Sparkassen Chess Trophy 2026 runs from August 1-9, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. This is a chess tournament in Dortmund, Germany, in 2026. The event takes place at the Kulturzentrum Alte Schmiede and continues the long tradition of the International Dortmund Chess Days.

The festival centers on two main open sections. The A-Open runs over nine rounds and offers GM and IM norm chances, while the B-Open runs over eight rounds in the morning. As a result, the format works well for both ambitious titled players and strong club players who want a serious summer event.

The tournament also offers a strong prize structure. The confirmed open prize fund totals EUR 20,000, which is approximately USD 23,034. In addition, the festival runs alongside a parallel international women’s event at the same venue, which adds even more top-level chess to the week in Dortmund.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The event uses the Swiss system in both main sections. The A-Open plays nine rounds, while the B-Open plays eight rounds. Computer pairings handle both sections, and the tournament keeps a 30-minute default time for lateness.

The A-Open uses a full classical format. Each player receives 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 more minutes to finish the game, with a 30-second increment from move one. Meanwhile, the B-Open uses a more compact control of 91 minutes for the whole game with a 10-second increment.

Players may also take one half-point bye in rounds 1 to 6. However, they must request it by the end of the previous round. A first-round bye needs advance approval by email no later than July 31 at 18:00. In addition, the A-Open offers GM and IM norm chances, which gives the top section extra sporting value.

🏆 Prize Fund

The confirmed open prize fund totals EUR 20,000, or about USD 23,034. The A-Open contributes EUR 16,000, while the B-Open adds EUR 4,000. Therefore, the tournament offers meaningful rewards in both the top and secondary open sections.

A-Open Prize Fund

B-Open Prize Fund

No double prizes apply. Moreover, the event pays special prizes only when at least five players are present in the category. Prize money is paid only to players who attend the prize ceremony.

👥 Sections / Groups

The Sparkassen Chess Trophy splits the open field into two main sections. That setup keeps the top tournament strong and norm-friendly, while the B-Open remains attractive for club players who want a separate competitive group.

The wider Dortmund Chess Days also include a parallel international women’s event. However, the main open registration structure on the official event page covers the A-Open and B-Open.

🗓️ Schedule

The B-Open starts each morning, while the A-Open starts each afternoon. Consequently, players in the B-Open can also follow the top boards live later in the day.

📝 Registration

Players register through the official online form and should transfer the entry fee as early as possible. In addition, all players, including pre-registered players, must still complete on-site registration during the official check-in times.

Foreign players without DWZ or Elo need a written federation certificate confirming playing strength. For German players without a club and without a rating number, the tournament management decides on entry in the A-Open or B-Open.

🏢 Organizer

Initiative Pro Schach e.V. organizes the Sparkassen Chess Trophy and continues to run the Dortmund Chess Days as one of Germany’s most established summer chess festivals. The event team combines strong open sections, live commentary, and a professional tournament setup under one roof.

Email: Chesstrophy_2026@initiative-pro-schach.de
Website: https://sparkassen-chess-trophy.de/

📍 Venue

Kulturzentrum Alte Schmiede, Hülshof 32, 44369 Dortmund, Germany

The playing venue is a former industrial building in Dortmund-Huckarde that now serves as a cultural center. The event hall has room for about 200 active players, and the foyer gives additional space for catering, analysis, and general stay during the tournament week.

For players who want to stay in the city center, the festival also offers a partner hotel option at IntercityHotel Dortmund. The special event rate is EUR 95 for a single room and EUR 114 for a double room, both with breakfast and WiFi, plus the local accommodation tax. Rooms can be canceled free of charge until July 25, 2026.

🚆 How to Get There

The venue is easy to reach by public transport. Both the U47 underground line at Huckarde Bushof and Huckarde-Nord station are very close to the hall. Therefore, Dortmund city center and the main railway station are only about 10 minutes away.

Players arriving by car also have parking available at the venue. Meanwhile, guests staying at the partner IntercityHotel can reach Alte Schmiede in about 20 minutes via the U47 from Dortmund main station toward Huckarde Bushof.

This Dortmund festival is a strong choice for players who want a proven classical open, a serious prize structure, and one of Germany’s best-known chess stages.