGM | 2500–2599 | 8 days (7 nights) | Double | Full board |
| GM / WGM | 2450–2499 | 8 days (7 nights) | Double | Breakfast |
🚗 How to Get There
Fly into Chania Airport (CHQ) and continue to Chania by bus or taxi. The venue sits in Chania’s Old Town area by the Venetian Harbor, so you can reach the playing hall easily once you arrive in the city center.
Bring your best classical form to Chania and play a full week of tournament chess in one of Crete’s most memorable settings.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - €4,700
Organizer
The Chania Chess Academy is one of the leading chess institutions in Crete, Greece, dedicated to fostering chess talent, promoting strategic thinking, and building a strong chess culture across the Chania region. With a mission to make chess accessible to all, the academy provides high-quality training, competitive opportunities, and educational outreach for players of all ages and skill levels.
Founded by passionate chess educators and supported by local municipalities, the academy plays a key role in developing the next generation of players through structured coaching programs, school partnerships, and regular tournaments. Its experienced instructors include FIDE-certified coaches, accomplished players, and youth mentors who emphasize both the technical and psychological aspects of the game.
The Chania Chess Academy actively organizes and supports prestigious chess events such as the Paleochora Open, and it maintains a strong presence in national competitions. Through a blend of in-person training, online classes, and community engagement, the academy continues to inspire young minds while advancing chess as both a sport and educational tool.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or a competitive player aiming to reach the next level, the Chania Chess Academy offers the guidance, structure, and inspiration to help you thrive in the world of chess.