The Mikhail Chigorin Memorial is one of the oldest and most prestigious chess events in Russia, honoring the founder of the Russian chess school. Held annually in Saint Petersburg, this international classical tournament brings together elite grandmasters, rising stars, and passionate amateurs. The 2025 edition promises another year of exciting competition in a city that breathes history, culture, and chess excellence.
📅 Dates & 🏛️ Venue
- Tournament Dates: October 24 – November 3, 2025
- Venue: Park Inn by Radisson Pulkovskaya Hotel
- Address: Pobedy Square 1, Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Spacious halls, live broadcast facilities, and on-site dining for players
♟️ Tournament Format
🔷 Classical Open Tournament
- Rounds: 9-round Swiss system
- Time Control: 90 minutes for the game + 30 seconds increment per move
- Schedule:
- Opening Ceremony: October 24
- Rounds 1–9: October 25 – November 2
- Closing Ceremony: November 3
- FIDE-rated and norm-eligible (IM/GM)
- Open to all FIDE-registered players
💰 Prize Fund & Awards
- Total Prize Fund: ₽1,800,000+
- Top 10 finishers receive cash prizes
- Special awards for best female player, senior, junior, and local participants
- Trophies and official commemorative prizes for top winners
📝 Registration & Entry Fees
- Registration Deadline: October 22, 2025
- Entry Fees:
- Players rated 2300+: ₽2,000
- Below 2300: ₽3,000
- GMs, IMs, WGMs: Free or discounted
- Payment:
- Bank transfer in advance
- On-site payment in cash (October 24 check-in)
🧳 Travel & 🏨 Accommodation
✈️ Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Pulkovo International Airport (LED), 20 minutes from venue
- Rail: Fast access via Moskovsky Train Station
- Public transport, taxis, and metro available throughout the city
🏨 Accommodation
- Official hotel: Park Inn Pulkovskaya (tournament venue)
- Room options: ₽4,000–₽6,500 per night
- Nearby alternatives: AZIMUT Hotel, Ibis Moskovsky, budget hostels
- Organizers offer booking assistance and visa support for foreign participants
👥 Tournament Officials
- Tournament Director: GM Kirill Alekseenko
- Chief Arbiter: IA Sergey Ivanov
- Supported by an experienced arbiter team and technical staff
🏢 Organizer – Saint Petersburg Chess Federation
The Saint Petersburg Chess Federation proudly organizes the Mikhail Chigorin Memorial. As one of Russia’s leading regional chess bodies, the federation hosts major international tournaments, youth championships, and club events throughout the year. It also provides FIDE training programs and supports chess in education.
- Address: Ulitsa Marata 20, Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Phone: +7 (812) 312-45-89
- Email: [email protected]
🌟 Why You Should Participate
The Mikhail Chigorin Memorial offers more than prestige—it gives players the opportunity to immerse themselves in Russia’s rich chess heritage while competing in a world-class event. Whether you’re seeking norms, prize money, or unforgettable games against top-tier opponents, Saint Petersburg in autumn delivers an experience worthy of the legend it honors.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Park Inn by Radisson Pulkovskaya Hotel
Prize Fund - 1,800,000+ RUB
Organizer - Saint Petersburg Chess Federation
Organizer Phone - +7 (812) 312-45-89
Organizer email - [email protected]
Tournament Director - GM Kirill Alekseenko
Chief Arbiter - IA Sergey Ivanov
Time control - 90 minutes for the game + 30 seconds increment per move
Number of rounds - 9
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
The Saint Petersburg Chess Federation stands as one of Russia’s most historic and influential regional chess organizations. With deep roots in a city often referred to as the cradle of Russian chess culture, the federation continues to foster excellence at all levels—from scholastic training and club events to national-level tournaments. It actively develops youth programs, supports talented players, and hosts prestigious events such as the Peter the Great Memorial and the Chigorin Memorial, attracting strong fields of domestic and international players.
With a commitment to professionalism and accessibility, the federation provides regular competitions, coaching sessions, FIDE-rated tournaments, and chess promotion initiatives throughout Saint Petersburg. It serves as a bridge between the chess community and the city’s educational, sports, and cultural institutions, creating a vibrant and supportive environment for the game.