LOCARNO WEEKEND OPEN 2026 (24–26 April, Locarno, Switzerland)
LOCARNO WEEKEND OPEN 2026 is a fast, friendly, and competitive Swiss weekend tournament on Lake Maggiore. Hosted at the H4 Hotel Arcadia****, the event features five classical rounds over three days with a practical schedule ideal for a spring chess getaway.
📌 Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | 24 – 26 April 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland |
| 🏟️ Venue | H4 Hotel Arcadia, Lungolago G. Motta, CH-6601 Locarno |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | FIDE-rated International Open |
| 🧩 Tournament System | 5-round Swiss |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 5 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1 |
| ⏰ Default Time | 60 minutes |
| 🧮 Rating | FIDE & Swiss national rating |
| 🏢 Organizer | Swiss Chess Tour (Coordinator: Claudio Boschetti) |
| 👩⚖️ Tournament Director / Chief Arbiter | IA Tiziana Balzarini |
⏱️ Time Control & Regulations
- 90′ + 30″/move from move 1.
- Pairings with Swiss-Manager (Dutch system).
- FIDE Laws of Chess and anti-cheating rules in force.
- Electronic devices must be off and stored.
📅 Schedule
| Round | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fri, 24 Apr | 20:00 |
| 2 | Sat, 25 Apr | 09:00 |
| 3 | Sat, 25 Apr | 16:00 |
| 4 | Sun, 26 Apr | 09:00 |
| 5 | Sun, 26 Apr | 14:00 |
Closing ceremony immediately after Round 5.
📝 Registration
- Handled via Swiss Chess Tour entry form.
- FIDE ID required for all players.
- Entries may be capped by hall capacity; early registration recommended.
🏢 Organizer
Swiss Chess Tour — a long-running circuit delivering structured classical weekend events across Switzerland. Known for professional arbiters and inclusive prize structures.
Coordinator: Claudio Boschetti · Chief Arbiter: IA Tiziana Balzarini.
🏟️ Venue
H4 Hotel Arcadia, Lungolago G. Motta, Locarno — four-star lakeside hotel with bright halls, comfortable seating, and quick access to the lake promenade.
🛏️ Accommodation
- Onsite rooms at H4 Hotel Arcadia (limited availability).
- Other hotels and guesthouses in Locarno/Ascona, within walking/bus distance.
- Book early — April weekends on the lake are popular.
🚉 How to Get There
- By Train: SBB to Locarno, then short walk/bus to venue.
- By Air: Zurich (ZRH) or Milan Malpensa (MXP), then train to Bellinzona/Locarno.
- By Car: A2 motorway exit Bellinzona Sud → Locarno; parking near lakefront.
Spring on Lake Maggiore is a sweet spot for focused chess and easy travel: five classical rounds, a lakeside venue, and a relaxed festival vibe. Bring your prep, enjoy the promenade, and race the standings in the Locarno Weekend Open 2026.