Jūrmala Chess Blitz & Open
The seaside resort of Jūrmala (Latvia) hosts a compact winter festival pairing a one-evening blitz with a four-day classical open at the SemaraH Hotel Lielupe Spa & Conferences. Under the guidance of GM Alexei Shirov and the Latvian/Riga Chess Federations, the Jūrmala Blitz 2026 on 16 February 2026 leads into the Jūrmala Open <2400 from 17-20 February 2026, offering smooth Swiss pairings, clear rules, and an easy-to-follow schedule at a single, accessible venue.
Players can choose the adrenaline of 12 blitz rounds (3+2) or settle in for 7 classical rounds (60+30) the following days. Entry is straightforward by email, the venue is steps from Jūrmala’s beaches, and prize pools are funded directly from entry fees, keeping the focus on practical, competitive chess in a friendly setting.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | Blitz: 16 February 2026 • Open <2400: 17-20 February 2026 |
| 📍 Location | SemaraH Hotel Lielupe Spa & Conferences, Bulduru prospekts 64/68, Jūrmala, Latvia |
| ♟️ Format | Two tournaments under one festival: Blitz (12-round Swiss) and Open <2400 (7-round Swiss) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | Blitz: 3′ + 2″ • Open: 60′ + 30″ from move 1 |
| ⭐ Rating | Both events FIDE rated |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open <2400: players with Elo <2400 • Blitz: open to all with a FIDE ID |
| 💵 Entry Fee | Blitz: €15 • Open: €50 |
| 🏅 Prize Pool | Blitz: 50% of collected entry fees • Open: 50% of collected entry fees |
| 👤 Officials | Tournament Director: GM Alexei Shirov • Chief Arbiter: IA Alberts Cimiņš • Deputy: IA Aivars Laizāns |
| 🗳️ Registration deadline | 12 February 2026, 20:00 (by email; see Registration) |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Event | Prize Pool | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jūrmala Blitz 2026 | 50% of collected entry fees | Distributed at the end of play |
| Jūrmala Open <2400 | 50% of collected entry fees | Paid at the closing ceremony |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Blitz: 12 rounds, 3′ + 2″; single evening.
Open <2400: 7 rounds, 60′ + 30″ from move 1 across four days.
System: Swiss; pairings with Swiss-Manager; FIDE Laws apply.
Tie-breaks (festival standard): Improved Buchholz (cut 1 best & worst) → Buchholz → RST (rating performance).
Scoresheets: Required for the classical open.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility | Rounds | Time Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blitz | Open (FIDE ID required) | 12 | 3′ + 2″ |
| Open <2400 | Elo <2400 | 7 | 60′ + 30″ |
📅 Schedule
Blitz — Monday, 16 February 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 17:00–17:30 | Registration |
| 17:40 | Rounds begin (continuous 12-round session) |
| 20:30 | Awards Ceremony |
Open <2400 — Tuesday–Friday, 17–20 February 2026
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, 17 Feb | 11:00–11:20 | Registration |
| Tue, 17 Feb | 11:30 | Round 1 |
| Tue, 17 Feb | 15:30 | Round 2 |
| Wed, 18 Feb | 11:00 | Round 3 |
| Wed, 18 Feb | 15:30 | Round 4 |
| Thu, 19 Feb | 11:00 | Round 5 |
| Thu, 19 Feb | 15:30 | Round 6 |
| Fri, 20 Feb | 11:00 | Round 7 |
| Fri, 20 Feb | 14:30 | Closing Ceremony |
📝 Registration
How to enter: Email alberts.cimins@inbox.lv by 12 February 2026, 20:00 with: Name, Surname, Year of Birth, FIDE ID, Elo, City/Club, Team (if any), Event(s) entered.
Fees payable on site at check-in unless otherwise instructed by the organizer.
Festival etiquette: Bring your FIDE ID; arrive early for on-site confirmation; follow any posted anti-cheating and device rules.
👥 Organizer
Organized by GM Alexei Shirov in cooperation with the Riga Chess Federation and the Latvian Chess Federation.
General inquiries: alberts.cimins@inbox.lv
Federation info: https://www.sahafederacija.lv/
🏨 Venue
All rounds take place in the SemaraH Hotel Lielupe Spa & Conferences, Bulduru prospekts 64/68, Jūrmala — spacious conference halls a short walk from the beach and the Bulduri train stop, ideal for both the blitz evening and the four-day open.
🚗 How to Get There
By air/train: Fly to Riga (RIX), then take a train from Riga Central to Bulduri (Jūrmala); brief walk to the hotel.
By car: Follow A10/E22 toward Jūrmala and signs to Bulduri; hotel parking available (check current policies).
Sharpen your tactics on Monday night blitz, then test your classical form over four days — join Jūrmala Blitz 2026 and the Jūrmala Open <2400 at the SemaraH Hotel Lielupe this February!
Organizer
Founded in 1931, the Latvian Chess Federation is the national governing body for chess in Latvia and a leading chess tournament organizer in the Baltics. Working with clubs, municipalities, and schools, the federation coordinates a deep year-round calendar of FIDE-rated classical, rapid, and blitz events, plus training for arbiters and coaches. Its player-first logistics, clear regulations, and experienced arbiters provide reliable pathways for juniors, adult improvers, and titled players to gain rating experience—anchoring open chess events in Riga and across the country.
The federation’s flagship competitions include the Latvian Chess Championship (men’s and women’s), national youth championships, team leagues, and school initiatives that broaden participation from grassroots to elite levels. Consistent organization and welcoming venues have helped Latvian events attract strong domestic and visiting fields, reinforcing Riga’s status as a hub for Baltic chess.
Contact
Address: Aspazijas bulvāris 32–1A, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Phone: +371 22035652
Email: info@sahafederacija.lv
Website: https://www.sahafederacija.lv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latvianchessfederation/
Rīgas Šaha federācija is a city-level chess tournament organizer that coordinates FIDE-rated open, rapid, and blitz events across Riga and the wider region. Working with clubs, venues, and arbiters, the federation runs accessible tournaments with clear regulations and player-first logistics—giving juniors, adult improvers, and titled players reliable pathways for rating progress and practical experience in Riga chess and the Baltic chess scene.
Alongside league and youth initiatives, the federation co-organizes popular series such as the Riga Open rapid/weekly stages and supports major festivals hosted in the capital, historically including the RTU Open in partnership with national and university bodies. The focus on fair-play standards, qualified arbiters, and welcoming venues has made Riga a consistent hub for open chess events in Latvia.
Contact
Address: Dzelzavas iela 42–15, 1035 Rīga, Latvia
Phone: +371 28804664