2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in chess. From the World Championship cycle to elite super tournaments and youth championships, the chess calendar offers something for everyone — from grandmasters to young prodigies beginning their journey.
For parents and students at Kingdom of Chess, this guide provides a complete roadmap of major chess tournaments across all formats — classical, rapid, blitz, and mixed — so you can plan training and participation smartly.
Month-by-Month Chess Tournament Calendar 2026
January
European Women’s Rapid & Blitz Championship 2026
Location: Monaco
Date: January 8–12, 2026
Level: Continental
Format: Mixed (Rapid & Blitz)
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A prestigious women’s event that opens the European chess season. Ideal for young girls to follow — tactical, fast-paced, and full of energy.
Sligo Chess & Culture Festival 2026
Location: Sligo, Ireland
Date: January 30 – February 8, 2026
Level: Open
Format: Classical
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An international open blending chess with Irish heritage — great atmosphere and competitive games for all ages.
Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2026
Location: Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands
Date: January 2026
Level: Elite (Round Robin)
Format: Classical
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Often called the “Wimbledon of Chess,” this legendary event attracts World Champions and rising stars alike. Students can learn deep planning and patience by studying these games.
March
European Senior Team Chess Championship 2026
Location: Rhodes, Greece
Date: March 21–31, 2026
Level: Continental
Format: Classical
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Top veterans representing their federations — showing how experience and strategy often triumph over speed.
April
European School Chess Championship 2026
Location: Poreč, Croatia
Date: April 26 – May 5, 2026
Level: Continental
Format: Classical
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A key event for school players across Europe, featuring categories from Under-7 to Under-17. A perfect stage for emerging talents.
May
European Women’s Chess Championship 2026
Location: Batumi, Georgia
Date: May 24 – June 6, 2026
Level: Continental
Format: Classical
More Details: coming soon
Prestigious European title event — also serves as a qualifier for the Women’s World Cup.
June
European Senior Individual Chess Championship 2026
Location: Acqui Terme, Italy
Date: June 1–11, 2026
Level: Continental
Format: Classical
More Details: coming soon
Hosted in a historic Italian town, this championship combines top-level play with the charm of European culture.
European Youth Rapid & Blitz Championship 2026
Location: Rzeszów, Poland
Date: June 2026 (Exact Dates TBA)
Level: Continental
Format: Mixed
More Details: coming soon
A high-energy youth event featuring both rapid and blitz games — a fantastic opportunity for kids to develop tactical awareness.
European Fischer Random (Chess960) Championship 2026
Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
Date: June 2026
Level: Continental
Format: Freestyle (Chess960)
More Details: coming soon
A creativity-driven tournament with randomized piece setups — helps players rely on principles, not memorization.
July
European Youth Team Chess Championship 2026
Location: Pardubice, Czech Republic
Date: July 16–24, 2026
Level: Continental
Format: Classical
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Team-format championship for juniors — encourages teamwork, preparation, and sportsmanship.
October
European Chess Club Cup (Open & Women) 2026
Location: Budva, Montenegro
Date: October 16–24, 2026
Level: Continental
Format: Classical
More Details: coming soon
The Champions League of chess — top clubs across Europe field their strongest line-ups for the ultimate team glory.
European Youth Chess Championship 2026
Location: Rhodes, Greece
Date: October 30 – November 10, 2026
Level: Continental
Format: Classical
More Details: coming soon
The most anticipated youth event of the year. Many future grandmasters make their mark here.
November
World Cadets Chess Championship 2026 (U8, U10, U12)
Location: Batumi, Georgia
Date: November 10–17, 2026
Level: World
Format: Classical
More Details: coming soon
A global celebration of young talent. Over 80 countries participate, making it the biggest junior event in the chess world.
World Seniors Chess Championship 2026
Location: Banja, Serbia
Date: November 9–22, 2026
Level: World
Format: Classical
More Details: coming soon
A tribute to lifelong dedication — legends from every continent compete with grace and experience.
December
European Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship 2026
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Date: December 2026 (Exact Dates TBA)
Level: Continental
Format: Mixed
More Details: coming soon
A thrilling finale to the year — rapid-fire matches and plenty of surprises as Europe’s best battle for the final crown of 2026.
