Welcome to Cavan Chess Congress
Latest update for for 2026 tournament
This coming March 7th – 8th 2026 sees the fourth edition of the 21st Century Cavan Chess Congress which resumed in 2023 after a break of forty-three years! Our venue once again is The Cavan Crystal Hotel and the tournament welcomes players of all levels from beginner to advanced. There will be fierce competition and heaps of fun as well as the opportunity to take on or watch Titled Players in the new 1850+ Masters Section!
Tournament Organisers: Tony & Team
Tournament Controller: Ivan Baburin
For a chance to be part of this exciting new chapter of the Cavan Chess Congress please register and enter via the Irish Chess Union website at the following link:
Playing schedule:
Challengers & Major
3 rounds on Saturday, 2 on Sunday
ICU rated
Timetable:
Round 1 – Saturday 10:30am
Round 2 – Saturday 2:30pm
Round 3 – Saturday 6:30pm
Round 4 – Sunday 10.30am
Round 5 – Sunday 2.30pm
75 minutes+ 15 second increment per move.
Masters
2 rounds on Saturday, 2 rounds on Sunday
ICU and FIDE rated
Masters Time control:
Time control: 90 mins plus 30 seconds increment.
Round 1 – Saturday 10:00am
Round 2 – Saturday 3:00pm
Round 3 – Sunday 10am
Round 4 – Sunday 3pm
Kids Unrated Beginner’s Rapid:
Sunday 12-3pm; 6 rounds
10 Euros (enter & pay cash on the day)
Note: Kids participating in the fun 6-round rapid do not have to be ICU members.
Chess Boards, Sets & Clocks provided.
This year’s Cavan Chess Congress comprises three sections.
Challengers: Unrated to 1550 Elo
5 rounds, ICU rated
Time control: 75 mins plus 15 seconds increment
Major: 1500 – 1900 Elo
5 rounds, ICU rated.
Time control: 75 mins plus 15 seconds increment
Masters: 1850+ Elo
4 rounds, ICU & FIDE rated.
Time control: 90 mins plus 30 seconds increment.
Each participant in the Challengers or Major will play five rounds over two days unless there is an uneven number when a bye will be given. Each participant in the Masters will play four rounds over two days unless there is an uneven number when a bye will be given.
Total prize fund of €2,600. Terms and Conditions apply.
Entry Fees:
€40 (early bird entry until Wed 25th Feb 2026)
€50 (from Thu 26th Feb 2026)
€25 (Kids 2-day rate/ €20 early bird entry until Wed 25th Feb 2026!)
€10 ( Kids Rapid (12-3pm Sun; cash on the day)
Join the Cavan Chess Congress 2026 mailing list today!
The Cavan Chess Tournament began in December 1972 soon after the formation of Cavan Chess Club…
Our Venue: The Cavan Crystal Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the stunning lake county The Cavan Crystal Hotel is ideally situated in close proximity to many different tourist attractions. We are the closest four-star property to Cavan Town and only a short stroll away from all that the town has to offer.
Relax and unwind in our award-winning Zest Health & Fitness Club which includes 18 metre Swimming Pool and fully equipped Gymnasium.
Enjoy delicious food from our extensive Bar Menu or a cocktail in our Atrium Bar!
The Cavan Crystal Hotel,
Cavan Town,
Co. Cavan
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