Summer chess in Quebec peaks at the Laval Open Chess Championship 2026, June 26-28, 2026, Laval, Canada, where the organizer delivers a clean weekend Swiss with strong local competition and international rating value in the Open. The tournament runs 5 rounds across three days and offers CAD $3,500 in guaranteed cash prizes spread across four sections. The Open section counts for FQE, CFC, and FIDE rating, which makes it a strong target for players who want classical games that matter for multiple rating systems.
The organizer hosts play at a convenient hotel venue in Laval and keeps the schedule practical with a Friday evening start and two rounds each on Saturday and Sunday. You can request half-point byes early, and you can focus on long, technical games thanks to a classical time control with increment. Free parking supports easy logistics, and the organizer also offers on-site clock rental for players who need it.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | June 26-28, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Laval, Quebec, Canada |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss system |
| ⭐ Rating | Open: FQE, CFC, and FIDE rated; Sections B–D: FQE rated |
| 📂 Sections | Open; Section B (U2000); Section C (U1700); Section D (U1400 and unrated) |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes for the game + 30 seconds per move from move 1 |
| 💳 Entry fee | CAD $65–$130 depending on section and deadline |
| 💰 Prize fund | CAD $3,500 (guaranteed cash prizes) |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Free parking; 30-minute default time |
🏆 Prize Fund
Open Section
| Prize | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1st | $700 |
| 2nd | $300 |
| 3rd | $200 |
| Class prize (U2200) | $150 |
Section B (U2000)
| Prize | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1st | $500 |
| 2nd | $225 |
| 3rd | $150 |
| Class prize (U1800) | $100 |
Section C (U1700)
| Prize | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1st | $350 |
| 2nd | $200 |
| 3rd | $125 |
Section D (U1400 and unrated)
| Prize | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1st | $250 |
| 2nd | $150 |
| 3rd | $100 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The organizer runs a 5-round Swiss-system tournament across four sections. The Open section counts for FQE, CFC, and FIDE rating, and Sections B–D count for FQE rating.
The tournament uses a classical time control of 90 minutes for the game plus a 30-second increment from move 1. The organizer applies a 30-minute default time for each round.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Open section | FQE, CFC, and FIDE rated |
| Section B | Under 2000 | FQE rated |
| Section C | Under 1700 | FQE rated |
| Section D | Under 1400 and unrated | FQE rated |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 26, 2026 | Friday | 7:00 PM | Round 1 |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 AM | Round 2 |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | 3:00 PM | Round 3 |
| June 28, 2026 | Sunday | 10:00 AM | Round 4 |
| June 28, 2026 | Sunday | 3:00 PM | Round 5 |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Online via club website: https://echecslaval.com/ |
| Entry fee deadlines | Before June 1, 2026; June 1–15, 2026; on-site on June 26, 2026 (before 5:00 PM) |
| Open entry fee | $100 (before June 1) / $110 (June 1–15) / $130 (on-site) |
| Section B entry fee | $85 (before June 1) / $95 (June 1–15) / $115 (on-site) |
| Section C entry fee | $70 (before June 1) / $80 (June 1–15) / $100 (on-site) |
| Section D entry fee | $65 (before June 1) / $75 (June 1–15) / $95 (on-site) |
| Free entry | GM, IM, FM |
| Quebec master entry | Free until May 15; regular fee applies after May 15 |
| Byes | Half-point byes available in Rounds 1 and 2; request byes before the tournament; maximum of two byes |
| Payment method | Pay through https://echecslaval.com/ |
👥 Organizer
The organizer runs the Laval Open as a structured four-section weekend championship with guaranteed prizes and a straightforward five-round schedule. The event supports multi-rating competition in the Open and keeps logistics simple through a single hotel venue with free parking and clear on-site procedures.
Email: info@echecslaval.com
Phone: +1 514 581 5043
Website: https://echecslaval.com/
Email: info@fqechecs.qc.ca
Phone: +1 514 252 3034
Website: https://www.fqechecs.qc.ca/
🏨 Venue
Holiday Inn Laval, 2900 boulevard Le Carrefour, Laval, QC H7T 2K9, Canada
The organizer hosts the tournament in a hotel setting that suits a full weekend schedule and keeps players close to the playing hall between rounds. The venue address sits in central Laval, which supports easy access by car and local transport. The organizer also provides free parking for participants.
🚗 How to Get There
Use the venue address 2900 boulevard Le Carrefour, Laval, QC H7T 2K9, Canada to plan your route to the Holiday Inn Laval. Drive when you prefer a direct trip, and plan local travel within Laval around the scheduled round times.
Bring your best calculation and endgame technique, and turn a summer weekend in Laval into five serious classical games and a shot at guaranteed prizes.
🧾 Other
Players must bring their own chess clocks, and the organizer also offers clock rental on site.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - CAD $3,500
Organizer
Ligue Lavalloise d’échecs (Échecs Laval) is a local chess organization based in Laval, Quebec, Canada. It supports competitive over-the-board chess and regular club play in the region. Today, Ligue Lavalloise d’échecs (Échecs Laval) also promotes structured opportunities for improving players.
Moreover, the organization runs major weekend events such as the Laval Open Chess Championship 2026. The tournament delivers a clear multi-section Swiss format with a classical time control. In addition, the Open section targets players who want results recognized across multiple rating systems.
Beyond tournament weekends, the club maintains steady activity for members and developing players. Consequently, visitors can expect reliable organization and a welcoming chess community in Laval, Quebec, Canada.
Address: Centre communautaire Saint-Louis-de-Montfort, 25 rue Saint-Louis, Laval, QC H7G 4W3, Canada
Email: info@echecslaval.com
Phone: +1 514 581 5043
Website: https://echecslaval.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echecslaval/