Jordan Aqaba Red Sea Chess Seminar Tournament 2026 combines seven rated tournament rounds with analysis and training at Kempinski Hotel Aqaba from November 20 to 29. Moreover, Schachreisen structures the program as a residential chess holiday on the Red Sea. Participants can also add an optional Petra and Wadi Rum program from November 17.
The chess schedule includes seven classical rounds, post-game analysis, evening instruction, and a blitz event on a tournament-free day. In addition, titled trainers guide participants through their own games and selected instructional themes. The travel format links accommodation, breakfast, tournament organization, and local support.
The published package begins at €1,149 per person in a double room and €2,199 in a single room for nine nights. Therefore, travelers can compare the complete residential cost before committing. Flights remain separate, and the organizer requires a minimum group size of fourteen participants.
📌 Event Details
| 📅 Dates | November 20–29, 2026 |
| 🌍 Location | Aqaba, Jordan |
| 📍 Venue | Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea – King Hussein Street, Aqaba, Jordan |
| 🏢 Organizer | Schachreisen – Jörg Hickl |
| ♟️ Format | Residential seven-round seminar tournament with analysis, training, and blitz |
| 🔢 Rounds | 7 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | Classical seminar-tournament control under the official travel program |
| 📊 Rating | Rated tournament under the organizer’s published framework |
| 📧 Contact | info@schachreisen.eu +49 6126 958345 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The main tournament uses seven classical rounds within the seminar-travel timetable. Moreover, analysis sessions allow players to review their games with titled instructors after play. A separate blitz activity takes place during the tournament-free program.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility / Dates | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Seminar Tournament | Accepted travel-program participants | 7-round classical competition |
| Post-game Analysis | Tournament participants | Guided analysis with titled trainers |
| Training Program | Travel-program participants | Lectures and instructional sessions |
| Blitz Tournament | Program participants | Side event on the free day |
🗓️ Schedule
| Date / Stage | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| November 17–19 | Optional extension | Petra and Wadi Rum pre-program |
| November 20 | Travel program | Main-group arrival and opening arrangements |
| November 21–28 | Detailed organizer timetable | Seven rounds, analysis, training, free day, and blitz |
| November 29 | Travel program | Departure or extension |
📝 Registration
Participants should book through the official Schachreisen page. In addition, travelers should select the room category, optional excursion program, insurance, airport arrangement, and payment schedule. The organizer confirms operation after reaching the published minimum group size.
👤 Organizer
| 🏢 Organizer | Schachreisen – Jörg Hickl |
| info@schachreisen.eu | |
| ☎️ Phone | +49 6126 958345 |
| 🌐 Official Page | https://www.schachreisen.eu/schachreisen/jordanien-aqaba |
| 🏨 Venue | Kempinski Aqaba |
📍 Venue
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea hosts the tournament and main travel group on King Hussein Street. Furthermore, the beachfront hotel provides guest rooms, breakfast, leisure facilities, and direct access to the seminar program. Participants should book through Schachreisen so that the hotel and chess package remain coordinated.
🚗 How to Get There
| Travel Option | Practical Information |
|---|---|
| By Air | King Hussein International Airport serves Aqaba; Amman provides a larger international network with a long road transfer. |
| Airport Transfer | Participants should use the organizer’s transfer guidance or a licensed airport service. |
| By Road | Aqaba connects with Petra, Wadi Rum, and Amman through Jordan’s national road network. |
| Entry Requirements | Travelers should verify passport, visa, insurance, and health requirements for Jordan. |
🏨 Accommodation Near the Venue
| Accommodation Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea | Official tournament venue and main package hotel. Official website |
| Package extension | Additional nights and the Petra/Wadi Rum program should be arranged through Schachreisen. |
| Alternative accommodation | The published tournament operates as a residential package, so external lodging needs organizer approval. |
ℹ️ Other Information
- The main package covers nine hotel nights and breakfast under the published travel program.
- Flights are not included.
- The optional pre-program visits Petra and Wadi Rum.
- The organizer requires a minimum group size of fourteen participants.
✅ Final Checks Before Travel
- First, verify the accepted-player list, section, rating identifiers, and payment status.
- In addition, review the published round schedule, default time, bye rules, tie-breaks, and device policy.
- Moreover, save the venue route and organizer contact before travel.
- Finally, recheck accommodation, parking, meals, and cancellation conditions.
🔗 Official Resources
| Resource | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Official Schachreisen Page | https://www.schachreisen.eu/schachreisen/jordanien-aqaba |
| Kempinski Aqaba | https://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-aqaba-red-sea |
| Visit Jordan | https://international.visitjordan.com/ |
| Aqaba Airports Company | https://www.aac.jo/ |
Organizer
♟️ About Schachreisen
Schachreisen is a specialist chess travel and tournament organizer based in Hünstetten, Germany. Grandmaster Jörg Hickl launched the project in 1998. Initially, he developed chess holidays in cooperation with a major German bridge travel provider. However, since 2001, he has managed Schachreisen independently as its sole organizer. The organization combines competitive chess, professional instruction, and leisure travel in carefully selected destinations. Over the years, it has arranged more than 120 chess trips and tournaments for over 3,000 participants. Its destinations have included Germany, the Canary Islands, Italy, Georgia, Jordan, Vietnam, Bali, Thailand, Singapore, and several international cruise routes. As a result, Schachreisen has developed a distinctive position within European chess tourism.
🏆 Chess Tournaments, Seminars and Training
Schachreisen organizes classical tournaments, seminar tournaments, rapid and blitz events, simultaneous exhibitions, lectures, and practical training sessions. Many of its main tournaments include seven rounds and qualify for German DWZ or international Elo rating. Moreover, participants can analyze their games directly after each round with an International Master or Grandmaster. The wider chess program often includes lectures, guided analysis, training exercises, a game-of-the-day presentation, and evening competitions. Programs mainly serve experienced recreational and club players, although the organizers can also accommodate participants outside the usual playing-strength range. This structure allows players to combine serious tournament competition with personal instruction in a relaxed setting.
🌍 International Chess Travel
GM Jörg Hickl leads the programs together with an experienced group of titled players and coaches. Regular instructors include IM Dr. Erik Zude, GM Michael Prusikin, WFM Dijana Dengler, and WFM Franziska Beltz. Hickl became an International Grandmaster in 1988 and won the German Individual Chess Championship in 1998. In addition, he represented Germany on almost 100 occasions and has more than 25 years of coaching experience. Current and recent Schachreisen programs include seminar tournaments in Oberaula, Lanzarote, Merano, Weimar, and Da Nang, as well as events in Jordan, Georgia, and Bahrain. The organization also offers chess cruises, including routes through the Panama Canal and across the Atlantic to South America. Furthermore, Schachreisen provides individual chess training, public lectures, simultaneous exhibitions, and chess publications for club players.
Hotels Near the Venue
Find nearby accommodation for this tournament location.
