XXXVI Nazioarteko Groseko Xake Irekia – Gros 36th International Chess Open will take place on June 21–28, 2026 in Donostia / San Sebastián, Spain. This is a chess tournament in Donostia / San Sebastián, Spain, in 2026, and it features a 9-round international classical chess open played as the XXVI Memorial Javier Luengo Vazquez.

The event suits ambitious club players, experienced open-tournament competitors, juniors, veterans, and strong local players who want serious long-play games in a traditional open format. Moreover, the tournament keeps a simple and competitive structure, because it runs as one main Swiss open with a classical 90+30 time control and a broad prize list.

The long-standing Gros event also adds strong local character to the Basque chess calendar. In addition, the organizers offer straightforward registration, a generous confirmed prize fund, and a practical Donostia setting, so the tournament stands out as an appealing summer choice for players who want a well-known Spanish open.

📌 Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The confirmed total prize fund for XXXVI Nazioarteko Groseko Xake Irekia – Gros 36th International Chess Open is €3,300, which is approximately USD 3,800. Therefore, the event offers a solid cash structure for the overall standings and several special categories as well.

⏰ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses 90 minutes for the whole game plus a 30-second increment from move one. As a result, the event clearly belongs to the classical chess category and gives players enough time for serious strategic play across the full week.

The schedule follows a 9-round Swiss structure. Most rounds start at 5:00 PM, while the tournament includes a double-round day on Sunday, June 21, with games at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Meanwhile, the final round starts earlier on the last day, which keeps the event compact and practical for traveling players.

📂 Sections / Groups

The tournament is played as one main open section. Therefore, all participants compete in the same overall field, while the prize structure also rewards several rating and special categories.

🗓️ Schedule

📝 Registration

👤 Organizer

Gros Xake Taldea organizes this long-running Donostia open and continues to build on a well-established local tournament tradition. Moreover, the club runs its own chess center and offers direct registration support, which helps keep the event practical and player-friendly.

• Email: xakegros@telefonica.net
• Phone: +34 943 291218
• Website: https://www.grosxake.com/

📍 Venue

Gros Xake Taldea – Centro de Tecnificación de Ajedrez, Paseo de Anoeta 20, 3º, Frontón Karmelo Balda, 20014 Donostia / San Sebastián, Spain

The official club base of Gros Xake Taldea is located at the Karmelo Balda fronton building in the Anoeta area of Donostia / San Sebastián. Consequently, the tournament benefits from a venue closely linked to the organizing club and to the city’s active local chess scene.

🚗 How to Get There

Donostia / San Sebastián is easy to reach by road, rail, and regional bus connections. In addition, the city’s main bus station is connected to the Adif-Renfe rail station, while local public transport makes the Anoeta area practical for players staying elsewhere in the city. Players arriving through San Sebastián Airport or other nearby transport hubs can then continue into the city and reach the venue area without much difficulty.

XXXVI Nazioarteko Groseko Xake Irekia – Gros 36th International Chess Open is a strong option for players who want a proven classical open, a respected local organizer, and a full week of competitive chess in Donostia.