JESENÍK OPEN 2026 takes place on August 14-23, 2026 in Jeseník, Czech Republic. This long-running spa-town festival brings together experienced club players, ambitious juniors, and strong tournament regulars for a full summer week of classical chess, rapid chess, and blitz.

This is a chess tournament in Jeseník, Czech Republic, in 2026. JESENÍK OPEN 2026 combines two classical groups with a rapid opener and a midweek blitz event. Therefore, the festival gives players several competitive formats while keeping the full program in one scenic venue.

In addition, the Priessnitz Spa setting gives the tournament a very different atmosphere from a standard city hall event. As a result, JESENÍK OPEN 2026 works well for players who want serious games, practical on-site amenities, and a more relaxed summer tournament environment.

🏁 Event Details

The festival keeps the structure broad, yet the layout stays clear. Because all tournament activities run inside the Priessnitz Spa campus, players can follow the program more easily from day to day.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The classical part of JESENÍK OPEN 2026 uses a serious long-play format. Group A and Group B both run over nine rounds with 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 30 minutes to finish, plus a 30-second increment from move one. Consequently, players get enough time for deep middlegame decisions and full endgame play.

Meanwhile, the rapid event uses 12 minutes plus 3 seconds, and the blitz uses 3 minutes plus 2 seconds. Therefore, the festival creates a natural progression from longer classical games to faster side events.

The organizers publish pairings online each round. In addition, they apply FIDE Laws of Chess and the festival’s anti-cheating rules throughout the event. Because of that, the playing framework remains consistent across all sections.

Classical Events

Group A and Group B form the main classical core of the festival. Both groups run as 9-round Swiss tournaments, and both count for standard rating where applicable. As a result, the classical week remains the central sporting focus of the festival.

Fast Events

The Rapid – Memorial Svatopluk Hastík opens the festival, while the Blitz Open adds a shorter competitive highlight in the middle of the week. Moreover, both side events fit naturally into the broader Jeseník schedule instead of feeling separate from it.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The festival uses a clear structure instead of one single open. Therefore, stronger players can aim at Group A, while many regular club players may find Group B more suitable. At the same time, the rapid and blitz events give participants extra playing options during the same stay.

📅 Schedule

The festival schedule stays easy to understand at a glance. First, the rapid tournament opens the program. Then the two classical groups run through the main week. Finally, the blitz event adds a midweek change of pace before the classical finish.

📝 Registration

Players should register early because the organizer may close the field before the deadline if the event fills. Moreover, early payment helps secure a place on the start list. Because of that, advance planning is the safer option for most players.

👤 Organizer

Šachový klub Jeseník organizes JESENÍK OPEN 2026 and continues the long-running Jeseník summer chess tradition. The club has built this festival into a recognizable Czech tournament week with classical chess at its core and rapid and blitz events around it. Therefore, players can expect an experienced local organizer and a well-established event format.

📍 Venue

Congress Hall, Priessnitz Spa, Priessnitzova 20, 790 03 Jeseník, Czech Republic

The festival takes place inside the Priessnitz Spa complex above the town of Jeseník. The Congress Hall serves as the main playing site, while adjacent spaces support the wider festival program. In addition, the resort setting gives players access to dining, wellness, and accommodation options during the event. As a result, the venue adds real practical value to a long tournament stay.

🚗 How to Get There

Players can reach Jeseník by train or bus through routes that connect via Olomouc or Šumperk. After arrival in town, local transport or a short taxi ride takes players up to Priessnitz Spa. Meanwhile, drivers can follow the mountain roads into Jeseník and then follow signs toward Priessnitzovy léčebné lázně. For international travel, Prague, Katowice, and Wrocław remain practical airport gateways before the final rail or road connection.

Enjoy nine classical rounds, add rapid or blitz to your trip, and turn a summer tournament into a full chess week in the Czech mountains.