Zagreb Open 2026 – VIII Krunoslav Hulak Memorial runs from September 20 to 27 at Kongresna dvorana Globus within the Zagreb Fair complex. Zagrebački šahovski savez organizes the nine-round international open in memory of Croatian grandmaster Krunoslav Hulak. Moreover, the official regulations publish a detailed timetable, entry structure, category prizes, equipment arrangements, and player-conduct rules.

The tournament uses a time control of 90 minutes for the entire game, with a 30-second increment per move starting from move one. The organizer submits results for FIDE standard rating. Therefore, players should complete registration by the published deadline, verify their FIDE data, and plan for evening rounds throughout most of the week.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Each player receives 90 minutes for the entire game. In addition, the clock adds a 30-second increment after every move, starting from move one.

The organizer uses nine Swiss rounds and submits the event for FIDE standard rating. Consequently, players must keep a complete score sheet whenever the Laws of Chess require notation. The official tie-break order and arbiter rulings determine the final ranking.

🏆 Prize Fund

The complete published cash-prize schedule totals €9,450. Using the reference exchange rate applied for this batch, the total equals approximately $10,770. The table keeps every individual award in the original currency.

The organizer applies the prize conditions from the official regulations. Therefore, players should review category eligibility, prize-sharing rules, and any restriction on combining awards before the final round.

📂 Sections / Groups

All participants play in one Swiss field. However, the regulations add several category-award groups to the overall standings.

Players should confirm which official rating list and age date determine their category. Consequently, they can report any classification error before the final standings.

🗓️ Schedule

Most rounds begin at 18:00, while the final weekend contains morning rounds and a double-round Saturday. Therefore, players should plan meals, rest, and transport around the September 26 schedule.

The organizer may issue operational updates before the tournament. In addition, players should monitor the official site for the final registration and opening instructions.

📝 Registration

Registration closes on September 19, 2026 at 20:00. The standard fee is €80, while women, U20 players, and players aged 65 or older pay €60 under the published rules.

GM, WGM, IM, and WIM title holders receive free entry. Moreover, every participant should confirm the payment process and acceptance status directly through the official organizer channel.

👤 Organizer

Zagrebački šahovski savez organizes the memorial. The federation-level city association publishes the tournament notice and the complete regulations.

The organizer provides chess equipment. Therefore, players should focus on completing their registration, bringing the required personal documents, and following the venue and dress rules.

📍 Venue

Kongresna dvorana Globus, Zagrebački velesajam – Avenija Dubrovnik 15, 10020 Zagreb, Croatia.

The Globus congress hall forms part of the Zagreb Fair complex in Novi Zagreb. The site has city-transport connections and direct road access from the wider metropolitan area.

The regulations require appropriate appearance and health responsibility. Moreover, they prohibit alcohol and personal electronic devices such as phones and smart watches in the playing area.

🚗 How to Get There

Transport schedules, road conditions, and parking rules can change. Therefore, participants should verify the final route shortly before departure and keep the organizer’s contact details available.

🏨 Accommodation Near the Venue

Accommodation is not included unless the organizer confirms otherwise. Consequently, participants should verify price, availability, cancellation terms, breakfast hours, and the exact transfer to the venue directly with the property.

ℹ️ Other Information

• The event honors grandmaster Krunoslav Hulak.
• The organizer provides boards, sets, and clocks.
• The tournament contributes to FIDE standard rating.
• September 26 contains two rounds.
• Phones and smart watches are prohibited in the playing area under the published rules.
• The regulations prohibit alcohol at the event.
• Players should keep proof of registration and payment.
• The official regulations control category eligibility and prize allocation.

✅ Final Checks Before Travel

Before departure, participants should recheck the official player list, current regulations, venue address, and organizer messages. Moreover, they should save the route and leave enough time for check-in.

Tournament information can change as registration closes. Therefore, the latest official notice takes priority over preliminary listings. In addition, players should reconfirm round times, section placement, fees, awards, and transport shortly before the event.

Finally, visitors should keep the organizer’s contact details available during the journey. Consequently, they can resolve a late venue change, delayed connection, or entry question without relying on an older document.

🔗 Official Resources

• Chess-Results
• Official Zagreb Chess Association Page
• Official Regulations PDF
• ZET Public Transport