
Richmond International Chess Festival 2026
Hosted at Richmond Curling Club, BC
Event date & time: Dec 26th to 30th, 2026 (Sat to Wed) – 10 am
Welcome to the Richmond International Chess Festival 2026! We are excited to be hosting this tournament in the City of Richmond, known for it’s rich history with chess, having been the host city for the CYCC in 1999!. This tournament features a new annual trophy, with each year’s champion’s name to be engraved to honour their achievement. Play for a guaranteed prize pool of $6,000 CAD.
Location : Richmond Curling Club, BC 5540 Hollybridge Way, Richmond, BC V7C 4N3
Early bird entry fee: $130 + GST
Early bird entry deadline: Nov 27th, 2026
Regular entry fee: $150 + GST
Regular entry deadline: Dec 20th, 2026
Rush entry fee: $180 + GST
Rush entry deadline: Dec 24th, 2026
– Play-up fee: $30 if the player is within 100 points range, $50 if player is within 200 points range.
Free entry for players rated 2300 and up, no prize money deductions. Travel conditions may be offered to GMs/ IMs from outstation before EB deadline.
Classical Format: FIDE + CFC Rated Classical (90 min + 30 sec increment per move); 9 rounds
Sections: OPEN (FIDE + CFC Rated) & U1600 (CFC Rated only) & U1100 (CFC Rated only)
Bonus Blitz Format: FIDE + CFC Rated (3 min + 2 sec increment per move); 9 rounds ($15 entry fee).
Sections: OPEN (FIDE + CFC Rated)
Dec 26th, 2025: Round 1 at 10am & Round 2 at 3pm/ ASAP
Dec 27th, 2025: Round 3 at 10am & Round 4 at 3pm/ ASAP
Dec 28th, 2025: Round 5 at 10am & Round 6 at 3pm/ ASAP
Dec 29th, 2025: Round 7 at 10am & Round 8 at 3pm/ ASAP
Dec 30th, 2025: Round 9 at 10am. Prizes at 3pm/ ASAP. Bonus Blitz OPEN from 4pm to 6pm.
We may modify the U1600 and 1100 sections based on actual entries/ player composition.
Unrated players who have opted to obtain their CFC membership on their own, must complete the same before round 1 starts and submit their CFC ID via email to us. Failure to do so may result in denied entry.
This tournament follows all FIDE rules of Chess as per the applicable formats. Also refer the FIDE handbook
Please read and ensure that you adhere to our Tournament Policies & Guidelines.
For additional queries/ to volunteer, email us at [email protected].