Open Blitz Chess Tournament in North Macedonia
Open Blitz Chess Tournament takes place on April 4, 2026 in Skopje, North Macedonia as part of the Chess Festival marking 50 years of Chess Club ALKALOID. This one-day FIDE rated blitz chess tournament welcomes players with a FIDE Blitz rating or a Standard rating and offers a fast, competitive format in Hotel Continental. In addition, the event uses a 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment time control over 13 rounds, which creates an intense and dynamic day of over-the-board chess.
The Open Blitz Chess Tournament combines a clear Swiss-system structure, a confirmed cash prize fund, and a practical same-day schedule in Skopje, North Macedonia. Moreover, Chess Club ALKALOID sets the entry fee at 400 denars while exempting players with international titles, national champions, and invited players from payment. Because the tournament also includes multiple special cash prizes and official FIDE rules for blitz chess, the Open Blitz Chess Tournament stands out as an attractive international chess tournament for players who want strong blitz chess action in early April 2026.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | April 4, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Skopje, North Macedonia |
| ♟️ Format | Open blitz chess tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Blitz rated |
| 📂 Sections | Open |
| ⏱️ Time control | 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment |
| 💳 Entry fee | 400 denars |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 2,450 (approx.) |
| 👤 Eligibility | Players with FIDE Blitz rating or Standard rating |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Players with international titles, national champions, and invited players do not pay the entry fee. |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Prize / Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st place | 25,000 denars + trophy |
| 2nd place | 20,000 denars |
| 3rd place | 15,000 denars |
| 4th place | 12,000 denars |
| 5th place | 10,000 denars |
| 6th place | 8,000 denars |
| 7th place | 7,000 denars |
| 8th place | 6,000 denars |
| 9th place | 5,000 denars |
| 10th place | 4,000 denars |
| Best female chess player | 3,000 denars |
| Best veteran player S65 | 3,000 denars |
| Best junior player under 18 | 3,000 denars |
| Best player with rating under 1799 | 3,000 denars |
| Best player with rating under 1999 | 3,000 denars |
| Best player with rating under 2199 | 3,000 denars |
The total confirmed cash prize fund is 130,000 denars. In addition, the organizer states that prizes are not cumulative, so a player can receive only one prize, with the highest applicable prize taking priority.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The Open Blitz Chess Tournament uses a 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment time control and runs over 13 rounds. Moreover, the organizer applies a Swiss system in accordance with FIDE rules for blitz chess, including Article B.3. The tournament also counts for FIDE Blitz rating.
If players tie in the final standings, the organizer applies these tie-breaks in order: Buchholz Cut -1, Buchholz, number of wins, progressive score, and short progressive score.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament uses one open section for players with a FIDE Blitz rating or a Standard rating.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 4, 2026 | Saturday | 11:30 | Final on-site confirmation deadline |
| April 4, 2026 | Saturday | 12:00 | Rounds 1-13 begin |
| April 4, 2026 | Saturday | 19:00 | Playing session ends |
| April 4, 2026 | Saturday | After the last round | Closing ceremony |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Register by email with the organizer |
| Entry fee details | 400 denars |
| Deadlines | Registration deadline: April 2, 2026 |
| Membership requirement | Players must have a FIDE Blitz rating or a Standard rating |
| Confirmation / check-in rules | Players must confirm participation on site on April 4, 2026 no later than 11:30 |
👥 Organizer
Chess Club ALKALOID organizes the Open Blitz Chess Tournament in Skopje, North Macedonia as part of its 50-year chess festival. In addition, the club publishes clear rules for registration, format, rating, prizes, and participation terms. Therefore, players can review the event structure in advance and prepare for a fully organized blitz chess tournament in Skopje.
-
Email: chessclub@alkaloid.com.mk
-
Website: www.chessclubalkaloid.org
-
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chessclubalkaloid
🏨 Venue
Hotel Continental, Skopje, North Macedonia
Hotel Continental hosts the tournament in Skopje for this one-day blitz chess event. Moreover, the published playing schedule keeps registration, competition, and the closing ceremony within the same venue, which makes the event simple and efficient for participants.
🚗 How to Get There
Players should travel directly to Hotel Continental in Skopje, North Macedonia, and plan to arrive before the final confirmation deadline at 11:30. Therefore, an early arrival will help participants complete on-site confirmation smoothly and get ready for the first round at noon.
The Open Blitz Chess Tournament offers fast games, a strong cash prize fund, and a well-structured competitive setting for players who want an exciting day of FIDE rated blitz chess in Skopje.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $2,450