The African Chess Confederation (ACC), in collaboration with FIDE and the Botswana Chess Federation, has officially released the invitation and regulations for the 2026 African Individual Chess Championship.
This prestigious event is scheduled to take place at the Cresta Lodge Jwaneng from June 18 to June 27, 2026.
A Milestone for African Chess
The 2026 edition marks a significant turning point for the sport on the continent. For the first time in nearly a decade, the total prize fund has been increased, reaching a record USD 30,050. This boost reflects a growing commitment to the professionalization of chess across Africa and aims to reward the excellence of the continent’s top-tier talent.
Tournament Structure and Titles
The championship will feature both Open and Womenโs sections, contested over nine rounds under the Swiss System.
- Classical Format: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the remainder, with a 30-second increment.
- Blitz Championship: A 9-round Blitz tournament will also take place on June 26.
Beyond the financial rewards, the stakes are high for title aspirations. Under FIDE regulations, the winners of the Open and Womenโs sections will be eligible for the International Grandmaster (GM) and Woman International Grandmaster (WGM) titles, respectively, provided they meet the minimum rating requirements.
Prize Distribution
The prize fund will be distributed among the top eight finishers in the classical sections and the top five in the blitz sections. Top Classical prizes are USD 6,500 in Open and USD 4,000 in Women’s sections.
Participation and Logistics
The championship is open to players holding FIDE titles (GM, WGM, IM, WIM, FM, WFM) and national federation nominees.
- Official Players: 2025 Zonal, Continental, and African Junior Champions will receive free board and lodging.
- Deadlines: All entry forms and registration fees (USD 60 Registration + USD 50 ACC Fee) must be submitted no later than April 30, 2026.
- Venue: Cresta Lodge Jwaneng will serve as both the official accommodation and the playing venue, ensuring a focused environment for all competitors.
Important Dates
- Arrival & Technical Meeting: June 18
- Opening Ceremony & Round 1: June 19
- Rest Day & Sightseeing: June 22
- Blitz Tournament & Closing Ceremony: June 26
- Departure: June 27
Federations and players are urged to review the full regulations and secure their travel arrangements to Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, where the Local Organizing Committee will provide reception for registered participants.
