
Keres Memorial 2026
Hosted at Richmond Curling Club, Richmond, BC
Event start date & time : May 16th, 2026 (Saturday) – 11 am
You are invited to the historic 50th edition of the Annual Keres Memorial Chess Tournament with a guaranteed prize fund of $8,500 across various sections. Please refer to our rewards section for full details. Along with $7500 confirmed cash prizes, all winners earn free admission to our celebration buffet and awards ceremony on the final day worth a total of $1000+!
Event date & time: May 16th to 18th, 2026.
Event begins May 16th, 2026 (Saturday) – 11 am
Location: Richmond Curling Club
5540 Hollybridge Way, Richmond, BC
Main playing area: Main arena (wheelchair accessible)
Concession on-site.
MAIN EVENT DETAILS:
Time Control: 90 mins + 30 secs increment (6 rounds).
Forfeit time = 1 hour from scheduled start time. No draw offers until 30 moves.
Sections:
Premier (FIDE & CFC rated)
U2000 (FIDE & CFC rated)
U1500 (CFC rated)
U1000 (CFC rated)
Side Event Details:
Day 1: Puzzle Solving Contest, 3pm to 3:45pm; $20 entry fee; Solve 20 puzzles in 45 mins, main playing area
Day 2: Bughouse Competition, 3pm to 4:15pm; $20 entry fee, main playing area
Day 3: Unrated Open Blitz, 7:30pm start or asap. 7 rounds (3+2 time control). $20 entry fee; Prize pool will be 50% of event entries
Tournament Fee:
– Early bird $110 + GST: extended to April 6th, 2026 – midnight.
– Regular $125 + GST: Until May 15th, 2026 – midnight.
– Play-up fee: $30 if the player is within 100 points range, $50 if player is within 200 points range.
*FREE ENTRY to all players rated 2300+ under any rating system if registered before early bird deadline, normal fee applies thereafter. Entry fee to be deducted from prize money upon winning.
Family Discount: $20 per player from 2nd family member onwards.
No onsite registration. No refunds after registration closes/ for no-shows or withdrawals. Note that a $20 processing fee will apply to all refunds before registration.
Schedule & Timings:
| Day & Date | Rounds/ Event | Timings | Playing Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – Sat, May 16th, 2026 | Check in & Arrival | 10:15am to 10:45am | Main playing area |
| Day 1 – Sat, May 16th, 2026 | Round 1 | 11am start | Main playing area |
| Day 1 – Sat, May 16th, 2026 | Puzzle Solving Contest | 3pm to 3:45pm | Main playing area |
| Day 1 – Sat, May 16th, 2026 | Round 2 | 4pm start | Main playing area |
| Day 2 – Sun, May 17th, 2026 | Round 3 | 10am start | Main playing area |
| Day 2 – Sun, May 17th, 2026 | BCCF AGM | 3pm or asap | Upstairs skittles room |
| Day 2 – Sun, May 17th, 2026 | Bughouse Competition | 3pm to 4:15pm | Main playing area |
| Day 2 – Sun, May 17th, 2026 | Round 4 | 4:30pm start | Main playing area |
| Day 3 – Mon, May 18th, 2026 | Round 5 | 9:30am start | Main playing area |
| Day 3 – Mon, May 18th, 2026 | Round 6 | 2:30pm start | Main playing area |
| Day 3 – Mon, May 18th, 2026 | Prize Ceremony | 6:30pm sharp | Upstairs skittles room |
| Day 3 – Mon, May 18th, 2026 | Unrated Open Blitz | 7:30pm or asap | Main playing area |
Bundle Deal A:
Bundle FIDE Classical Tournaments together and save up to $40 off your entry fees!
Eligible Tournaments:
Keres Memorial 2026 – May 16th to 18th, 2026 (6 rounds)
Langley Open 2026 – Sept 5th to 7th, 2026 (6 rounds)
Richmond International Chess Festival 2026 – Dec 26th to 30th, 2026 (9 rounds)
Discount bundle with Keres 2026 Regular Pricing:
3 Tournaments for $325 + GST (save $40)
2 tournaments (1x 6-round and 1x 9-round) for $225 + GST (save $30)
2 6-round tournaments for $210 + GST (save $20)
Bundle Deal B:
Get the exclusive Keres Memorial 2026 Bundle for the ultimate tournament experience for $160!
What’s included in Bundle B:
Keres Memorial 2026 – entry fee for $120 (save $5)
All 3 side events for $40 (Save $20)
Plus an exclusive offer to add merchandise to your bundle at a discounted price!
Prizes:
Premier Section
Best Premier player: $1375, 2nd place: $825, 3rd place: $450
Best U2200 Player: $450, 2nd place: $275, 3rd place: $125
U2000 Section
Best U2000 Player: $750, 2nd place: $400, 3rd place: $250
Best U1800 Player: $275, 2nd place: $175,3rd place: $120
U1500 Section
Best U1500 Player: $375, 2nd place: $250, 3rd place: $180
Best U1300 Player: $200, 2nd place: $125, 3rd place: $100
U1000 Section
Best U1000 Player: $200, 2nd place: $150, 3rd place: $100
Best U800 Player: $100, 2nd place: $75
Best Unrated Player: $100, 2nd place: $75
All winners to receive a Keres Memorial Trophy and e-Certificate along with cash prizes during a special prize ceremony at the end of the event from a guest of honour. E-transfer within a week if the winner is unavailable during the ceremony
Hotel & Accommodation Partner:
Sure Stay Best Western, Richmond, 7188 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC V6X 0B
We have a room block secured for May 16th to 17th, 2026, with check out on May 18th at the following rate:
● Rooms with 2 Double Beds at $249.00 + taxes
Rooms are inclusive with:
● Breakfast, Internet, Parking
● Shuttle service to and from the airport between 6:00 am and 10:30 pm
We have also reserved a few rooms for extended stays within the period of May 15th to 19th, 2026.
How to Book:
To reserve your room at this discounted rate directly online, click the link below and adjust the length of your stay:
https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.62149.html?groupId=X77AV2P0
Last day to book a room is April 17, 2026.
Contact us at [email protected] for assistance with booking a reservation. Hotels nearby: Vancouver Airport Hotel, Comfort Hotel, Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, 10-12 min for booking
REGISTER HERE:
REGISTERED PLAYERS: